kcheck5

I had peers in my cohort from off the waitlist! Usually by the admitting deadline, if people do not commit to Vandy, then they go off the waitlist for as many spots are available. You could maybe ask how far along you are in the waitlist??

I thoroughly enjoyed my program. Depends on the kind of person you are toward your education, I think. Obviously I think applying and getting into Vanderbilt shows you are highly motivated anyway, but I didn't think of myself as very academic nor did I have any support in my education from many prior to attending. BUT, once I got to Vandy the support was amazing. From clinical selection (it can be hard), to faculty understanding that "life happens," to even the hug I received on stage and Dr Hopkins (director of AGPC) sharing "I am so proud of you" after losing both my Dad and my MIL during the program- I made sure to make every moment count. My clinical faculty grading my assignments, presentations and such was voted as a Top NP in the nation (Dr. Melissa Smith); even so, every faculty member there is devoted to your education and well-being. I sure felt it. I just felt honored to be there and to be part of the program. Some weeks were horrendous with studying (it's grad school LOL), but as long as you manage your time well and ask questions I think you will succeed! I graduated 8/6, took boards 9/14 and passed, had two job offers 9/15 (they were NOT kidding about applying before you graduate), and I start 1/2/24 - also Vandy did not kid around that credentialing and such takes a long time. I live in Oregon. So, if you are one who is working.... keep your job even after accepting an NP gig and do not leave it until you have an official start date (if this applies to you). For me, I knew my start date would be 1/2/24 and so I took advantage of leaving my bedside RN gig a week ago so I can spend the holidays with family before launching into the new career. Sorry, that ended up being longer than I anticipated. Hope what I share helps ?

Wow! That is super nice they get you guys a response before Winter break. Waiting til mid Feb for me just two years ago was brutal LOL! Congrats to all! If you need an alumni mentor (for AGPC), I am available and happy to help ?

I just graduated from the VUSN AGPCNP program, but as far as the general application process goes - you should hear from financial aid in January or from admissions about generic admissions things. My cohort (as well as midwifery, FNP, PMHNP, and others) were all notified mid-Feb if you applied by the priority deadline (which I had done). They give you about a month to send in a deposit/commitment response. The deposit is $500 and goes toward Fall tuition, too. The PMHNP program is well-regarded. You've made a great choice!

I can't speak on FNP, but as a whole Vanderbilt has a great program. I got a lot out of it. I did AGPC. One of my preceptors was actually an FNP alum from VUSN. While the academic work can be daunting, I graduated 8/6, passed boards 9/14. When I hit the reviewing, a lot of it was literally review because Vandy prepares you. I just had to hone my test taking skills. Maybe get a review course while you're going through school and study the system in it that you're studying for class if you want to prepare ahead of time. I was OMTA too. Besides one preceptor I found myself and preferred, Vandy found me that FNP alum in my area. As far as interviews, Vandy did not have any. I cannot find info on interviews on a quick perusal today. So I am sorry, cannot speak on interviews.

What do you want to know? Timelines? I just graduated. When I applied and most cohorts after me, people found out about mid Feb. My date was Feb 15 and found out about 11am. Or at least that's when I had a status change on my app.

Airbnbs and VRBOs are homes, condos and apartments to rent as places to stay when traveling ? I stay at a place with a couple other friends and classmates. We just walk to campus and nearby places to see, then uber or lyft downtown if there’s time for a drink or meal and to explore Nashville!

Airbnb’s and VRBOs as a group!

I got my Vandy acceptance around then too, a year and a half ago. It was 11am ?? Excited for you all. These forums bring me joy for the profession.

I love adults/geriatrics, so for me, I think the program is a really great fit. Each faculty member has their niche within AGPC and all have their DNPs and are currently practicing. They’re supportive, information/content is provided in such a way to help you succeed on future board exams and in clinical practice (but is by no means easy). I opted to take the program part time as a direct admit (2 years) in order to continue working at the hospital (which I had to change to part time status halfway through the program). I think campus visits are really fun mainly because I hadn't been to Nashville other than in passing, the campus is beautiful and VUSN is quite fancy, new and has all this tech. Lots of exams, papers, and content. Even as an undergrad who apparently struggled, I am thriving and doing well academically. Vandy was the the third, out-of-my-league program I had applied to as a challenge for myself (definitely doubted getting in but compiled a solid application for the priority deadline), and literally cried at work when I got the acceptance letter. Mine was received on Feb 15 so I am interested to see how this earlier decision making pans out for you all.

Maybe I was an outlier, but I had a 2.99 GPA in my undergrad, 3.0 in my ADN and a 3.9 in my RN to BSN but a majority of my undergraduate years were definitely less than the lowest GPA on the VUSN website. Experience matters and writing a really good essay helps. I will credit Vanderbilt for considering the whole student. Actually, I thank them for it. Good recommendations are key, too. Speaking as one of their AGPCNP students. Unsure if that helps.

$500! It goes toward tuition. For prior app cycles, they let us have until like March 28 I think for commitment responses. Other programs I know are DNP length. Although there are rumors Vandy is phasing out the MSN in a few years so it'll all be DNP except for the MN in nursing for non nurses.

There are about six or seven of us in AGPCNP who are PT, but it’s a mix of 2 year and 3 year part timers I think. The 3 year folks are those who work for VUMC.

No, they are Jan-August of the 2nd year I believe. I do not have any the first four semesters.

I remember your posts from last year. Congrats! That's so awesome!

Rooting for you guys! The allnurses forum for 2021 had people getting updates in their application portal on February 15th. So hopefully around then for 2022.

I am in my second semester of the AGPCNP. Mine will be 6 semesters as a part time student.

The last two years, those who applied by the priority date found out around Valentine’s day. I remember being at work, I was getting notifications on post after post on allnurses about people getting in. I got my acceptance letter on February 15th, 2021. It felt like anyone from all the specialties were getting them! Including rejection letters.

I got the financial aid email at the end of January 2021 after I applied in Oct 2020.

I can speak from the part time, distance AGPCNP program! I work full time, chose to do part-time due to not totally being in a rush. Also I have kids and felt the need to still work. I will cut back sometime second year when clinicals begin. In general if and once you get in, set aside time to do CastleBranch requirements that VUSN requires. This means getting all your immunizations in order, your license, getting a physical, etc. I think I may need to repeat these honestly because I am the program for two years compared to one. Class wise, there are pre recorded lectures, synchronous zoom days and scheduled in-person block weeks that correspond to your courses. There are weekly readings, quizzes and remote proctor exams on scheduled days. A planner or some way to stay organized is absolutely necessary!! There are more interactive assignments too (from what I see what’s coming during second semester), so it varies! Just be prepared to choose taking an exam at set in stone times. For example, a patho course will have an exam open from 7-9am CST or 7-9p CST and you have 90 min to do the exam. But you need to try to keep your exam taking within the window it is available. If you’re not in TN, take into account the time difference. I live in Oregon so I took the exams at 5pm PST. Remember that, too, for due dates for other things. Fyi you must have a B- or better in each class to pass said class. You get one chance to repeat, otherwise I believe that’s it. Books wise, I did half electronic and half tangible. I found I liked having the electronic version really handy! There are electronic versions of the ones you physically buy (after you buy them), so check out the company sites to access. VUSN also has electronic versions of texts for free so just scope out the digital library. Some are good for everyone, some only allow like 6 out at a time. One professor did say a primary care text is better to have physically due to the limitations of the VUSN library so just keep track of that! One thing I really enjoy is that the professors understand you have other things going on in your lives. Take the time to schedule office hours with them (over zoom even!) if you ever find yourself having questions or concerns about anything. I struggled on one exam, and my professor went over each one to find a pattern in my incorrect answers to help me study for a comprehensive. It was really nice. My kids were running around in the background too, so we talked about them and her kids. I find everyone at VUSN personable. One last thing, find someone to study with. I found someone who helped make study guides with me. She did one for one week, I did the other another week and we alternated for the exams. Funny thing is, we are both across the country from each other!! But it was super nice to share the load. VUSN introduces you to GroupMe texting but since I am part time, it hasn’t been toooo helpful.. I dunno. Anyway! That’s my two cents. Good luck!!

I think you have really good chances!! I am in a part time specialty program for AGPCNP and have been a nurse for 4.5 years. My GPA was not stellar, but I will say VUSN does a very holistic review of the application compared to other programs.

I applied to one in 2018, paused for a year, then applied to three in 2020-2021 app year. I have a 2.99 undergrad GPA, 3.1 ADN GPA, a 3.9 BSN GPA from a brick and mortar that had on campus meet ups and in person clinical experiences while I worked full time. I applied to OHSU (where I got my BSN), U of Portland and Vanderbilt U. Did not get into OHSU, but did get in to Vanderbilt and had an interview at U of P but I declined it because the response deadline for Vanderbilt was *before* the U of P interview. And I wasn’t going to lose my spot for an interview at another school which didn't guarantee attending in the fall. Really happy I got into Vanderbilt. They assessed me holistically, saw my potential and are a very reputable program. I am happy!

Of course. Send me an inbox message of your email!

I submitted 10/14 last year, received an email 10/26 saying my application is complete if any are interested in time frames!

My ASN was a 3.14, my BSN was a 3.94. My original undergraduate degree was 2.99. I had high doubts about ever getting in. But due to my experience/involvement and written responses, I got in! Much to my shock… I also credit the references I had. Try not to stress about your grades too much. Yes, they do matter, but the important part is really showcasing yourself!! I’m gearing up for the last month of the first semester at VUSN. I am in the AGPCNP program.