Vanderbilt PreEntry/ Duke ABSN Fall 2016

franc2sm · Sep 26, 2015

I applied to both programs last year and am currently attending vanderbilt as a preslecialty student, acute care specialty. Vanderbilt was my first choice last year because I liked the way their program was set up way better than Dukes. With duke, you spend 18 months (I think) working on your bsn and then you aren't even guaranteed to get into the masters program if that's what you're wanting. At vanderbilt, you get your MSN in just 24 months and so far the program is Great! Definitely accelerated but doable and they are extremely helpful in helping you succeed! If you have any questions feel free to message me and if you can make it to an open house at Vandy they offer tons of info!

koreanbraves · Sep 28, 2015

Hey, thank you so much for replying to this thread! do you have any insights into the admission process such as how many students they typically accept/how many apply and what things they look for in the essays? I am applying to the FNP specialty.

franc2sm · Sep 28, 2015

Im not sure how many people apply but when I went to an open house a couple years ago before I started my application, I want to say they accept about 25 FNP students. The other numbers were 12 acute, 23 primary, 15 midwifery, 21 psych, 30 peds, and 16 women's health but I'm sure that varies year to year depending on the applicants. I'm pretty sure it standard to have about 140 in the pre specialty class though. You could probably call and ask how many they accept for each specialty if you are unable to make it to an open house. As far as the application, they definitely look at everything because I know my gpa and test scores alone left me without a chance. Spend a lot of time crafting your answers for the interview questions and really show them who you are and why you would be a great nurse. Part of the difficulty is doing that in 250 words so make it great! My personal statement was about a page and a half.

koreanbraves · Sep 29, 2015

thank you for the info!! did you apply to any other similar type of programs?

franc2sm · Sep 29, 2015

I applied to vanderbilt, duke, and Ohio state! Duke was my last choice because it was an ABSN program with the option of getting your msn. Vandy was my first choice because it's vanderbilt, it's nursing school is number 11 and my specialty is 5 in the country. It was an obvious choice for what I wanted. Ohio state also has a fantastic program but they no longer off the acute care specialty as "direct entry" so it wasnt an option for me anymore although they have all the other specialties. I believe it is 3 years though.