UTEP, A&M CC, TT which one for FNP?

Nursing Students NP Students

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Got accepted to all, wondering which one would you goto and why. They are all online.

Thanks,

Mike

Specializes in Corrections.

What part of texas do you live in for clinical purposes?

If I were to pick a school, and I know of people at the CC program and UTEP program, I would probably pick the UTEP program because it is a little quicker and I hear the workload is much easier to work through than the other programs if you like to write papers and travel to El Paso more frequently.

Alternatively, if you want to do a program on more of a part time basis then do the CC program since you won't really have to goto Corpus too much. However, it will take forever to complete the degree since the program is generally two classes per semester.

Thanks for your response, I live in SA. I noticed that the UTEP was one semester shorter than the CC one. UTEP’s is two classes per semester also. I’m a little concerned with having to drive all the way to UTEP but that’s really no issue.

Part time is not the issue so because of your comment I’m leaning more towards UTEP. I appreciate the time you took on posting your comment.

Have you decided where to go yet? I was accepted at Corpus Christi, USA, and UT Tyler. I am leaning towards corpus.

No, I haven’t decided yet. I’m down to UTEP and Corpus. From what I’m hearing from this board, online, and word of mouth from peers UTEP would be the place to go. It’s one semester shorter and has a better following of admirers. I don’t really know anyone who is raving about Corpus, but since I live in San Antonio, Corpus is closer. However proximity isn’t really an issue with a remote course.

Do you have any reason for choosing Corpus?

I actually know of someone who had nothing but great things to say about the program at Corpus. I have emailed her to get more info. I like the fact that all of it is online except for the two visits. They have also been very responsive to all of my questions. I asked what there certification pass rate was and they told me like 97%. I'm not really sure how I can look that up for myself though. The cost is really reasonable as well and all of their syllabi are online for viewing. Right now I am leaning towards Corpus. Tyler has quite a bit of actual visits compared to corpus and the end of the program involves 360 clinical hours over a summer semester which I don't think will be possible for me and Alabama is slightly more expensive and I don't like the idea of leaving the state of Texas for school if I don't have to.

Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
Thanks for your response, I live in SA. I noticed that the UTEP was one semester shorter than the CC one. UTEP's is two classes per semester also. I'm a little concerned with having to drive all the way to UTEP but that's really no issue.

Part time is not the issue so because of your comment I'm leaning more towards UTEP. I appreciate the time you took on posting your comment.

I just looked at UTEP as I am FNP/Alum but I graduated in 2001. FNP is 49 credits, (it used to be 55 credits) I could not find the listing of courses by semester but 9 credits is considered full time for grad school. I do see where there is part time option but it took me 5 years as I did part time in the beginning. Also, the killer for me as I was working 25+hours weekly were the practicum/clinical hours. They doubled each semester. (Plus being single mom & driving to El Paso to work too) My last semester, I was only working about one 12 hour shift per week as I had to complete the practicum hours. Be sure to check how the clincal hourse will be spread out if you are part time. It depends on your preceptor and you may be commuting to the clinic to do your hours. And you may be writing papers based on your clinical experiences. I remember finishing one project/paper and starting the next one right away, pulled many allnighters writing papers. I did not look at Corpus, but "one semester shorter" should not make a difference in the whole scheme. How long are you looking at if you take 2 classes per semester at UTEP?

Also, how many students do they accept each year? They only took ten when I went and they only accepted to start in the Fall.

Go Miners!!!

SailorNurse, MSN, FNP

Class of 2001-UTEP:nurse: ...

Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

Hi all,

I just looked at the FNP at Corpus and it is also 49 credits,the same as UTEPs FNP, 12 core credits (advanced assesment/roles/pharm) plus 37 credits for the FNP. The courses do not list the clinical/practicum hours at Corpus Cristi so don't forget that when planning out which courses you will take each semester. Most likely all FNP programs are about the same as the NONPF sets up the requirements (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty).

SailorNurse

Hi all,

I just looked at the FNP at Corpus and it is also 49 credits,the same as UTEPs FNP, 12 core credits (advanced assesment/roles/pharm) plus 37 credits for the FNP. The courses do not list the clinical/practicum hours at Corpus Cristi so don't forget that when planning out which courses you will take each semester. Most likely all FNP programs are about the same as the NONPF sets up the requirements (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty).

SailorNurse

Corpus' clinical hours are 90, 135, 135, and 270 the last 4 semesters.

SailorNurse,

Thanks for your input; it is very welcome as that I’m a little nervous about starting this program. I have a 3.94 and am prepared to take off work for the whole program if needed. I also have preceptors already lined up to help me because of the relationships I’ve built from working as an RN for over 20 years.

According to the plan of progression for UTEP the program starts this fall and finishes after the fall semester 2014. The Corpus program starts the same time but finishes after the spring 2015 semester. I have a few friends who are FNP’s, they all say that your learning really starts after graduation. Not to downplay the education but one semester shorter is really attractive.

FuturFNP,

Curious what program you choose, after all, and how the program is going thus far? I am looking to start next fall, and in the same bind as you were, although I havent got accepted to all of them, I am just curious on what program would be best. I also am out of SA, and was worried about the UTEP program because it states you may have to drive 200 miles plus for clinicals. Anyway, hope all is going well with the program, congrats again on getting accepted!

BritKel12, I'm in my second semester at UTEP. I've taken theory and research, and am almost finished with pathophys and law. So far so good; I've transitioned to part time and have joined a couple of APN organizations. I'm prepared to take off if needed for clinicals, however I don't think that will be necessary due to I'm doing home health. At UTEP they make you find your preceptors for clinicals. I happen to know a lot of FNP's in SA so I won't be traveling 200 miles for that. Good luck with your applications.

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