VShi6

Hi! Thank you so much for your response! My deadline to accept the offer came up really soon, and I ended up choosing Vanderbilt University! Cost is a big factor for me, and I decided that having a DNP over MSN may not provide more benefits unless I plan on teaching. Going the Hopkins route would have cost me double (about $280,421 excluding living expenses). In addition, if I do change my mind later on, I have automatic admissions from Vanderbilt and can start working as an NP while pursuing a DNP- further helping my costs especially if I can find an employer to help me pay for school. I have also heard that the community in Nashville is better than Baltimore, but I cannot attest to that since I have not been able to visit either. It's hard making such a heavy decision. I hope that my logic is sensible :')

I am having trouble deciding between the two schools. My end goal is to become a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner (and maybe a DNP degree). Vanderbilt is 6 semesters for an MSN and I would be eligible to take the NP certification exam in my desired specialty. The first 3 semesters are on-campus and the specialty 3 semesters are online with in-person meeting blocks. They also do not require another application if I do decide to continue my education which would be another 5-6 semesters for a DNP. The DNP is online with a few in-person meets. Johns Hopkins is 5 semesters for an MSN, but I would not be eligible to sit for the NP certification exam. The MSN portion is all on-campus. I would have to apply for their DNP program I believe, but up to 16 hours may be applied from the MSN program towards the 3-4 year plan. I would then be able to sit for the NP certification exam. The DNP is also online with a few-in person meets. I am also trying to consider how happy I would be at each campus as well as the time aspect. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!