Peace Corps Program

We invite you to bring your skills and passion from working abroad in the Peace Corps to the diverse and exciting neighborhoods of New York City as a Columbia University nursing student. Our Masters Direct Entry (MDE) Program is designed for students with a degree in another field to earn a Master's in Nursing in 15 months. There is also the option to apply our Masters Direct Entry/Doctor of Nursing Practice (MDE/DNP) Program or our Masters Direct Entry/Doctor of Philosophy (MDE/PhD) Program to transition to a three-year doctoral program following the completion of your master's degree.

We encourage returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) to apply for the MDE Program through the Coverdell Fellowship. Our MDE Program is designed for students with a degree in another field to earn a Masters in Nursing in 15 months.

Coverdell Fellowship

Columbia University School of Nursing accepts Coverdell Fellowship applications for each yearly MDE cohort.

Benefits

• Financial support: Scholarship of $30,000 to go towards tuition and fee costs during the 15-month MDE nursing program
• Application fee of $75 is waived
• Social support: You will be part of a cohort of 2-5 RPCV fellows and invited to regular gatherings with the Coverdell Coordinator
• Opportunities to attend shared events with the Fellows from Columbia Teachers College and the School of Social Work
• Community connection: As part of the internship, you will have the unique opportunity to begin applying your new nursing skills in a diverse community setting

Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of Peace Corps experience with documentation of completion of service
• Interview with Coverdell Coordinator (in person or via Zoom)
• Must meet all MDE requirements
• If accepted, completion of 150 hours at internship sites over 15-month MDE program
• Please submit your description of service (DOS) with your application

Internship Sites

ColumbiaDoctors Nurse Practitioner Group Primary Care Practice is our nurse practitioner-run clinic, located in Washington Heights near Columbia University School of Nursing. This internship will provide an opportunity to work directly with patients both in a community and clinical setting.

Project STAY (Services to Assist Youth)

Columbia Nursing has been a longtime partner with Project STAY in nearby Harlem. This internship provides an opportunity to work with young adults aged 14-24 on HIV and STD testing, treatment, and education.