Any information on the FNP program at the University of Tampa?

Pilot2RN · Aug 17, 2014

Hey Tina. The program is all in-person, no online classes. They arrange your preceptors for you, and they have a lot of contacts in the community. The cost of the the whole FNP program is also quite reasonable, around $27,000. I start the FNP program there in Janurary. Let me know if you have any questions.

dp133 · Sep 22, 2014

I'm in my third semester of the FNP program and thus far things have been pretty good. They have a good reputation locally and have temporarily suspended the "oral boards" which many people found intimidating and a source of much stress. It’s a private school but the cost is reasonable and I prefer fact to face classes.

Pilot2FNP · Sep 23, 2014

I'm in my third semester of the FNP program and thus far things have been pretty good. They have a good reputation locally and have temporarily suspended the "oral boards" which many people found intimidating and a source of much stress. It's a private school but the cost is reasonable and I prefer fact to face classes.

Yeah, I heard that the oral boards have been permanently discontinued. I can't wait to start the program in January.

nursejl1 · Oct 4, 2014

Well, I just went to their information session a couple of days ago! The staff there was very friendly and helpful! I think I'm gonna apply there, but I also need to research more about the certification procedure- I found this helpful article What NP Graduates Need to Know About Certification on ADVANCE for NPs & PAs

Pilot2FNP · Oct 5, 2014

Well, I just went to their information session a couple of days ago! The staff there was very friendly and helpful! I think I'm gonna apply there, but I also need to research more about the certification procedure- I found this helpful article What NP Graduates Need to Know About Certification on ADVANCE for NPs & PAs

I have heard lots of good things about the program, and it's a very well-respected program here in the Bay area. I'll be starting there in January.

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2014

Hope to be following you guys soon. Finishing my BSN now. Very excited for you all. :)

chilli2016 · Nov 13, 2015

Any advise, starting the FNP in Jan 16

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2015

Unless something has changed recently, they do NOT arrange preceptors, you must do that yourself. Double check.

dp133 · Dec 25, 2015

Chilli - I'm heading into my last year of the FNP program at UT. Not sure what advice I can offer. It'snursing school, make it a priority and you'll be fine. Yes, the program is challenging but it's not "hard." It's nursing, not rocket science if you know what I mean. Regarding preceptors they do offer help, but the student takes on a bulk of the responsibility. With that being said I have never heard of a student not getting placement. I wouldn't worry about preceptors until you get through your first four or five classes. At that point you can start putting out feelers. If you're working day shift in a hospital, you know the providers you like and respect. Start with those folks as even if they don't take students they may be able to refer you to one of their colleagues.

On the whole it's not a bad program and the price is reasonable. When comparing UT to USF it's a bit of a toss up. In my humble opinion there are things that USF does better but there are also some advantages to being at a smaller university. UT certification pass rates tend to be near 100% so they've got to be doing something right? In the end where you went to school and the fact that you made straight A's doesn't matter much. It's what you do when you get out and how you practice. Again, only speaking for myself but I know a lot of great nurses. The reason I hold these individuals in high regard and respect them has nothing to do with their level of education or where that education was obtained. I imagine I'll still feel this way when I start practicing at the next level. Good luck

christine521 · Mar 1, 2016

Hi! I have been accepted into the program and wanted to know how long did it take you to complete it? I will be moving to the Tampa area to start the program in August. Do you have any recommendations on hospitals for employment? I have been a nurse for 4 years and have a background in cardiac nursing as well as the operating room.

Thank you!

dp133 · Mar 2, 2016

Christine,

Assuming you'll be taking two classes each semester it will take eight or nine semesters. The difference being if you're Adult or Family as there is a Peds semester involved in Family so that certification takes a little longer.

Regarding Employment I'd say any facility in the BayCare system would be where I'd want to work, but there are plenty of decent hospitals in the area.

Good Luck