WilliamsRower

Hey sophia -- sent you a pm. xo

Hi Sophia2006. I left the Columbia program after a semester to go to medical school so I am not the best person to ask. You are already an RN so you are in a different position, because most people feel that the ETP portion of Columbia is the worst part in terms of curriculum, organization, etc. I think that there is a good answer on this thread from a previous student about her experience in columbia's psych program. There are ups and downs at each program, but I really think you should go to the place that calls to you most when you visit. I wanted to stay in NYC so I went to Columbia. Yale's program is slightly shorter. Both will give you a good experience. Both schools have a great name. NYC will give you NY connections. Etc. One of my good friends from the Columbia program is in the psych portion right now and I get the sense that she likes it. I really don't think you can go wrong either way -- largely depends on where you want to be. I believe that no matter what masters program you graduate from you will probably feel unready to prescribe and go into the field, but you will learn once you're there. Another friend of mine wanted the shortest program possible so she went to BC so she could get in, get out, and start working/learning on the job. Most of what you will learn will be once you pass boards and are a practicing NP. The truth of the matter is that I don't think it really matters where you go, as long as you're in a place that makes you happy. Good luck.

Thank you both for your thoughtful responses -- it was very helpful to read those in making my decision. In the end I decided to go with medical school -- it was a gut feeling and as many times as I made pros and cons lists, the feeling was still there. So, thus begins a long journey! Thank you again.

I was also accepted to ETP last year. I'd say don't change the margins -- say what you need to say as concisely and clearly as possible. You guys sound like you're all within range of the stats they look for. I think essays and recs are particularly important, GRE not quite so much. It's my feeling that they want to see what you as a person will bring to nursing. They will definitely look at your whole application -- they want to get the best sense of you that they can since they don't interview. If you haven't already, you should start a 2012 applicant thread.

Hello all, Right now, I am in the BSN portion of Columbia's accelerated ETP to MSN/DNP program. When I entered the program, my plan was to go into a PMHNP and do pediatric psych. However, now that I am in the throes of the program, I am realizing how much I LOVE working in the hospital, how fascinated I am by the mechanism of illness, and how deeply I want to get into this. After thinking about it fairly extensively and learning more about it, I've become increasingly interested in pediatric ICU or pediatric oncology. However, before I entered the program I had only looked into the scope of practice of a PMHNP because that was my field. Now I'm at the point where I'm strongly considering switching to a postbac and medical school (I'm turning 24 in a few days so I feel like I have time to do this). However, I don't know if it's worth it for me to switch over because I don't really actually know the difference between what an NP and MD can do in these types of settings. Any NPs out there working in a hospital, preferably in peds ICU or onc (but other opinions welcome!), want to comment on the scope of practice, constraints, autonomy, etc? Do MDs really not get that much time with patients? Do NPs do as much as a doctor does? What are the biggest differences? Anyone ever have the same choice and choose the NP? Perhaps silly questions, but I just don't know. Thanks for any thoughts or advice.

Hello all, Right now, I am in the BSN portion of Columbia's accelerated ETP to MSN/DNP program. When I entered the program, my plan was to go into a PMHNP and do pediatric psych. However, now that I am in the throes of the program, I am realizing how much I LOVE working in the hospital, how fascinated I am by the mechanism of illness, and how deeply I want to get into this. After thinking about it fairly extensively and learning more about it, I've become increasingly interested in pediatric ICU or pediatric oncology. However, before I entered the program I had only looked into the scope of practice of a PMHNP because that was my field. Now I'm at the point where I'm strongly considering switching to a postbac and medical school (I'm turning 24 in a few days). However, I don't know if it's worth it for me to switch over or if the difference in NP vs MD is big enough that it will make a difference. Any NPs out there working in a hospital, preferably in peds or onc (but other opinions welcome!), want to comment on the scope of practice, constraints, autonomy, and/or amount of responsibility? Do MDs really not get that much time with patients? Do NPs do as much as a doctor does? What are the biggest differences? Anyone ever have the same choice and choose the NP? Thanks for any thoughts or advice.

Living in NYC myself I'd say that's probably average for young people living in the city -- but you could definitely be a bit under that if you're frugal, ie, if you have roommates, don't go out as much, don't shop, etc. I always find that I'm surprised over and over again by how many little things you have to take into consideration besides just rent and food (pharmacy stuff is always shockingly pricy, doc's appointments even after insurance, etc) -- and let me tell you, food is EXPENSIVE. If you want to make all your own food, do all your grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. All the other markets in the city have a huge mark up and it's insane.

Hey sgmaygeorge! What did you end up deciding? I ended up going with Columbia -- I spoke with some students who did the program and had overall positive things to say about the experience and said almost everybody had a great experience with placements -- especially the students who were proactive about it. The alums I talked to are now current preceptors and said that the students they work with now all are enjoying the program and have really positive things to say. (Plus, I live in NYC w/ my boyfriend right now so Columbia was way more convenient for me location-wise.) It was a REALLY tough choice, and I actually sent my decline to Columbia on March 20 and then climbed into bed and realized I didn't want to leave the city, so I called the next day to have them change my decision! Talked with psych students from Columbia on the 21st and decided it made the most sense. I feel like you really can't go wrong though -- it really just comes down to what your priorities are and overall lifestyle preference. I heard some further information about the adult psych issues at Yale but didn't hear anything about family psych. I'm sure it's great though -- I loved the faculty at Yale and I have heard only wonderful things about psych faculty at Columbia, so I think it will work out either way. :)

Whoa -- people in adult psych are having a negative experience? Anybody know anything about family psych? I'm on the fence for Columbia/Yale and don't know what to do!!!! I only have like five days to decide haha

If I remember correctly, they said that it's a law about having to take three full semesters IN A ROW (hence why you can't take time off between first and second year). Summer session is short (mid may- end of july) compared to fall and spring so I'm assuming the fall is needed for it to be full semesters. Just my thought.

Tanya made a facebook group, Yale GEPN 2011 :)

it's not the white pants that have the extra pockets -- it's the unisex pants. the only difference between the women's pants and the unisex pants is the extra pockets, so if you like those, go with it! tsorfia, I'd be interested to hear more about your decision not to go to columbia. I'm deciding between Yale and Columbia right now and am curious what people's views are on the two programs!

You too seli! congrats on making your decision -- that's super exciting!!!! =)

sgmaygeorge were you at Columbia's day???

I have no idea how I'm going to decide between Yale and Columbia......