Any UAB NP students/graduates?

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I am considering applying to UAB online either ANP or ACNP and was wondering if anyone could comment on the program? How do they like it? How much time committed per week? Full or part-time? Is the faculty readily available to help/answer questions? Also, I'm having a difficult time deciding between ANP or ACNP. Is it true that if you are ACNP you can sit for the ANP test as well? I'm leaning towards ANP, but have 8+ years in SICU, so thinking ACNP would be better suiting. However, I'm thinking about post-graduation and finding a job and having reasonable hours with no call. Anyone have any thoughts?

I have been very dissapointed with USA's program as well. I am thinking of quitting.

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Can you say why you were disappointed with USA. I am applying there for the post masters DNP program. It appears that a few people feel the same way you do and I would like to know why before I spend $200.00 on an application.

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Specializes in ICU, oncology, orthopedics, med/surge.

USA is basically a self taught program... But having said that, they definitely prepare you to pass board. I just graduated this Dec & passed board with ease. And so far everyone that took board passed as well.

The problem I'm encountering now is securing a job with the right numbers... And worried I won't be able to find a job since everyone looks for NP with experience...

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Can you say why you were disappointed with USA. I am applying there for the post masters DNP program. It appears that a few people feel the same way you do and I would like to know why before I spend $200.00 on an application.

I was dissapointed with the whole program... teachers didn't respond, they lied to me about things from the beginning, very rude people that run the program, and they don't teach. It is definitely a self teaching program. You basically pay to take your tests and that is all. The college over emphasizes teaching you to pass boards rather than teaching you to be an NP and pass boards. All they care about is their numbers and profit. But if you are okay with that then go for it. I graduated with my BSN there and all I can say is that the college went down hill. I have two friends that have quit the program as well. Be cautious :)

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I'm in online USA MSN-FNP program now and so far so good (I live in WA). The instructors always reply promptly (within a few hours or a day). They're very personal and supportive. I don't understand why there are so many negative comments about USA! The textbook for pathophysiology is the same (by McCance) one used at UAB. I'm taking patho and research this term and I truly enjoy both. My online classmates are wonderful too. We formed a study group for patho and we just finished the first patho test. I think it doesn't matter which school you are in, but how much effort you put in.

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I'm in online USA MSN-FNP program now and so far so good (I live in WA). The instructors always reply promptly (within a few hours or a day). They're very personal and supportive. I don't understand why there are so many negative comments about USA! The textbook for pathophysiology is the same (by McCance) one used at UAB. I'm taking patho and research this term and I truly enjoy both. My online classmates are wonderful too. We formed a study group for patho and we just finished the first patho test. I think it doesn't matter which school you are in, but how much effort you put in.

Wait till you have a problem and you will see their true colors come out. I guess I dealt with them for two years and starting the MSN program showed me that they haven't changed but got worse. Whatever you do, don't ever question them about anything or they get offensive. I have no doubt you will pass your boards because that is what they test you for and focus on rather than teaching you. The program just doesn't teach you and is not very helpful. Good luck, teach yourself, and you will do fine :)

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flgirl - what program are you in? I have a BSN from USA but am thinking about both USA & UAB ANP programs post-masters cert for Fall 2011. Any info anyone has is appreciated.

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flgirl - what program are you in? I have a BSN from USA but am thinking about both USA & UAB ANP programs post-masters cert for Fall 2011. Any info anyone has is appreciated.

I not in the program anymore. I was in the FNP program at USA but I dropped because I refuse to pay tuition to a place that doesn't provide more learning opportunities. I was told by a friend that I met after I started the program that what you teach yourself from the book and learn in clinicals is what you get from the program. I don't know first hand about the clinicals because I dropped. UAB does podcasts, live chat, and live classroom through a shared desktop application from what the lady told me when I emailed them. They seem to have more learning opportunities to me. However, USA told me they would have videos but when I started they had MINIMAL videos (like 3-4 that were around 6 minutes long dated from 5 years ago). I just want a good education if I am going to pay for it. I am not trying to steer people away from USA, I am just trying to inform them of the way the program is. I wish I would have had someone to tell me because I wouldn't have wasted my time :/ Good luck :)

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I meant I am not in the the program... not I not in the program. Sorry :(

I not in the program anymore. I was in the FNP program at USA but I dropped because I refuse to pay tuition to a place that doesn't provide more learning opportunities. I was told by a friend that I met after I started the program that what you teach yourself from the book and learn in clinicals is what you get from the program. I don't know first hand about the clinicals because I dropped. UAB does podcasts, live chat, and live classroom through a shared desktop application from what the lady told me when I emailed them. They seem to have more learning opportunities to me. However, USA told me they would have videos but when I started they had MINIMAL videos (like 3-4 that were around 6 minutes long dated from 5 years ago). I just want a good education if I am going to pay for it. I am not trying to steer people away from USA, I am just trying to inform them of the way the program is. I wish I would have had someone to tell me because I wouldn't have wasted my time :/ Good luck :)
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Thanks Flgirl for the reply......I have mixed reviews from both UAb & USA. I would like to find someone in the Adult/Geron (Primary) program to get some info from them. anyone out there????

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I think UABs program is far superior to USAs and I got my BSN from USA....

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Specializes in Pulmonology/Critical Care, Internal Med.

I am in the ACNP/RNFA program at UAB about to graduate in 65 days. To the original question I'd choose ACNP over the ANP. You can sit for both boards, you get primary care training within the ACNP program. USA or UAB, it doesn't matter. You're going to get a good eduction no matter. They have a nice DNP program down at USA that gets you a ACNP/FNP/DNP. They have a surgical NP program at UAB that gets you the ACNP/RNFA.

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