Yale, Columbia, Penn?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 8, 2010

I've moved this over to the Post-Grad forum to encourage responses. You had posted it in the "graduate nurse" (GN) forum; a GN is someone who has finished school and is awaiting NCLEX (boards). Hopefully you'll get some responses in this forum. :)

Ashley. · Jun 8, 2010

Thank you!! :)

Ashley. · Jun 9, 2010

Any thoughts guys?

Mission · Jun 9, 2010

I think all three are great schools. I personally know grads of all three programs and am a Columbia grad myself. I liked the fact that Columbia gives a BSN (Penn does as well, but Yale does not) and there is some flexibility with regards to changing specialties. I am really interested in public health and the dual degree option at Columbia really worked for me, Mailman is definitely one f the best public health school in the country and being in New York city provides so many opportunities for different types of experiences. I'm from New York and had planned to work in New York when I graduated so the location was a big factor to me. Also, at that point in my life, I had a limited amount of time that I could afford being out of work, so the fact that Columbia was a shorter program also had a big influence.

Ashley. · Jun 10, 2010

Thank you :) What was your GPA when applying, if you don't mind me asking?

Mission · Jun 10, 2010

I sent you a private message

Ashley. · Jun 10, 2010

Thank you so much. I can't send PMs yet but I really want to reply... so, soon :)

hopkins76 · Jun 10, 2010

Thanks so much for starting this thread. I'm looking at Columbia and Penn and trying to both finish my pre-reqs and get school visits in this summer. I'm definitely leaning towards Penn at this point just because of the COL in New York. I did an open house at Penn already at it was...amazing. So, yes, please keep sending in thoughts on both places :) Thanks!

RN4LIFE! · Aug 1, 2010

If you are looking for overall ranking Yale is #7, Columbia # 19 and Penn #3 ( U.S. News and World Report). I graduated from the PNP program at PENN and absolutely loved it. Rigorous clinical training, supportive faculty, networking and tons of resources. Next you must think about what type of graduate program that you are interested in. PENN - has a great PNP, FNP, Nursing Administration and business, Geriatric NP etc ( they also have a GRE waiver if you have a certain G.P.A).

YALE - FNP, PNP , Midwifery COLUMBIA- Adult NP, Midwifery first ever DNP program founded here. You have lots of options. They all have great programs. However, my vote is for PENN! Good Luck

hopkins76 · Aug 1, 2010

Thanks RN4LIFE. I'm actually interested in AC/Geriatrics and think Penn will offer me the best opportunity in terms of clinical exposure and ability to participate in research. Their open house was fantastic and the faculty seemed genuinely interested in candidates. Haven't made it up to Columbia yet but hope to visit later this summer.

If you have any further insights into Penn or could offer a snapshot of your background/education prior to Penn, please PM me. I hope the applications open-up soon!!!

danceluver · Aug 1, 2010

Can I ask as a direct entry graduate what has your job prospects been like? Have these schools helped you get RN jobs while in the MSN portion? Is it necessary to work as an RN in a hospital if your interested in doing outpatient primary care (fnp, pnp, whnp)? I have heard mixed things about jobs prospects for direct entry students to be hired as nps after graduating and I would like to hear from those of you who have graduated from prestigious programs what your experience has been like in the job market compared to newly graduated PAs. Thanks so much!

PS: Please PM me if there is any information you also can give me if you prefer that way :)