Rush vs Vanderbilt

Bumping this up...

Can anyone PLEASE give me some feedback on this? Seriously, if you were in a position of hiring a new NP, which of these schools on the resume would mean the most to you? Or are the equally good or bad?

If I go the Vandy route, I will need to get my BSN (I am justing finishing up my ADN), and since I have a non-nursing BS degree it would only take me about 2 semesters to do that. If I went the Rush route, I could be admitted with just my BS degree and the ADN and wouldn't need to finish the BSN. Either way, I will be in school for about the next three years, so it is pretty much a wash, I guess.

If I am going to spend the time, money, energy, etc. that it takes to complete my MSN, I want to make sure I am in a program that will be great and give me some leverage when it comes to the job search. I need some insight!!

Honestly, if I were hiring I'd probably give preference to a PNP who had at least a couple of years of nursing experience in addition to the advanced degree regardless of where the advance degree came from. The reality is that you are going to have to impress a prospective employer with your skills, experience (both professional and life experiences), and knowledge base regardless of where you go to school. I highly recommend working with a coach on interviewing skills before you apply for a job. I've been sitting in on a lot of interviews for a therapist at my job and have seen a lot of people who look impressive on paper, but are duds when it comes to the interview.

I agree, and I do plan to work while doing grad school part-time, so by the time I would be an NP I'd have at least 3 years of actual nursing experience. That's not a lot, but better than nothing I would think. Thanks for the tip about the interview coach--that is a great suggestion.

So, assume that I have some nursing experience, am not a dud in an interview, etc.--THEN which one would you have a preference for? I know that the school is not EVERYTHING, but I would think there would be value in attending a really good, highly reputable program, isn't there?

All other things being equal, I don't think it matters. Both names have cache. Within nursing Rush probably moreso than Vandy, but to the lay public Vandy is probably better known. I'd visit both schools, meet faculty, look into their research areas and see which group you click with, or have more in common.

My friend was ready to go to Rush, but was accepted at UC-SanFran and went there b/c of their reputation, etc. She went to UCSF w/o meeting anyone, moved to CA and is absolutely miserable and trying desperately to transfer out, anywhere. It is an outstanding nursing school, no doubt, but for whatever reason not a good fit for her. Try before you buy.

Thank you! That's great advice. :)

I am about to start my third semester in the PNP program at Vanderbilt. I am from Tennessee and really didn't consider many options although I have a friend who finished CRNA school at Rush. I am not sure if potential employers will hire you based on your alma mater, at least that is my opinion. All PNP's take the same board exam for their specialty.

My things to consider would be time to completion, any pre-requirements you may need, and travel requirements. You can complete the Vandy program at a distance, only having to travel to Nashville once a month and not for the entire length of the program. We have students from across the nation and it makes for a good mix.

You do not have to have your BSN to complete the MSN program at Vanderbilt. You can have your diploma or ADN and here is a link to the VUSN website showing the requirements...Vanderbilt University School of Nursing - Master of Science in Nursing - RN-MSN Entry.

Also, there are two PNP tracks at Vandy and I am not sure about Rush. I am in the acute-care program and can vouch for both the Acute Care and Primary Care programs as far as excellence goes. The faculty at Vanderbilt are incredible, well practiced, and well researched. They know their stuff and teach as well as maintaining integral practice partnerships. I have been nothing short of pleased with my 2 semesters.

The Acute Care graduates also have a fantastic history of 100% pass rate on the board exam.

Best of luck...Don't get hung up on the small details. I will say you will have to have some critical care experience for the Acute Care track at Vanderbilt. Getting experience is not required for the primary care option, but I would highly recommend it. I went into my program with just 2 years of pediatric icu experience and felt well-prepared.

Regards!

Thanks for all the input!

I realize that Vanderbilt does not require a BSN, but I don't want to do the two semester pre-specialty thing since it would cost about 3 times as much as it would if I just went and finished my BSN and would take the same amount of time. I would prefer to be admitted directly into the Masters portion of the program.

Can you tell me if many people do the program over two years rather than one? I would prefer to do it that way if I choose Vandy.

Thanks again!

Good morning. is this the 2 year program you are talking about for non RN's and you get your NP in 2 years? or is this another program in the university? Thanks so much.

I'm not sure if you are addressing me or another person who posted, but the program I'm talking about through Vanderbilt can be done in 2 years full time (pre-specialty + speciality year). I would be entering as an RN, though, so I'm not sure how long it takes for non-RNs?

I was looking at vanderbilt as they have the non nursing to NP in two years which seems crazy to me but they say it can be done. Any thoughts if its too fast? I know yale and a few other schools do it in 3 years. I have a degree in History but I'd like to get the NP as soon as possible. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Syd, What/where are you ultimately wanting to do? I think this information needs to be known here as well.

Both of these schools are well regarded in academic circles, but beyond that, who cares? Someone already mentioned, you take the same exam, the costs are about the same. Both Rush and Vanderbilt shared a Dean for decade, so think common pedigree here (diverse, new-edge specialties).

As far as PNP, Rush is #7 on the USNWR rankings, and that is impressive in my book. Vandy didn't make a showing, but that was 2007 and they only show the top 10, they could be 11 or 19, who knows?

Also, it depends upon what/where you're going to land. Unless you plan upon a doctorate at another North/South/West Ivy League and/or wish to teach graduate school, administer a medical center, or conduct research/publish, I think your splitting hairs between these two great institutions.

Hmmm...I suggest going to both!