Georgetown University MSN-FNP January 2014 Part time Cohort

nursemolly23 · Oct 17, 2013

Hey davesbride,

I'm not sure how to send a private message....I am still deciding on which online FNP program to go for...tough choices. The only think keeping me back from Georgetown is the cost...sounds like they have a great program though. If I suck it up and apply, I'd like to get in the January 2014 or March 2014 cohort. Congrats to you!

gabrielledek, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2013

Hi Davesbride, I was wondering what your GPA was in applying to Georgetown? What was your background and work history as well? I am looking into NP programs and was considering this one. Good luck to you in your studies!

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2013

nursemolly- you may want to look at Simmons College as well...they have Jan and March 2014 start dates, and utilize the exact same format of online instruction as GU. I applied to both, fingers crossed and still waiting to hear one way or the other!

davesbride · Oct 19, 2013

My GPA was a 3.5 and I have a really varied work history. I have done everything from floor nursing, case management, home health, clinic nursing and a lot of volunteer work. I know they don't look at grades alone. They really do look at the whole package. In my personal statement and video interview I tried to highlight what in my experiences would make me a good candidate for the FNP program. In my CV I also was very detailed about job descriptions again to try and highlight why my experience makes me an excellent candidate for their program. I didn't leave out anything. Hope this helps.

GU is expensive but for me the reputation of the program and name recognition is worth it. I have spoken to multiple MD's who have stated if they were hiring an FNP- and it was between 2 candidates and all things were equal they would go with the candidate from the more well known school. I have already had 2 job offers for when I am finished. I feel like a lot of that is because of the fact that I got accpeted to GU. (Offers came after I got accepted) I know an MD who hired a brand new APRN just becauase she graduated from Vanderbilt. His reasoning- He wanted to be able to tell his patients that his APRN graduated from Vanderbilt. In the beginning I think the name will help the most. After a few years it will be about what experience you bring with you and not so much about where you went to school. Best of Luck to everyone !

gabrielledek, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2013

I am so frustrated. I have been turned down from four FNP programs now and I am guessing its my GPA. I have a 3.0, which is the minimum they require for the programs I applied to. I know... its the minimum and at 3.0 isn't great. I have 12 years of medical experiece. I have been an EMT/ Paramedic for 12 years. Nurse for 4 years. I have worked in EMS, flight Medic, CCU and now cath lab. I have taught both EMT and nursing college classes. I have strong references from cardiologists, FNP's, co-workers and my managers. For GU I focused on how a lot of practitioners fail to connect with their clients, and really treat them like people. This is the number one complaint I get from Cath lab patients. My CV was really detailed. I included all my volunteer experience, education, and past work history. My personal statements reflected my future goals as an NP. I want to work in cardiology, which is my area of strength, and help clients learn how to prevent cardiac disease. All four universities turned me down. I don't know what else to do or if I should keep applying or just take general nursing masters classes until my GPA gets closer to a 3.5 then trying FNP program again. Any advise would be much appreciated.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Oct 19, 2013

Did you try simmons yet?

gabrielledek, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2013

No, I just looked it up after I saw that you mentioned it. I tried GU, Graceland, Frontier, and Gonzaga.

gabrielledek, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2013

Do you think I'd have better luck there? I really think schools want a GPA of 3.5 or higher even though they say the minimum is a 3.0.

davesbride · Oct 24, 2013

Gabrielledek I would try taking the GRE or MAT if your GPA is a little low. It will open other doors for you. Look at Samford University also. I have heard they have a great program and offer alot of support to students. It was my second choice. Best of luck!

2015 · Oct 24, 2013

Hi Davesbride. Am doing finishing touches on my application and hope to start fulltime at Georgetown January 2014. I have kids, so going to school online is very convenient for me. I just finished a statistics course from university of phoenix online. It was a total joke. I want a quality online education, and Georgetown seems to be a good choice.

2015 · Oct 24, 2013

Davesbride, I understand why an MD will make such a move to hire someone from a reputable school. The MD can rest easy knowing the patients are in good hands. Schools do not become reputable out of the blues. There has to be something about them. I know an NP who discouraged me so much from applying to Georgetown because it's expensive, but my heart tells me to stick with Georgetown.