Are online NP programs good for the profession??

I think it does lessen our credibility to some people, not that I think it is right or that it is a valid argument. I too am applying for NP programs and this was a big part of my decision. While I think other nurses understand that it is just as rigorous a curriculum, the non-nurse colleagues might view it differently.

It is sad, because when I look at curriculums, Rush has one of the most demanding (80 some-odd hours versus 48-ish for most others, and requires courses in epidemiology and biostats), but since it is online I wonder how it will be perceived. (They also have an on campus option but I can't move to Chicago.)

I ended up choosing a Brick and Mortar school, partially because of this perception and partially because I am a tactile learner and my top choice school has a kick-butt skills lab/virtual hospital.

From comments I've seen on sites r/t news stories, etc... sounds like other professionals and some of the public are very skeptical about the 'online doctorate' piece of the DNP - I do agree that it may lessen the credibility. That said - my program (MSN-FNP) is a mix and I'm finding that I don't like the online format - I miss that important collaboration piece with others, learning from instructors, feedback, etc. Perhaps the classes will improve as I get more into the program, but I'm not all that happy right now... then again - I'll stick with it since I started it, will do what I can to improve the experience for myself, give feedback that might help to improve the experience for others, and not transfer, where I'd have to wait and then run into the same thing, since so many are switching to online.

absolutely, positively not; my experience is that online takes the teaching out of education, and that is not a good thing

i am unaware of any np program that is delivered 100% "online". (corrections would be appreciated, not insulted). our coursework at texas tech does deliver the classroom didactic(classroom/lecture) portion online, however the clinical rotations are real clinical rotations in the various settings, not online case studies or retrospective studies. we actually see patients, not just charts. if the problem is with the perception of how we receive our didactic (bookwork) , i too lament the direct contact with the professor. the point is whether one sits at a desk and listens to lecture or sits at a computer and watches that very same lecture, we are responsible for processing, integrating, and regurgitating that very same knowledge when test time comes.

as for collaborations, in undergrad traditional school, we spent very little time at school discussing matters and more on the phone and via e-mail. i do not see this differing from my graduate studies.

of note, there are at least two md online programs as well.

when it comes down to it, i think what matters most is how well we affect the health of our patients. in the end, the model of education is not more important than how the knowledge gained is applied to our patients. also, when we take our proficiency exams, there is not one for partial online and one for brick and mortar schools. you either know the answers or you fail.

When people ask me where I went to school I just say SLU (Saint Louis University). I don't elaborate and no one has ever asked further.

My resume doesn't reflect that I attended an online program and no one has ever asked otherwise.

I have to say - only my advanced pathophys had lectures - the rest is reading myself. I think if any program had a brick/mortar class like that - where students read by themselves without interaction - there would be lots of complaints. I'm hoping my school includes more of the interaction piece...

Since the knowledge level on the national exam has not changed, the answer to your question may lie in the pass rates of online programs.:)

I prefer online education. It allow many to continue their education who would otherwise not be able to do to life's circumstances. And I agree, online programs can be quite rigorous, but some believe that until there are online medical schools, PA programs, pharmacy programs, or physical therapy programs, online NP programs will be viewed wearily. And no, the degree does not state "U of What Ever online Masters Degree", but health care professionals do keep up with the education standards of their counterparts, and I wonder what is the prevailing thought on this is.

G

Not trying to bash online programs here - but I honestly wonder if some programs will allow a much larger amount of applicants in who meet the minimum admission requirements? Are online schools as competitive with their admissions in the same manner as brick and mortar schools? I'm assuming that online programs can meet the needs of a much larger student body since there doesn't have to be seating room for all students - also, especially since they require their students to find their own clinical placements - essentially they can be much more liberal with who they choose to admit. I think this is what concerns people outside of the nursing profession - the thought that almost anybody can get in if they apply (not saying that I agree with this, but just throwing it out there as to why some may think online programs are inferior).

Also, I imagine that it would be very easy for a potential employer to figure out if someone attended an online program - especially if it is a school that is several states away from where the person lives and has worked for the past few years (since such info is listed on a job application).