Anyone attending Kaplan or Walden University?

kellyshel · Sep 6, 2014

I too am considering Kaplan for the MSN-FNP program. I did my research and you can work in CA as an FNP with a degee and cert from Kaplan and believe that any and all of the online programs have pros and cons and are what you make of them. I am a full time OR nurse with a husband and 2 small children. I am aware that I will have to sacrifice things to complete the program but I am fully ready to take the challenge. As for finding clinical preceptorships, I am in agreement with others on this site that have pointed out that you need good connections. I am starting classes Oct 15 and am already looking to solidify a preceptorship even though its a ways away. I would love to connect with other students in the program from the Southern California region. Good luck to all.

kkyelverton · Sep 30, 2014

kelleyshel, are you enrolled in Kaplan this semester staring oct 15?

kellyshel · Oct 1, 2014

Yes I am!! And I am so very excited and can't wait to start!! How about you??

lepew · Oct 1, 2014

Well I went to Walden - I was not denied by other schools as you suggested. I chose them. It worked with my full time teaching schedule. Now here is the difference. You are discussing an NP track- I did the MSN with specialization in nursing ed track. I was already a associate prof at a college and have continued that position. I did not check into the NP program. Didn't interest me. I love to teach. I have been a nurse for 25 years. I feel Walden enhanced my teaching skills. So maybe our discussion is comparing apples to oranges since I am not in the NP track.

Anyway- it really is an individualized decision. Choose your school wisely and make sure it's accredited.

LizRN0304 · Oct 24, 2014

Hi!

I was wondering how the FNP program is. I will be done with my BSN through Kaplan in 2 weeks and I am considering returning for FNP. Can you give me any information or advice?

LizRN0304 · Nov 7, 2014

I was wondering how the program with Kaplan is going. I just finished their BSN program and am seriously considering the MSN NP program with Kaplan. Can you give me any info about your experience so far?

kellyshel · Nov 9, 2014

I am about 1/2 way thru my first class at Kaplan and I have been very impressed with the professionalism and way the class has been run. It's not a cake walk, I have had to put effort in the assignments and there is specific requirements to meet for attendance and good grades. I know that there is a whole lot of bad talk about Kaplan out there, but every school is what you make of it, and I am very pleased thus far with Kaplan! I have also had nothing but help from the administrative side of the school and if i have questions, I call and they always answer the phone and my questions. I can't go to a traditional brick and mortar school at this point in my life with a full-time job, husband and two young boys, so online is the only option I have to get my FNP. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

LizRN0304 · Nov 9, 2014

Do you know if they received accreditation for the program? I just finished my BSN through Kaplan and I had a great educational experience with them. I am really nervous about the clinical part of it, finding your own preceptor for all the hours of clinical you have to do.

I can't pm yet because I am so new on here but I'd be happy to give you me email. I would love to stay updated on your experience so I know what to expect!

I spoke with a re admissions adviser and got some clarity but forgot to ask about being accredited. I also wanted to find out if the tests and quizzes are all online from home or if there are proctored tests at a site too.

thank you so much for replying!

kellyshel · Nov 9, 2014

I know that the MSN-FNP program is accredited but not the post masters certificate FNP as of yet. As long as you are going for the MSN thru them first you are good. I live in California and checked with the Board of Nursing before I applied and was told that yes, a degree with FNP certification from Kaplan is acceptable. So far all quizes have been online from home. I will gladly stay in touch :) my email is [email protected]!!

IBSavn · Jan 5, 2015

Absolutely correct. They put very little money or effort into their students, and are a huge issue in the NP profession as they are:
1. Oversaturating the market by taking EVERYONE who applies and graduating thousands of nurse practitioners.
2. Reducing the prestige of nurse practitioners (no other medical profession has FOR PROFIT programs).
3. Graduating lower tier students who make the profession look bad.
The only thing these schools care about is making as much money as possible while spending as little as they can on instruction. Any school with endless advertisements "BECOME A DNP 100% ONLINE IN 2 YEARS!!!" is embarrassing.

You hit the nail on the head. Institutions like this give nurse practitioners a bad reputation. This is why we can't get respect and recognition from our healthcare provider peers. Your statements remind me of a comment a physician made once to a NP I worked with after she suggested an alternative treatment, "Really, that is what you think? Let me guess, you got your NP degree from Phoenix online?!"

That just shows that they take our education and training as a joke because they know there really are low-ball programs out there.

rn777 · May 19, 2015

Walden does not support its students. It could take months for the practicum field office to respond to an email or to review you clinical site application. You are basically paying for access to a third party virtual discussion board website and for self education.

rn777 · May 19, 2015

Walden might be ok for programs that do not require national certification.