Vanderbilt MSN 2019

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Hi! I'm starting a thread for Vanderbilt MSN Fall 2019. Anyone else applying/re-applying too? Please comment!

2 hours ago, thaifood122 said:

Not UPENN, but Columbia. I was accepted to the MDE/DNP PMHNP program at Columbia and if I get into Vanderbilt will have to make the decision between the two. I also really like Columbia’s global health emphasis and the ability to do a 6 week nursing rotation abroad. I’ve been health coaching for the past few years and have worked with people all over the world and travelled pretty extensively through South East Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and Central America. I’d love to be able to get involved somewhat in global health in the future. But it’s almost double the price of Vanderbilt!

Right, same with UPenn! That BSN part of Penn really hikes up the price a ton. Sigh. I'm so torn I don't know what to do.

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Specializes in CCRN.
2 hours ago, thaifood122 said:

Not UPENN, but Columbia. I was accepted to the MDE/DNP PMHNP program at Columbia and if I get into Vanderbilt will have to make the decision between the two. I also really like Columbia’s global health emphasis and the ability to do a 6 week nursing rotation abroad. I’ve been health coaching for the past few years and have worked with people all over the world and travelled pretty extensively through South East Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and Central America. I’d love to be able to get involved somewhat in global health in the future. But it’s almost double the price of Vanderbilt!

Really think about it and figure out which aligns better with you- if it is worth the extra loans then do it!! And I personally do better with less intense and over time, so I like the idea of a longer program ? to each their own. You’ve got this!

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3 hours ago, prenursing23456 said:

Hey everyone, I'm an FNP applicant anxiously waiting for the decision! I graduated in 2013 with a Bio and Spanish double-major and since then I spent time doing bench and clinical research, global public health work, and patient care as a patient tech.

Anyone here anticipating having to choose between this program and UPenn's Accelerated BSN/MSN program? I got into the Penn program, and I'm anticipating having to make this decision. I would love to bounce thoughts/insights off of others who are as well. Both are excellent schools, with the main differences that matter to me being cost and length. Vanderbilt is only 2 years long and way cheaper than Penn. But Penn's super strong on global health which I'm interested in and obviously has awesome networks/opportunities that come with being an Ivy. Anyone else thinking about this?

I was unfortunately rejected from UPENN but something that really appealed to me about their program was the fact that it has an actual ABSN and not just a pre-specialty year. That definitely leaves for more flexibility if ever there was an interest in a switch in specialty. Not to mention UPENN puts a strong emphasis on taking a break between the BSN and masters and gaining experience as an RN, which I thought was unique. Most people take a break between the two, as I understand it. So that's something to consider.

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Sorry this is sort of an off-topic question, but wondering if those of you with relevant insight could share your thoughts. I am just curious what your impressions are of admissions competitiveness for direct entry Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs (for non-nursing majors) like the one at VU, and if there has been a noticeable change in the number of applicants over the past few years.

I only applied to one program for the current cycle and though I believe my stats and experiences are pretty good, I'm beginning to wonder if I underestimated the competitiveness of these programs. I've heard from various sources in the past that psych/mental health is one of the least competitive NP specialities, yet feel like I've seen a progressive increase in posts from prospective applicants on forums that I often read. I also noticed on this thread where it was mentioned that the number of PMHNP applicants was much higher this year. Does this seem reflective of increased competitiveness for this field among all direct entry programs?

At the same time, on the thread for the program I'm hoping to be accepted to (OSU Grad Entry) there seems to be much less activity/interest in comparison with previous years. I realize probably only a small subset of program applicants post on Allnurses, but it just got me wondering whether competitiveness of the field is still largely program-dependent and maybe even cycle-dependent.

I know none of this information is really a good indicator of being accepted to this one program, but just feel like it would be nice to have a better idea how PMHNP generally compares to other specialties in terms of quality and quantity of applicants per spot. It would also be helpful in determining how many programs to apply for next cycle should I not be accepted.

Thanks for any opinions/info and best of luck to everyone waiting to hear back from programs!! It really is such a nail-biting experience.

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3 hours ago, prenursing23456 said:

Hey everyone, I'm an FNP applicant anxiously waiting for the decision! I graduated in 2013 with a Bio and Spanish double-major and since then I spent time doing bench and clinical research, global public health work, and patient care as a patient tech.

Anyone here anticipating having to choose between this program and UPenn's Accelerated BSN/MSN program? I got into the Penn program, and I'm anticipating having to make this decision. I would love to bounce thoughts/insights off of others who are as well. Both are excellent schools, with the main differences that matter to me being cost and length. Vanderbilt is only 2 years long and way cheaper than Penn. But Penn's super strong on global health which I'm interested in and obviously has awesome networks/opportunities that come with being an Ivy. Anyone else thinking about this?

With Vanderbilt's shorter program, it definitely would be cheaper and you'd be out practicing and earning money sooner. Correct me if I'm wrong, but with Vanderbilt's program, you can study from home and do clinicals in your home state (may save some money that way?). In Penn's FNP webinar, they emphasized part-time study and getting experience as an RN (whether that's an advantage is up to you to weigh). I personally like the idea of part-time studying while gaining clinical experience. As a recent college graduate, I don't mind being in school a bit longer, but seeing that you've graduated awhile back I'm not sure if you're trying to practice as an FNP as soon as you can. Do note that RN experience does not necessarily translate to success as an NP as the two take on completely different roles. I think something you should also think about is the type of population you want to serve in the future and which school can provide you with experience working with your target group. Have you thought about location? You should enjoy where you'll be living and studying. 2-3 year is a commitment so consider weather, people, environment, etc. I might be missing some things, but I'll add ideas as they come to me. All in all, both are strong programs and you can't go wrong with either. Good luck! ?

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40 minutes ago, NP_hopeful19 said:

Sorry this is sort of an off-topic question, but wondering if those of you with relevant insight could share your thoughts. I am just curious what your impressions are of admissions competitiveness for direct entry Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs (for non-nursing majors) like the one at VU, and if there has been a noticeable change in the number of applicants over the past few years.

I only applied to one program for the current cycle and though I believe my stats and experiences are pretty good, I'm beginning to wonder if I underestimated the competitiveness of these programs. I've heard from various sources in the past that psych/mental health is one of the least competitive NP specialities, yet feel like I've seen a progressive increase in posts from prospective applicants on forums that I often read. I also noticed on this thread where it was mentioned that the number of PMHNP applicants was much higher this year. Does this seem reflective of increased competitiveness for this field among all direct entry programs?

At the same time, on the thread for the program I'm hoping to be accepted to (OSU Grad Entry) there seems to be much less activity/interest in comparison with previous years. I realize probably only a small subset of program applicants post on Allnurses, but it just got me wondering whether competitiveness of the field is still largely program-dependent and maybe even cycle-dependent.

I know none of this information is really a good indicator of being accepted to this one program, but just feel like it would be nice to have a better idea how PMHNP generally compares to other specialties in terms of quality and quantity of applicants per spot. It would also be helpful in determining how many programs to apply for next cycle should I not be accepted.

Thanks for any opinions/info and best of luck to everyone waiting to hear back from programs!! It really is such a nail-biting experience.

Direct entry is entry with your nursing license-- prespecialty is if you do not have your license yet. People I've talked to have said prespecialty is more competitive and direct entry is better, but that may have just been the people I was talking to.

I've gotten the impression PMHNP programs have gotten increasingly competitive over the past few years due to the higher salary and huge demand in the healthcare market right now. I'm feeling discouraged as well because I feel like all programs have gotten more competitive with more people wanting to go back to school. These both just may be my perception playing tricks on me though.

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1 hour ago, rn409 said:

Direct entry, no-RN PMHNP programs are pretty much the most competitive programs to get into. This is because the classes are MUCH smaller than FNP and other similar NP certs and because admissions likes to make sure due to this that you understand the super specialized population and role and what you are getting yourself into.

However, if you have an RN it’s easier to get into a PMHNP, but you may have to find your own preceptors as many programs are distance based.

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Has anyone on here heard a timeline about when to hear admissions decisions for people who applied after the priority deadline? I applied a few weeks ago, WAY after the first deadline, and am curious to know how much longer I have to wait after the priority people hear back.

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41 minutes ago, nphopeful1528 said:

Has anyone on here heard a timeline about when to hear admissions decisions for people who applied after the priority deadline? I applied a few weeks ago, WAY after the first deadline, and am curious to know how much longer I have to wait after the priority people hear back.

I think it depends whether your speciality requires an interview. I applied before the deadline. My speciality (adult-gerontology acute care) did not require an interview. I think it was about 2 or 3 weeks (after all my transcripts etc were turned in) that I got an email that said my application was under review. I think you will obviously hear later than this week. I think I heard someone else on this thread saying people who applied later wont hear until sometime in March. I would email admissions, I received email replies from them fairly quickly (1-2 days). Good LUCK!

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Specializes in CCRN.
5 hours ago, VwBee89 said:

I think it depends whether your speciality requires an interview. I applied before the deadline. My speciality (adult-gerontology acute care) did not require an interview. I think it was about 2 or 3 weeks (after all my transcripts etc were turned in) that I got an email that said my application was under review. I think you will obviously hear later than this week. I think I heard someone else on this thread saying people who applied later wont hear until sometime in March. I would email admissions, I received email replies from them fairly quickly (1-2 days). Good LUCK!

I applied before the deadline and never received an email that my application was under review (I did receive one that stated it was submitted, etc.). I even called admissions to make sure that I was listed as an early review (and I am). Are you a prespecialty applicant? Did any other direct admit get an email saying your application is under review?

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Whoever thinks if you got RN behind your belt and it is easier to get in, you are WRONG! I have valid RN license, hold ASN and foreign doctorate degrees, have 2 publications( 1- neurology, 1- psych), have couple observeships( psych), poster presentations(psych).Nursing GPA -4.0, total-3.58. Guess what, NEVER heard from PMHNP program, and have feelings never will......

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2 hours ago, rn409 said:

I applied before the deadline and never received an email that my application was under review (I did receive one that stated it was submitted, etc.). I even called admissions to make sure that I was listed as an early review (and I am). Are you a prespecialty applicant? Did any other direct admit get an email saying your application is under review?

Yes I am a pre specialty applicant for AGAC-NP

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