Cheap online MSN / FNP programs

TonieRN · Oct 5, 2011

Univ Southern IN is cheap cost wise. I believe Indiana State has done away w/ the Masters and is only a doctorate now.

Sapience · Nov 10, 2011

I am currently a student in USI's RN to MSN program and it is a legitimate nightmare. The class I'm currently in has two instructors -- they post completely different instructions/due dates/ assignment information. We have a scholarly paper due in 12 days and I still have not received approval on my topic that was submitted 5 weeks ago. No feedback on previous papers submitted. It is infuriating, particularly when communication and leadership skills are among the objectives.

In terms of guidance....there isn't any. You are on your own to try to figure it all out and if you have questions it is next to impossible to get anyone to return calls or reply to messages. If and when you get a call they will answer your questions, but never go on to offer additional advice that would be helpful or help you schedule in an efficient manner. For example, they know that I am trying to move through the program as quickly as possible, they know that I want to validate all eligible classes, yet until I put on a hard-press effort to find out how to complete the validation process no one ever mentioned that some the testing is done at very limited times. (Why? I have no idea -- they are online tests) I recently indicated that I was ready for one of the tests and I was given about a 5 day window or will have to wait until summer. That's over 6 months away.

Classes fill up quickly, so if you don't register the first possible day you won't get in. The registrar has mistakenly had holds on my account more than once preventing me from registering and I didn't get the classes I needed, which has extended the time its going to take to finish my degree by a full semester.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop boring you with details. If you choose USI, you should just know you're stepping into a hot mess. I'm applying to other schools now. Not only am I tired of dealing with their incompetence, I want to feel good about my degree and if I contiune there I am always going to know that my degree is from a terrible program. If they don't already, employers will eventually recognize that as well and when they look at my resume I don't want to be associated with a bad school.

LPN2RN2BSN2MSN · Nov 11, 2011

Sapience, what does USI stand for? I have read similar posts about University of South Alabama. I am very sorry to hear you are having a hard time, I know it must be disappointing. Good luck in the future.

LPN2RN2BSN2MSN · Nov 11, 2011

Student_FNP, can you send me the name of the school you currently attend? I am not sure how to send you a PM. I would appreciate the heads- up, I am compiling a list of schools that I want to apply to and don't want to apply to as well. Thanks and good luck to you.

LPN2RN2BSN2MSN · Nov 11, 2011

Dr. Tammy, this is off the subject but I would like to have your input on a couple of issues that it appears that you would have insight into. However, I am not exactly sure how to send you a PM. So I will post the issues on this forum and you can respond as you see fit.

1) What is the benefit of the DNP in your opinion?

2) I am a single mom and would like to get the nurse practitioner under my belt as quickly as possible so I can start working. So would you suggest that I do an MSN-NP program or do a BSN-DNP? I could always go back for the DNP, it appears that you finished it up in one additional year. Or would you spend the time doing a second MSN specialty? I am going for the Family Psych NP, but I saw a program that is a double, Family Psych and FNP for a total of 76 credit hours. I see that the BSN-DNP is about 84 credit hours. Hope it's not to confusing. I appreciate any input. Thank you and congrats on your accomplishments, they are quite impressive.

RNGO4IT · Nov 11, 2011

I'm curious what program has a dual FNP and mental health program? Is it online? Does it have a post-mastr certificate option? Thanks

LPN2RN2BSN2MSN · Nov 11, 2011

RNGO4IT, I will look over my millions of scribbled notes and find out what university that was. I do remember it was about 70 something credits because I thought to myself, "would it be better to be double mastered or doctored in a single specialty." It's about the same amount of credits. I will find the info and post. Chow for now.

LPN2RN2BSN2MSN · Nov 12, 2011

OK, I found it. It is Northeastern University, Bouve' College of Health Sciences. It is a dual FNP and PMHNP program, 76 credit hours total. Which do you think would be more beneficial the dual certification or a DNP in just one specialty. I was looking at the psych DNP program at Brandman University. I'm kind of tired of hypertension and diabetes.

RNGO4IT · Nov 13, 2011

thanks

scjeevans · Feb 22, 2012

RNbrent-

Did you end up going to Georgetown? I have submitted my application and am excited about the program. I have researched the program and I think what I am anticipating the most are the weekly online-live-via-webcam classes with only 10 other students and the professor. As far as I can tell there is not another online FNP program like this. However, the cost of attendance does have me somewhat panicked. Just wondering if you decided to go the Georgoetown route and if you did, how you like it. And if you didn't, where you are going and how you like that program.

Thanks!

iris55adr · Apr 10, 2012

Hi I recently saw your post just now and I was wondering if you too could message me the name of the school you're currently attending. Thank you!

nursjenn · Apr 27, 2012

RNbrent said:
...I'm not rich by any means. I was hoping to find a program that is 30-50k. Can anyone make any recommendations?

Try Fort Hays State University's online MSN-FNP program or University of North Dakota's online programs.