Are online FNP programs/grads inferior?

[ZenNurse2016]

Does anyone know which schools offer the best FNP programs or have the highest, state board, pass rate? There are many threads filled with a lot of skeptics about attending a traditional 'brick and mortar' program over an online FNP program but I can't decipher what is fact from fiction. Does anyone have any facts on whether online prepared FNP graduates are having difficulty passing the state exams and are more inadequate in the clinical rotations than their traditional counterparts? In addition, does anyone have evidence that online grads are being discriminated against when it comes to being hired and are they shunned during the interview process? I am contemplating applying to an FNP program. However, I would like to make a wise choice that positions me to be marketable, knowledgeable, and competent. Also, does anyone have a list of top ranked programs both traditional and online FNP programs and how to source the passing scores of these programs? I look forward to everyone's help with this.

ps. Are there any online FNP graduates having 'buyers remorse' because they were inadequately prepared upon completion of degree.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Just a couple of my thoughts regarding your questions:

1. NP certification exams are offered by national boards as there are no state-based certification exam anywehere. With that said these are computer-based examinations that do not test actual skill performance and neither does it test the examinee's verbal ability to think on their feet in terms of patient management. On-campus and online programs can both prepare graduates to pass standardized computer-based certification exams because all they can measure is the examinee's ability to eliminate best answers from multiple choice questions. In addition to that, NP program grads typically utilize review materials and classes from independent entities that are very well versed on exam content.

2. For me, it's more important that students get appropriate clinical rotations that will mirror the didactic content of the particular NP program or NP specialization. There are programs (both on-campus and online) that do not arrange clinical rotations for students. This makes it tough for students who do not have an existing network of prospective providers and clinical sites who can serve as preceptors during clinicals. I also feel that this practice does not allow the institution to monitor the quality of clinical sites and providers who precept their students.

3. Online programs are typically housed in brick and mortar institutions where face to face, classroom-based instruction are held for the same NP program offered online. Your diploma will not say "graduate of an online FNP program with these much hours spent logged in on the computer". It will be a generic diploma for everyone else who graduates with the same degree in the institution. Chances are employers would not know the difference unless you bring it up during the interview. They, however, may ask how you were able to attend an institution hundreds or thousand miles away while still staying foot in your locality.

[ZenNurse2016]

Thanks Jaun, you made some very good points. I will shop around for a strong curriculum and substantial clinical hours.