Which is better for Psych NP: Yale GEPN or Columbia ETP?

Published

Hello all!

So, I recently sent in my applications for Yale, Columbia, and Boston College combined GEPN/ETP programs in the psychiatric specialty. I know that I would prefer Yale and Columbia (the two programs are longer than the BC program and I want the extra year of education and psychopharm before I go off into the NP world) but I am having trouble discerning between the two programs in a number of ways; :uhoh3: perhaps I am just not looking in the right places for information. Here are my questions:

1. How are the psychiatric specialties in the two programs? Is one significantly better than the other?

2. Columbia is more convenient location-wise, but from what I have read Yale has the stronger program (although both are obviously great). If I were to go to Yale instead of Columbia, would the difference in the program and overall quality of education be significant enough to make a difference in my future job possibilities? I want to go to the place that will prepare me the most, as well as make me the strongest candidate I can be for finding work, and eventually having private practice. However, if going to Yale is not going to be significantly different, then I might choose location over program.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

These are all great programs...including BC. There is a huge demand for PMHNPs all over the US. Have you gotten into any programs? First, all of the accelerated MSN programs are extremely competitive to get into. Second, once you get accepted look @ which program gives you funding because the cost of attendence(s) should be close to $80K a year @ top private schools like these!

I recently accepted an offer of admissions to the University of Rochester's Accelerated Masters Program (PMHNP) for non-nursing majors (~$80K for first years). I was accepted to a few other top programs but they didn't offer the level of aid as U of R. So if I were you, I'd wait to make decisions until you have an offer and financial aid package! Hope this helps!

FYI - obtain the DNP if you want more psychopharm classes...it will be the standard by 2015 anyway!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

True -- and I am sure I would be happy to go to any of them. I will receive admission decisions in February, so I shouldn't of course get TOO ahead of the game (and in that sense I am holding out to get too attached to any of them), but I like to think ahead and have a good idea of what the programs involve and what might be the best choice to make if I am fortunate enough to have a choice to make. (That was a very long sentence.)

It's true that $ may play a role in my decision, but I may be willing to take out more loans if there is a program that's worth it. I am also interested in either the DNP or the PhD but I'll probably look into those more seriously after I'm accepted into a program and on that route.

Thank you for your thoughts!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

FYI - obtain the DNP if you want more psychopharm classes...it will be the standard by 2015 anyway!

What DNP programs have more psychopharm classes? I haven't seen any. My master's program required 6 hrs of psychopharm vs the 3 I've seen in some programs but I might be interested in taking some more.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

there is not a lot consistency between programs but I have seen a good number of programs that offered one or two extra "experiences"/courses in psychopharm. I personally am not going to pursue the DNP until there is more of a standard for DNP programs....and recognized as added benefits to employers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Jevelle-

I was just browsing Accelerated MSN threads and saw you recently accepted an offer from U of Rochester for their PMHNP program. I just had my phone interview for that program about 3 days ago! What class will you be entering? I applied for the Summer 2011 cohort and was told they will make final decisions by February at the latest. How long after your interview did it take them to come back with an offer of admittance? I applied to 8 schools total and so far have been invited to 2 interviews (including U of R) and have yet to hear back from the other 6. The waiting is pure torture!

Tanya

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am starting the accelerated AMPNN program in January 2011! i was told the ABPNN and AMPNN programs had a total of ~260 applicants but they only had ~50 spot in both programs. The AMPNN program is the most competitive...they only reserve a few spot for those interested in the masters program (all NPs). I had my first bachelors interview in June and second masters interview in July. I didn't hear anything until early October 2010 ( i applied for the program in February 2010). The waiting is torture but everyone goes through it!!!!! I hope to see you in rochester....keep me posted, OK?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I will definitely keep you posted - would be great to know someone when I get there since I will be coming by myself out from California! I have an interview with UCSF soon and like I said haven't heard back from 6 schools, but I am very interested in Rochester. We may just end up being neighbors =)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not sure if this helps, but here goes: I applied and was accepted at both Yale and Columbia's programs. Ended up going to and graduating from Columbia in 2008 as an ETP grad and transferred to GWU (back in DC) for the NP portion. I was an adult/geri student at columbia (and intend to finish as adult at GWU), but know that Columbia's program is tied into the New York State Psych Institute right on campus. It was a great facility and relatively new, but I only knew of one or two fellow students going into the psych program.

Columbia overall is a great program and not for the faint of heart (12 months of hell/frustration/anxiety) but well worth it.

Hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in a lil here a lil there.

Umm at Case we do 3 of general pharm and 2 or psychpharm but the general psych meds are included in the general pharm.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good luck to all of the applicants! Happy holidays to everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion