Walden University - the latest on the FNP program

[msa9179]

Hello all... ...long time reader, first time poster.....

...seeking info on the Walden FNP program....

So, I have a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and I am a Registered Nurse in Texas (Associates level).

I have been researching programs to bridge from my RN with non-nursing Bachelors degree to MSN-Nurse Practitioner. ....Ball State, Samford, Frontier, Walden, etc.

I have applications out, and most of these seem pretty competitive to get into. Walden, however, seems to be a pretty straight shot in if you meet their qualifications. I spoke with an adviser this morning and was told that all is currently well with clinical rotations in Texas and, further, licensing as an FNP in Texas.

I have read older posts where folks were voicing concerns over being able to genuinely become licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Texas after completing the Walden program. Walden tells me that they currently have FNP students in Texas, and that everything has been straightened out. I do intend to contact the BON, etc, but I wanted to see if any Walden FNP students from Texas are out there and hopefully get some feedback.

The Walden FNP program is so new that they have not yet graduated any Nurse Practitioners (just started September 2012). So, there are not yet any "proven cases," but there are people who have done the research and who have made the tremendous commitment to pursue their FNP through Walden. I would love to hear from you on your knowledge, experience, and verification of legitimacy of the program.

Anybody out there in this program and well on their way, and possibly in Texas, and can confirm that this is a legitimate road to FNP for a nurse in Texas?

Thanks so much,

Michael

[Sagira]

Hi Mal!

I am considering Walden for fnp program. Does the program require students to visit campus for validation check prior to clinicals? Thanks

[mal530]

Sagira,

No you do not have to visit the campus before practicum. During your health and assessment course, you have to submit videos showing your assessment skills. You cannot pass the class without doing this. Let me know if you have any more questions. I would be happy to answer them.

[Sagira]

Thank you for your help!

[Sagira]

Hi Mal!

Got one more question in regards to Walden. How is online classes look like? Do they offer recorded lectures, videos, and etc? Do courses require a lot of writing? Thanks ?

[Jlalovely]

To any Walden FNP students that have started clinicals in Dallas, where are your sites? Please help!!

[Jlalovely]

Hi, I am also in that program. Where are your clinical sites? I am trying to set mine up for next year and I live in the Dallas area too.

[stacinstough]

Once you are in the program there are resources that list every office/physician/np/pa that has been a preceptor for Walden. What area of DFW are you in? I've had some FABULOUS preceptors in the McKinney area.

[athomas2244]

Cessna172, I graduated from McNeese too!! December 2011

[PhillyFNP, DNP]

I hardly ever write comments, but since I currently attend Walden I will give some feedback. I too was hesitant about applying to an all online university. However, I knew two very knowledge and good nurses that were attending Walden, so I waited a year to apply to see how they felt about it. Both just graduated this spring and passed boards on the first try. I will graduate in February 2015. I have found the curriculum very informative. The instructors I have had are tough, but are easy to communicate with if they see you are putting forth the effort. The one comment I see often regards practicum. When you apply to Walden, part of the application is about possible practicum sites and preceptors so that students are looking far in advance for sites. They tell you up front that it is adult learning, and students are responsible for finding their own sites. I have had no trouble with sites agreeing with the affiliation agreement with Walden. The nursing department has been wonderful and calls me if they have had any questions regarding my application or just making sure I was completing it. I had one site request a call from Walden before signing the affiliation agreement and Walden called them that day. They have always been quick to respond to any questions or concerns I have had. I have truly enjoyed my education at Walden, but like any school, you have to put the time and effort in to really make it count.

Today is my official last day as a Walden FNP student. I joined the AANP (discount on exam) and I have submitted my application for the Authorization to Test to the AANP last night. I wish I would have known that you can submit the application to the AANP before you actually graduate! Some of my classmates have already received their authorizations to test. I will be taking the Barkley review course in Orlando at the end of September and will take my AANP exam shortly after.

I have had a great experience with Walden's FNP program. I actually transferred out from a reputable local brick and mortar because I could not handle the commute to class 2-3 times per week as I lived about an hour away. In some cases I wish I would have stayed at the brick and mortar (reputation wise), but do not regret transferring to Walden and in the end will have the same certification. As with any school, class, or program....you get what you give. Either you study really hard, just a little, or skim on by, so it all depends on the person and what the person wants out of their education. I had a not so good preceptor and an amazing preceptor, so that all really helps as well. Make sure you find a very friendly and knowledgable preceptor.

Good luck to all future NP's!

[anchorRN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Are there set start dates for Walden's FNP program (such as spring and fall) or do they offer start dates throughout the year?

[kellyshel]

There are several start dates throughout the year, the next session starts October 15! Good Luck!

[Jlalovely]

Hi, I too am in the FNP program at Walden. I live in the Dallas area. Would you be willing to share your preceptor information with me? I have not been able to find any yet.