Certification Frustration

[worm9]

I'm sure this has been asked in some way before, but I can't find a thread close enougth to this issue ...

My wife graduated in May and sent paperwork in to AANP (I bet you can see where this is headed now)

They charged our cc within about a week of her sending paperwork. We never heard anything from them. She called 2 or 3 times a day and only got voicemail, which was full so she could not leave a message. Send emails, with no responses. This went on for several weeks. I emailed the AANP Director of Communication, her response was AANP is separate from AANP certification, nothing she could do. Finally my wife gets through to the Director of certication, who tells her (quite rudely) that her certification will be sent by the end of the week - problem is she hasn't even been scheduled to take the test yet!

Finally test approval comes in, she takes the test second week in Aug. - computer gives her the bad news. So she prepares to study more and retest. Problem is she doesn't have a clue what CEs to take because she has still not received her official results (10 weeks later - suppose to take 2 weeks). She called, got full voicemails, finally got a response from email. Was told her results went out, verified her address, a second copy of 'certification' would be sent, still haven't received it.

In the mean time she has had phone interviews for potentially her dream job (would require relocation, no biggie). Problem is face to face interview has had to be put off because no results have come back and she hasn't even begun the proces to retest. She did send application in to ANCC (charged cc already). I'm guessing the process will be about the same.

Sorry for the long vent ... does anyone have any suggestions on who she can contact to get some answers? Its quite frustrating that 3 years of advanced school is completed (with honors). And now its been 6 months with barely any communication from the certiication board. The thought has crossed my mind to contact a lawyer since they have taken our money, but so far failed to follow through with the services. Hopefully it doesn't go that far (that's why I'm here).

Thanks for reading this long post and any help.

[ANPFNPGNP]

the AANP certification people are in Texas and horribly unorganized and unprofessional from my personal experience as well as several of my graduating class.

If she's already applied for ANCC exam I would focus on that. Or you can spend $$$ calling Texas daily which is what I had to do and still it dragged out for months

A former professor told me that it took almost 10 months before she could take the FNP exam through the AANP. She was already an ANP through the ANCC, so she was still able to work. I can't remember all the specifics, but I do remember that the AANP kept losing her paperwork and she kept having to resend stuff...it was a nightmare!

[globalRN]

well I had the same problem with ANCC. I called multiple times, left messages and emailed( found the personal email on google because they don't have it on the website). No written response after 2.5 months.

I called my VISA company and had them initiate an investigation/refund on my cc. Well, after my Visa company got on their case, they sent me a reply by registered mail shortly after. That is why it is good to pay by cc; at least VISA will intervene on your behalf.

Very lousy customer service.

[NCLEX_CareBear]

I graduated on May 30, 2008 and was able to take the AANP FNP certification exam shortly after that. I took (and passed) the exam on Aug. 20, 2008. I'm still waiting for my official result. I called AANP every day or so and the lady I spoke with said she'll "personally mailed my results out today". Yeah right?!?! Anyone have any suggestions re: how to handle this situation. THX!

[Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C]

I graduated on May 30, 2008 and was able to take the AANP FNP certification exam shortly after that. I took (and passed) the exam on Aug. 20, 2008. I'm still waiting for my official result. I called AANP every day or so and the lady I spoke with said she'll "personally mailed my results out today". Yeah right?!?! Anyone have any suggestions re: how to handle this situation. THX!

Snail mail=5 days tops. No response=BBB Complaint.

https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/GetStarted.aspx

[globalRN]

if you paid by cc, get them to chase your case....i am sure u will get your response.

i am thinking of endorsing to aanp ...just so that they wont be getting my renewal fee next time around.

But it sounds as if AANP was also slow to respond.

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

OP, I live in Alabama too, PM me and I'll see if I can get her some leads. I graduate in about a month, and I have several avenues, but I'll need to know what area of the state you're in. Birmingham's LOADED with NP jobs. PM me if you want, I'll help any way I can.

[SASQUATCH THE NP]

I did my certification through ANCC and haven't had any problems with them at all including all of the times I have contacted them with different questions. For those who haven't taken the exam yet, my understanding is that Margaret Fitzgerald has a phenomenal review course... Just look up Fitzgerald Health and I am sure you can find the site.

[K Colorado]

I had VERY similiar situation. I graduated in Dec 2008, applied to AANP within two weeks. Never heard from them. 10weeks later I start calling everyday, leaving messages, etc. NO ONE will call back from AANP-guarenteed!! They sometime will respond to e-mails. I called the manager, director, Washington office, etc and no answers. No call backs. I finally contacted manager in TX certification office, who again said "it's being processed" I continued to call everyday. Two weeks later, my husband started calling. I am definately not a racist, but I actually think it took his "male" voice to get a response. The manager told my husband "we can't find your membership number and your wife owes an extra $75" I paid it that day and again never heard from them. It took my husband to call the DC office and talk with the director's staff to get information.

I finally was approved and took the boards. Unfortunately, I failed. (wondering if all those phone calls had something to do with that?) GPA=3.90 and can't pass boards. I have not received my official report. In the meantime, I applied for ANCC which multiple school's deans have told me (now) is a better, easier process. I'm waiting to see, ANCC did cash my check today.

I will say if the BBB, husbands or credit card companies don't work, legally I believe you can charge them with "restraint of trade." Consult legal council on this.

In the meantime, I (and my dream career) am waiting for certification and licensing. I'm not sure how long they will wait, but hopeful that they will.

I think the only way to approve this is for NPs to group together and legislatively change the requirements for licensing. Doctors get a license and then, if they choose can become board certified. Why are NPs set up differently? Why don't states offer a temp license for 6-12 months to provide time for the certification board to get their act together?

[zenman]

What about getting our schools involved to help with this mess?

[sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN]

Only 9 complaints in 36 months? And that rates an "F" ? Another perspective:

Took ANCC 22 Jan, took AANP 12 Feb. AANP made me wait two weeks for a question regarding my women's health clinic site (weird request, coming from an accredited school?). Both gave me passing results day of test.

Mar 18 (five weeks) AANP sent verification to state, got my license that day.

I have yet to hear from ANCC. Called them three weeks ago, nice lady said I should be hearing something by the next week. That was two weeks ago...no verification, no certificate, no pin. So I guess it's an individual's experience or unfortunate luck.

I chose to take both exams and am glad I did. I can walk into my interviews with a state license, thanks to AANP. Good luck!

[MS._Jen_RN, ASN, RN]

I had NUMEROUS problems with the ANCC and the state of Michigan. I graduated in Aug, took the test in Oct, no license until FEB. (Yes, Feb) Basically it took repeated calls, messages and near the end getting a little nasty.

[Gator FNP]

This problem with the AANP seems to be chronic. I had difficulty with the AANP, I took my certification through the ANCC, it was efficient.