Vanderbilt Pre-specialty Fall 2011

TRR8021 · Jul 1, 2010

Hi,

I thought the distance program was for the traditional MSN (for those who are already nurses)? Good luck on your application. Vandy is a school that looks good to me too because its program (the traditional MSN) is so short :)

SCNP2B · Jul 1, 2010

For the pre-specialty program, students must attend the first year on campus, after which they take the NCLEX. They then enter their choosen specialty the next year with similar status to a traditional MSN student, so depending on the specialty, they too have the option of studying long-distance. At least this is my understanding of the non-nurse program. Someone please feel free to correct me.

SydneyJo1 · Jul 2, 2010

I'm going to be applying to the RN Pre-Specialty program for Fall of 2011, so can I join in here? I am not sure which specialty I want to do; I'm hoping my interests narrow down a little bit between now and the admissions deadline. :) I am leaning toward either PNP or FNP. If I get admitted my plan is to do the RN Pre-Specialty portion part-time (over two years) to gain some nursing experience as I am just finishing my ADN right now. Then I'd do the Specialty year full-time, so the whole thing would take me about 3 years total.

SCNP2B · Sep 25, 2010

For those who don't know, the Vanderbilt application opened about a week and a half ago. It's a rather easy application (especially when compared to that darn NursingCAS system!). I have most of it done. Sent my GREs a week ago and got receipt they were accepted. I like the option of paper vs. electronic recommendation letters. One of my recommenders hates online recommendations so she was happy to see that she had to do one less. Haven't started the interview survey questions yet, just keeping a log of ideas and points I want to make that come to mind as I think about them.

Anyone else start their application?

SydneyJo1 · Sep 25, 2010

I've started my application, too. I have the whole thing done, I just need to get one more letter of recommendation from my clinical instructor and get my transcripts together to send in. I like how easy the application is to complete, but I am a little confused by it because on the paper version you could list the specialties you are applying for in order of preference (in other words, you could have a 1st and 2nd choice), but it doesn't seem possible with this electronic version, unless I am missing something. Anyone know?

danceluver · Sep 28, 2010

Can I ask how difficult it was to get into the FNP/CNM program as a non-nurse (pre-specialty program)? What sort of qualifications do they look for in DE applicants (past experience, HCE, volunteer, grades, gre, etc? Anything specific? Could i transfer into this program possibly after my RN portion is completed or do I need to choose a specialty before I start this program at Vandy? Do you think it makes you more marketable as a dual FNP/CNM? I have read/heard that its hard to keep up both certifications in practice~but maybe working at an Ob/gyn office perhaps? More info is greatly appreciate about the overall program at Vandy. I am applying next year! Super excited!

T-Dasha · Oct 22, 2010

Hi everybody....

I'm applying to Vandy for Fall 2011 as a non-nurse. I'm applying for the PNP-PC specialty. Did any of you attend the Open House?

I've finished most of my application. I've done the 1st rough draft of my career goals and interview survey questions. I've gotten all my transcripts and recommendation letters. So hopefully I will be able to send everything off next weekend.

But I'm also trying to decide if I should retake the GRE or not. I exceeded the minimum needed to apply but I'm thinking I should maybe retake it to be more competitive.

rtaylr5 · Nov 8, 2010

T-dosha...

Just curious, did you decide to retake your GRE? If you don't mind me asking, what were your scores the first time? I made a 1200 and am still waiting on the writing evaluation scores. I ran out of time on the math so I feel like I could probably improve my score as well, but still not sure about it either. :uhoh3:

T-Dasha · Nov 9, 2010

I decided not to retake my GRE. I prayed about it...And I just said God send me an acceptance letter with the scores that I already have. :)

I applied to some other schools as well so if Vandy doesn't accept me hopefully the other schools will. When I say I exceeded the minimum....I just barely exceeded the minimum. I made a 1050. At the Open House they said the average GRE score was an 1180 I believe. My score definitely isn't competitive as I would like it to be. But it's only 130 pts off from the average. I feel like I have a really strong essay, my overall GPA is average, but my prereqs are all "A"s except for MicroBio (B). So hopefully everything will balance out well in their eyes.

SydneyJo1 · Nov 9, 2010

Those of you who attended the open house--can you please give some info about what was talked about or what you found interesting? I wanted to go so badly, but I had clinicals on Friday pms this semester and couldn't make it to Nashville. I would love to hear what you thought about the open house and what stood out to you!

rtaylr5 · Nov 10, 2010

That's great! I wasn't able to attend the open house, but I did meet with admissions this week as I turned in my application. My GPA isn't as high as yours, but I believe that I am still a strong candidate based upon the rest of my application and the averages I was given. Keep in touch~ hopefully we will both be in Nashville in the Fall!