Cheap online MSN / FNP programs

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After spending a couple full days last month applying to Georgetown's online program, I got accepted. The program is to start in March, and it's all online (except the 650 hours of clinical). I was so excited to get accepted, but am now realistically looking at the cost of tuition. $1500/hr x 45 hours = around $71,000. That's quite a bit of money, and I'm not rich by any means. I was hoping to find a program that is 30-50k. Can anyone make any recommendations? I live in the D.C. area, and honestly wouldn't mind doing the program all online.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Tammy,

Did you have any issues finding a job with your degree from USI?

Specializes in Psych, ICU,clinic supervis case manager,.

To Justin? I liked UMASS; however just before I left they started increase fees and tuition and we started with web proctor for test, not allowing you to use my books during test; however I was able to pass FNP without problem...only one person that I'm aware of in my class didn't pass, which was related to the other stressors I think.

Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing/Case Management.

After is saw some comments on this thread I decided to look at UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA vs. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA. I was initially considering the PMHNP, however I spoke to my mentor and she explained that FNP would be a more "marketable" choice then obtaining a Psych certification. After careful thinking and praying I don't know if I want to be a nurse practitioner, I would be content with just a MSN (leadership & management). I start my statistics class this fall by then I may have changed my mind about doing the FNP. I am more convinced that USI is the way to go. MSN 2014 here I come....

Specializes in Psych, ICU,clinic supervis case manager,.

I went the route you're taking 13 years ago...only to go back later for FNP....so think long and hard...because it still took almost an additional 2 years post-masters...what I could have done 10 years earlier and each year they keep adding more stuff and making things more difficult for working students...as a MSN in leadership I still didn't have the autonomous feel of things...you will still be stuck in the middle of making the heavy decisions...so take that back to the table and chew on it awhile.

Sapience said:
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.

I did not get in to this program and was very disappointed. They did take forever to tell me they did not accept me. But after reading your experiences, I feel better! Thank you Sapience

MOst nursing is an on the job training not necessarily book learning. i suppose as an NP you will still do much of your learning through experience. That is when a nurse excels, when she can always learn from her experiences and others who are more experienced.

Lee FNP can you PM me the name of the school you were referring to. I can't PM yet - I don't have enough posts.

I go to USI and will finish my MSN in leadership/management in July. I was browsing around to find a better price on a post-master's FNP or PNP, however, I have been unable to do that. I know there were some negative comments around USI on this page, but honestly its a good program if you are self motivated. Online programs are only as good as what you put into it. However, to those being negative to others who are being cost conscious in their decision, I think that is uncalled for. I agree you should consider the quality of the program before you enter, but remember that we all take licensing exams so disregarding someone based on the school they chose is silly.

jrtaylor4 said:
I go to USI and will finish my MSN in leadership/management in July. I was browsing around to find a better price on a post-master's FNP or PNP, however, I have been unable to do that. I know there were some negative comments around USI on this page, but honestly its a good program if you are self motivated. Online programs are only as good as what you put into it. However, to those being negative to others who are being cost conscious in their decision, I think that is uncalled for. I agree you should consider the quality of the program before you enter, but remember that we all take licensing exams so disregarding someone based on the school they chose is silly.

I'll go out on a limb here and say that I don't think that's exactly what the person meant when they said that.

It has to be a combination of both factors. I too subscribe to the belief that if it's too good to be true, it probably is. If cost is the only factor people are using to find a program, I think that's a problem. Cheapest isn't always necessarily the best fit (sometimes it is, don't get me wrong) nor is it always the best choice. Neither is the most expensive option. Selecting what program should be a combined consideration of does it fit in my schedule/life/other concerns and can I afford it? Cost alone can't be the driving factor any more than any other factor. You have to take everything into account.

Tammy,

How was your experience with Univ. of Southern Indiana? I'm interested in the online Family Psych Mental Health NP program. I live in NYS and was wondering about their accreditation and being able to continue to work in New York as a NP afterwards.

Thanks

Hello,

I am currently a 46 years old R.N. and burned out with my current job as DON in Corrections. I am looking for a change and considering

FNP. I have a Bachelors in another field (Psych & Religion) with an associates in Nursing. I have had trouble finding a completely online school that is not too expensive and will take my BS credits from 1989 and AAD credits from 1998. Any advice?

Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

I also had a BS in another field (counseling) and an ADN. I went to South University Online. Most of my credits for my Bachelor's transferred. I had to take a statistics course and an English Composition III class, which helped tremendously with my writing skills, so I didn't mind. I loved my experience at South and plan to start their FNP online program in the Fall. There are some online programs out there that are RN to NP. Univ. O South Alabama comes to mind. Good luck.

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