I wanted to post this here also in hopes that current CRNA's and others on this site could weigh in. i want to weigh my options, but no matter how much I research, I feel someone that is a current CRNA would be better able to decern what is important in making this choice. I know you may not know much about the schools, but I have done my research and both have great numbers on paper. So it comes down to what I have encountered. So with that, here is my problem:
I have been accepted to 4/5 programs that I applied to, but now have to make the choice of which school I want to go to. Choosing 2 of the CRNA schools for elimination off my list was easy, but I am now stuck with 2 hard choices. The first choice is Union University in Tennessee. If this place was closer or the other choice farther away, this would be my choice hands down. It is a DNP program for the same price as my other choice and is only 2 semesters longer. The professors seem very friendly and easy to reach and the program very well organized. The students here love it and it shows. The campus is also beautiful. These people seem to push you to succeede and are a very friendly lot. The other choice is UAB. This school is very close to my house, within 15 minutes. It only offers a MSN and will only be advancing later to DNP. The program seems somewhat organized, but not nearly as organized as Union's. (I could not get anyone on the phone to verify all my stuff had made it to UAB, I ended up having to call the undergrad nursing school and get them to walk over to the CRNA dept. to get someone on the phone.) The students don't hate the program when I talked to them, they did mention it was hard at times to get people on the phone or a return email. I would, however, have to people I know in the program with me at the same time.
Some things to consider about myself, I am married and my wife would want to go with me and take our 2 dogs if we moved to Union. I am a homeowner and would have to sell/rent. My wife would have to quit work and find a new job in a new area. I am more impressed with Union over UAB in my own terms.
I am asking you to put yourself in my shoes and tell me what your opinion would be and why. I am doing this because you may have some insight that I do not (how important is a DNP in practice, ect....). I would love and value opinions that were Neutral, but would love to hear from graduates also. Thank you in advance.