2016 UPenn BSN/MSN Applicants

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Hi all,

I couldn't find a thread for the UPenn BSN/MSN 2016 summer applicants, so I decided to start one. I think it will be a great way for us to connect and support each other.

Is anyone else on here currently applying?

Best of luck.

Also debating between Upenn BSN/MSN and Columbia's MDE/DNP. Does anyone knew what the career outlook is like for those who graduate from each? Also.. Since there's this transition requiring Np's to obtain a DNP in the future.. What will our long term career opportunities be like in 10, 15 years if we have/don't have a DNP?

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Also debating between Upenn BSN/MSN and Columbia's MDE/DNP. Does anyone knew what the career outlook is like for those who graduate from each? Also.. Since there's this transition requiring Np's to obtain a DNP in the future.. What will our long term career opportunities be like in 10, 15 years if we have/don't have a DNP?

I've wondered this too. I've been told that NPs would be "grandfathered" in and not be required to get a DNP to practice. A mentor of mine is a PT but she got her degree back before the doctorate became the standard. Coincidentally, she got it as a bachelors at UPenn back in the mid-70s. She has mentioned however that some of the younger PTs that she's worked with (that did get the doctorate) have commented on how "easy" it was for her. This can create some tension among colleagues, despite having years of experience.

I'm assuming that in the future, when advanced practice MSNs are replaced by the DNP across the board, there will be NPs that will experience the same thing.

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Does anyone know how big UPenn's class is? I know it's an 8:1 ratio for clinicals and I heard 85-90 for the class size. I guess I'm not sure if that is all aBSN/MSN students or aBSN + aBSN/MSN.

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Hi everyone! I was accepted to the BSN/MSN PNP specialty! I am so excited! I absolutely loved Penn when I visited for the interview. I love keeping up on this forum, but am wondering if we should create a Facebook group where we can all connect and start threads about aspects of the program/ deciding factors/ housing in Philly?

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I was accepted for the peds acute care track!!

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In for PMHNP - I'm from Boston and deciding between MGH, Columbia, or UPenn. Would love to chat with others trying to make the same decision!

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I'm deciding between these schools as well, also pmhnp. can't figure out how to private message you though

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I'm also in the group deciding between UPenn's BSN/MSN and Columbia's MDE/DNP for AGAcuteCareNP. The only other choice that would sway me would be UCLA but that's a general non-specialty masters with no NP associated with it. Right now I'm leaning towards Columbia even though I agree that Penn is probably the 'stronger' program and from what I've heard is more organized than Columbia. Both are amazing Ivy League schools though! Just depends which one is more suited for you professionally and personally I guess...

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I'm also in the Boston area and trying to decide between MGH and UPENN. I'm in the FNP speciality

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I'm also in the group deciding between UPenn's BSN/MSN and Columbia's MDE/DNP for AGAcuteCareNP. The only other choice that would sway me would be UCLA but that's a general non-specialty masters with no NP associated with it. Right now I'm leaning towards Columbia even though I agree that Penn is probably the 'stronger' program and from what I've heard is more organized than Columbia. Both are amazing Ivy League schools though! Just depends which one is more suited for you professionally and personally I guess...

do you think you could elaborate why Columbia was a better fit for you? :)

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Sure, I just think it gives me more options. For example, say after the entry level part I decide I want to work for a few years as an RN before heading back into the NP. Since I already have a master's, I just need a NP certificate or to apply to a DNP program but at Penn I would need BOTH a master's and NP cert. I know technically that I can do that at Penn (within the 5 years) but it's unlikely I am going to get any prolonged experience in an ICU or ER within that short time period due to those units not hiring RN Level 1's commonly.

With the DNP I don't have to worry about legislative or educational changes from the MSN to DNP (although unlikely to affect practice, may prevent new jobs or teaching abilities in the future if they require a DNP over the MSN).

Coming from the West coast, it's difficult to move across the country without any support group at all. I have family and friends in Manhattan/New York area while in Philly I don't know anyone. Also for me, you can't really compare the lifestyle of NYC to Philly (even if it is much more expensive).

Both are great programs but if I'm gonna do the NP thing, I wanna get my schooling and be done even if it does take a little longer. In the short term I don't think the MSN/DNP thing will matter, but in 10-20 years I don't want to have to go back to school because facilities are now requiring a DNP over the MSN. A lot of it is speculation but it can't hurt to be over-prepared.

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I'm deciding between Columbia vs. Penn as well! Have you guys figured out how to PM? I haven't but would love to discuss!

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