Vanderbilt Pre-Specialty Applicants 2014

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Hey everyone! I couldn't find this thread anywhere so figured that I would start one for all of us who applied to Vanderbilt's Pre-Specialty Entry program (for non-RNs) this fall. I applied for the PMHNP specialty. What about you?! :)

I'm confused -- I thought Vanderbilt's website states that there actually isn't a deadline?

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I'm confused -- I thought Vanderbilt's website states that there actually isn't a deadline?

The website does say that, but it's really late in the game at this point. You might try calling admissions to ask if there are any open seats for that program and if your application would be considered for them at this point. Vanderbilt has competitive admissions and each program has a cap based on the amount of clinical placements available, so applying more than four months after the priority deadline (and two weeks after decisions started to go out) gives you really low chances, especially as they only admit once per year. The admissions staff has been quite helpful, so they are likely a better resource than this board, but my impression was that the program is competitive enough that though December 1 isn't an exact deadline, it is a very strong guideline.

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HenryH,

Although it is late in the game, if the specialty is still available to apply for that usually means they are still accepting applications to either fill spots or put people on the wait-list. Last year there were applications for a couple of specialties still being accepted during the summer. I am currently in the program and I know 2 people that applied late (around May/June), were put on the wait-list, and then accepted the week of orientation! Being accepted last minute doesn't give you a whole bunch of time to get things worked out, but the school understands you were accepted late and is very willing to work with you as far as finances, requirements, etc goes. I would highly suggest you apply!! The worst thing that will happen is you will get rejected...but there's always a chance that you will get put on the wait-list and when someone decides last minute they don't want to/can't attend, you could get the spot! You're giving yourself a rejection without applying. Good luck!

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HenryH,

Although it is late in the game, if the specialty is still available to apply for that usually means they are still accepting applications to either fill spots or put people on the wait-list. Last year there were applications for a couple of specialties still being accepted during the summer. I am currently in the program and I know 2 people that applied late (around May/June), were put on the wait-list, and then accepted the week of orientation! Being accepted last minute doesn't give you a whole bunch of time to get things worked out, but the school understands you were accepted late and is very willing to work with you as far as finances, requirements, etc goes. I would highly suggest you apply!! The worst thing that will happen is you will get rejected...but there's always a chance that you will get put on the wait-list and when someone decides last minute they don't want to/can't attend, you could get the spot! You're giving yourself a rejection without applying. Good luck!

Thanks for the words of encouragement! Maybe I'll just give it a shot and see what happens. :-)

BTW, can anyone clarify whether the specialty portion of the AGAC-NP track can be completed in a student's home community? Or do they have to stay in Nashville to complete it? I've heard different things but haven't been able to get a solid answer either way, so I was just curious.

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Congratulations to everyone who's been accepted!!! What a great feeling! I am currently on the wait list for pre-specialty family practice. Those who have been accepted - when do you have to let them know if you're going to attend Vandy or not? I'm thinking shortly after that date some people on the wait list may get offered spots… Fingers crossed, anyway! Anyone else on the wait list for family practice?

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You're very welcome HenryH!

Being a pre-specialty student, you MUST stay on campus and complete the AGAC-NP specialty year in Nashville. Only the students entering as direct entry students (BSN, previous experience as RN) are able to do the distance format for the AGAC-NP specialty. So AGAC-NP students are on campus for the entire program (pre-specialty - 3 semesters & specialty - 3 semesters). For your specialty year, clinicals will be assigned to you within a 2 hour radius of Nashville. I hope that answers your question!

If anyone else has any questions, please let me know!

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Hi hhirschfeld! We have to let them know by April 2nd. Good luck!! :)

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Hi tph731! I was accepted to the pre-specialty FNP program, and I selected to do my specialty year within a 2.5 hour radius of Nashville. Do you know how likely it is that I will get to stay in Nashville? Do most people get placed pretty far away? If so, are all of your clinicals for the entire year in one location, or all over the place? That is, if you get placed in a small town 2.5 hours outside of Nashville, can you just move to that town for the year? Thanks for your time! :)

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You're very welcome HenryH!

Being a pre-specialty student, you MUST stay on campus and complete the AGAC-NP specialty year in Nashville. Only the students entering as direct entry students (BSN, previous experience as RN) are able to do the distance format for the AGAC-NP specialty. So AGAC-NP students are on campus for the entire program (pre-specialty - 3 semesters & specialty - 3 semesters). For your specialty year, clinicals will be assigned to you within a 2 hour radius of Nashville. I hope that answers your question!

If anyone else has any questions, please let me know!

Thanks for the clarification. Do you know if all of Vanderbilt's Acute Care specialty tracks require students to stay in TN during the specialty year?

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I finally got a status update so I am officially waitlisted.

I'm just unsure if I've met all of the prereqs (I've taken all the required class for the BS program though). Is there any way to know for sure besides calling admissions? I've taken an introductory psych course and a human development course, but I'm not sure if that's the same thing as "Nutrition and Developmental Psychology"

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Specializes in Mental Health.

Nutrition and Developmental Psychology are two separate courses. See this is why Oxford commas are so important! lol

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I got my status update today: Admitted for FNP! For those pre-specialty students still waiting for answers, please let me assure you that it isn't over until you've received a letter. I called the admissions office a week ago about my status, was told that there was no decision on my application, and that it was most likely waitlisted or denied because the FNP class was filled (I had applied before the priority deadline and received confirmation that my materials arrived on time). I had pretty much written off Vanderbilt as an option when I received a pleasant surprise today. Anything can happen!

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