Vanderbilt vs MGH

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Hey everyone,

I have been accepted into both MGH and Vanderbilt's Adult/Gero acute programs and am trying to decide which to choose. I would prefer to go to Vanderbilt and live in Nashville, but MGH offered me a sizeable scholarship (around 70k). Vanderbilt's program is two years (summers included), whereas MGH is three (summers not included). Vanderbilt ranks higher for both general nursing and the specific specialty, but I know MGH - especially the clinical sites/hospital - are high quality.

I know Vandy offers you the opportunity to subspecialize, but I am not sure if MGH does. Does anyone know?

I want to attend Vandy but don't want to go into tons of debt. I know that I should factor in the cost of living in a bigger city and going to school for a year.

Any advice, thoughts, ideas, etc would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in ICU.

Congrats on both acceptances!! That is amazing to have such great options! Vanderbilt was my #1 choice for a long time- but their cost is a definite detriment. I'm not familiar with MGH's program- but that's an excellent scholarship offering! Have you been to both campuses? Can you see yourself living/working/going to school in one place over the other? I'm sorry I'm not more help- you have a tough decision! Good luck and congrats again!!

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

Which area of the country do you live in now?

I ask because both Vandy/Nashville and MGH/Boston can bring on culture shock if you are from elsewhere.

I have lived and worked in both cities and both hospitals, but neither were involving any formal education and it was a number of years ago.I enjoyed both cities and only have an attachment to MGH by virtue of the fact I grew up North of there. But I also loved Nasheville! Both have changed and grown considerably.

You already know both places have stellar reputations.

Personally I would be tempted by the scholarship; does it come with any obligations?

This wasn't very helpful, I realize. Wishing you the best in figuring it all out!

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I am debating between Columbia and MGH, I think MGH has other certificate options certificates of advanced Studies. It kind of looks the same as their Direct Entry specialties. Maybe it's reduced a little? Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Nursing Program - MGH Institute - Boston, MA

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