Anyone accepted into USC (southern california) FNP program?

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hi! I got the call I was accepted in to USC's FNP program. I will be starting Fall 2017. Just wanted to reach out to anyone who is currently in the program or got accepted as well :cat:

Sound advice!

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All of your comments have been so helpful in making the decision to attend USC's online FNP program. I just applied to the Fall 2018 start date. Anyone else?? Would love to hear from everyone who is already in the program and if they would still recommend USC.

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Hello everyone,

Ive been reading this thread and first I'd like to say congrats to those in the program and to those of you who have been accepted. I have also applied, but now I'm having second thoughts. My main concern is with accreditation. I've scoured the websites but all I could find was that it was pending. I have to say Im not entirely clear on this. I imagine that people have taken this program, passed and able to sit for exam. So what does this mean, exactly? If I were to continue on to DNP would this hinder my application if not accredited? Does it mean not able to practice in or continue education in certain states? They do have accreditation but not ANCC, ACEN, or AANP which other schools do.

this is what I found in nursinglicensure.org:

The program must hold an accreditation that is acceptable to your certification agency and your state board. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which offers widely recognized certifications in most NP population foci, requires that candidates graduate from programs that are accredited by either the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Confused?

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Any word on the accreditation question? I cant seem to find anything online other than pending. Will ask advisor tomorrow. Best of luck!

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Hi tycervantes,

I spoke with one of the USC counselors and he said they are currently pursuing CCNE accreditation. According to the counselor, they should have the decision by May. In addition, I was doing some research and their on-site evaluation was last November. Hopefully they will get the results soon.

Here's the link http://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/CCNE/PDF/Education-Evaluations-Fall.pdf

Hope this helps!

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Anyone recently accepted? I'm trying to decide between USC and University. I'd like to know what made those who were deciding between two or more schools choose USC. I'd love to go, but i'm not convinced with the price tag and return on investment.

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Specializes in MS, Emergency.

They just got accreditation from CCNE.

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Specializes in MS, Emergency.

The cost is expensive because it is from USC. Unfortunately they are one of the most expensive universities in the country (probably after NYU). It is not because the program is expensive, the school itself is expensive as they charge the same cost per unit in any other graduate degrees.

You are probably asking, is the FNP degree from USC, worth the financial investment when you can get an FNP degree from another institution at a lower cost?

There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to determining the dollar worth of each degree, but USC can charge a lot, because of their ranking. The FNP program is fairly new, but they definitely did not hire just any FNP. If you look at their course designers, they are one of the best in the country.

During our campus intensive, they hire medical actors and teaching assistants for the genitourinary system. We practiced pelvic exams on real people. The teaching assistants allowed us to insert a speculum into their reproductive organs and gave us their feedback whether or not we are doing it right.

Our online class is mostly doing case studies doing differential diagnosis. Although it is online, we have virtual classes every week at a certain time, a face to face interaction with professors and classmates (limited to 12).

USC can afford to also charge a lot of money, simply because of "brand name". Currently, they are ranked 21 in the nation from US News (tied with UCLA, UC Berkeley) and if you look at programs from the top 20 (Georgetown, Upenn, Vanderbilt), they probably charge similarly per credit.

If you are in Los Angeles, you are probably aware, the top Universities are UCLA and USC.

However, school name does not necessarily translate into career success. Pick a school that works best for you.

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Specializes in NICU, Infertility.

Hi all,

I am contemplating applying for the FNP program and even though the price is steep, I feel that they will look at the big picture instead of my GPA from 20 years ago. Question to those that are currently in the program - what does the bridge program consist of? Is this like a probationary course that you would need to pass with a certain GPA prior to proceeding with the FNP?

I am looking into starting in January 18, possibly doing the Sept 18 bridge.

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Specializes in MS, Emergency.

The bridge is a review of chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and etc in preparation for Pathophysiology. I spoke with the course designers for both the bridge and pathophys on how they can improve the bridge course, that will be helpful for patho. For example, pathophysiology is heavy with signal transduction (receptors and stuff) and she links it with pharm on how the medication works in certain diseases (blocking receptor for example). Don't be scared though. The Prof are really helpful. You will need 80% to pass the bridge. Its only credit or no credit.

The GPA requirement is 3.0. I don't know if they take anyone less than 3.0 but they did issue a warning to one of my classmate who almost failed the Pathophys. If the student can't bring the GPA up to 3.0 next semester, he'll be kicked out of the program. They recently changed the grading system. All theory classes are letter grade (except the bridge) and all clinical are credit/no credit. They encourage learning among our peers rather than be driven by a GPA.

Good luck! I hope you get in. It's a wonderful program. Let me know if I can be of help. Fight on!

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Specializes in NICU, Infertility.

I'm excited! I graduated from Toronto so I'm happy that USC doesn't require me to get evaluated. I spoke the admissions coordinator and he said that because of my 21+ Years experience that it counts for something. I was young and had a lot of family responsibilities back then. My kid are grown so it's my turn now. I feel I can do very well! Thanks for your response!

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Specializes in MS, Emergency.

You'll be great! I am from Vancouver! :)

I'm excited! I graduated from Toronto so I'm happy that USC doesn't require me to get evaluated. I spoke the admissions coordinator and he said that because of my 21+ Years experience that it counts for something. I was young and had a lot of family responsibilities back then. My kid are grown so it's my turn now. I feel I can do very well! Thanks for your response!
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