Vanderbilt NP program..help!

Brandiann, I'm from Tulsa. I went to University of Southern Indiana, although I didn't go the direct entry route. (I had an ADN and a non-nursing Bachelor's, and took their RN-MSN bridge program). The tuition is a really good value, since distance students are charged in-state rates. I graduated in 2005, and I do recommend the program. Let me know if you'd like to hear more about it.

Dana

I am finishing my BSN in Western NC right now, looking to apply to Vandy next year for either ACNP or ANP (can't decide). I have a friend who did the ACNP at Vandy and loved it. Her company paid for it, so cost was not an issue. She thought it was very easy, very flexible and she feels she was exceptionally well prepared. She worked FT, homeschooled 3 kids and maintained volunteer positions as well, and did not feel the work load was overwhelming.

She now does all the post catherization assessments and discharges for her cardiology group (after 5 years of being the head office nurse and 10 years of ccu before that). She only makes 60K a year while her least paid doc took home 3 million last year, so she is somewhat disallusioned now, but they did pay for her degree. She has a 5 year contract or she has to pay it back, and then a 5 year no compete clause after that.

If I go to Vandy, I'll be borrowing the money. In WNC RNs are making $20/hour, nights! And I have 15 years experience and a CCRN. I just feel like the debt will be worth the pay off. Western NC University is one day a week for 3 years, costs a third of what (I think) Vandy does, but that is two more years of shift work with crap pay and zero respect. I can't take it that much longer. I'll sign whatever I need to!

Wait a minute, I was just reading some other threads on Vandy, and I'm seeing numbers like 90K thrown around. I could swear my friend told me 30K for the one year ANP/cardiac subspecialty, so that is what I was figuring on. I'm not talking Bridge programs, just the BSN to MSN/NP degree. What numbers are you hearing from Vandy and how much of that are you seeing in aid?

TIA

I'm still looking for someone who graduated from vanderbilt with an ANP. Please!

I graduated from the combined ANP/GNP program in 2005. However, I went back to Univ of TX and got a post-Master's certification as a FNP. If I had to do it over again, I would have DEFINITELY gotten the FNP the first time around b/c there are a lot more jobs out there for us. I knew 3 people in the ANP program and they were from Oklahoma. I used to live in OKC and I knew a lady who went to the program at UT-Arlington for her FNP...it was FAR less expensive than the Vandy program. Did you check their program out? However, I've landed every job I've interviewed for and I'm positive it was b/c I graduated from Vanderbilt. Even though it's expensive, it will definitely impress future employers.

I didn't think the program was difficult at all. In fact, my BSN was FAR more difficult to get - this really surprised me. The ANP/GNP program required close to 800 clinical hours. I had to set them up myself and my professors filled out evaluations - I think the instructor called my preceptor twice.

If you're already a BSN, then you only have to complete one year. I paid a little over $30,000 in 2004/2005, but I'm sure the cost is much higher now. However, this did NOT cover any of my travel expenses, which were considerable. Also, I don't know how anyone could possibly do the one year program and work fulltime. It's not possible. I had to complete almost 800 clinical hours in a 7 month period PLUS I had to be in Nashville several times during that year.

I paid a little over 30K back in 2004/2005 for the ANP/GNP program, but I was already a BSN. That was for TUITION ONLY!

I have applied for the ACNP program with the Fall 2009 start date. I just recieved a letter about finacial aid, here is a breakdown of the cost for the one year (3 semester) MSN programs (must have Bach. to go this route).

ACNP $40,326

FNP $41,360

Adult NP $40,326

Pediatric NP $40,326

Neonatal NP $40,326

Psych/Mental health NP $41,360

Midwife (4 semesters) $54,802

additional fees (lab ect are about another 4K for the whole program)

Hope this helps

I have applied for the ACNP program with the Fall 2009 start date. I just recieved a letter about finacial aid, here is a breakdown of the cost for the one year (3 semester) MSN programs (must have Bach. to go this route).

ACNP $40,326

FNP $41,360

Adult NP $40,326

Pediatric NP $40,326

Neonatal NP $40,326

Psych/Mental health NP $41,360

Midwife (4 semesters) $54,802

additional fees (lab ect are about another 4K for the whole program)

Hope this helps

Are you planning on living in Nashville? I'm assuming they are still offering the "block" times on campus. I found this very expensive, since I was having to fly from Texas. I had to pay for my airline tickets, rental cars, hotels, meals, etc. Although, having that "Vanderbilt" name on your diploma will definitely differentiate you from the rest. That, in itself, was worth the money.

omeone who graduated from vanderbilt with an ANP

I know one such graduate, I think didn't pass the boards and it's been a year now, still not credentialed, lost touch with the person, so don't now more than that.In comparison, all graduates I know (I realize this isn't 100% of the people, but it's still quite a few) from the handful of traditional NP programs here have passed the boards and are working.

Have you looked into traditional NP programs?

I know one such graduate, I think didn't pass the boards and it's been a year now, still not credentialed, lost touch with the person, so don't now more than that.In comparison, all graduates I know (I realize this isn't 100% of the people, but it's still quite a few) from the handful of traditional NP programs here have passed the boards and are working.

Have you looked into traditional NP programs?

I've taken 3 of the board exams (ANP,GNP, FNP) and passed every one (scored in the 790's out of 800 on the FNP/AANP). Anyone who can't pass the boards has NO business practicing as a NP...absolutely ridiculous!

Beware. As you probably know, Vanderbilt's tuition is nothing short of outrageous. I personally know a PMHNP who went through their program and advised me against it because of the cost. He will be paying off that six figure loan for the rest of his working days and probably then some.

Keep in mind that you will probably have to take out some money for living expenses and I'm sure this factored into the amount he had to take out as well. Any program worth its salt will probably not leave you with much opportunity to work much.

Cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching...

I am going through a state school and the cost is way, way cheaper. Try $15-17K total. By the time it's over and when all is said and done the Vanderbilt graduates won't be any further ahead than the state school graduates as far as career opportunities go. In fact, as a state graduate you will not have all that debt.

I hear tell there is a Vandy NP working for 10% of a cardiologist's salary who supposedly makes 3 million a year, but I mentioned hearing this to a doctor and nursing director who is also going to NP school and nearly got laughed out of the room.

I didn't really believe it, either.

Beware. As you probably know, Vanderbilt's tuition is nothing short of outrageous. I personally know a PMHNP who went through their program and advised me against it because of the cost. He will be paying off that six figure loan for the rest of his working days and probably then some.

Keep in mind that you will probably have to take out some money for living expenses and I'm sure this factored into the amount he had to take out as well. Any program worth its salt will probably not leave you with much opportunity to work much.

Cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching...

I am going through a state school and the cost is way, way cheaper. Try $15-17K total. By the time it's over and when all is said and done the Vanderbilt graduates won't be any further ahead than the state school graduates as far as career opportunities go. In fact, as a state graduate you will not have all that debt.

I hear tell there is a Vandy NP working for 10% of a cardiologist's salary who supposedly makes 3 million a year, but I mentioned hearing this to a doctor and nursing director who is also going to NP school and nearly got laughed out of the room.

I didn't really believe it, either.

I graduated with a MS from Vanderbilt and a post-Master's from UT-Houston. Yes, the cost of Vanderbilt was incredibly expensive, not to mention the other expenses associated with it, i.e. hotel, travel, etc. However, the Vanderbilt "name" has definitely helped me get jobs...doctors have been very impressed that I attended school there. I actually liked attending school there, but I paid up front and I wouldn't have considered that program as an option if I had to take out loans...no way!

As far as a NP making $300,000 (10% of 3 million)...I have actually heard of a couple of NP's in Louisiana who work for a large cardiology practice and SUPPOSEDLY they are pulling down around $300,000 a year. I heard that from a friend who knows a friend, etc. My response was..."Why wouldn't they just pay a doctor that, why pay a NP who has to be supervised?" It makes no sense whatsoever! However, I know a NP who is paid $90/hr...he works at an onsite clinic for a manufacturer - this has been verified. They also pay his supervising physician $8,000 a month plus his malpractice insurance. The doctor doesn't have to do a thing...just pick up a check. I know a doctor who is board certified in ER medicine and he moonlights at a local refinery and they only pay him $80/hr. I guess it's all about being in the right place at the right time!