Hi everyone, I'm new to this site...need some help...
I've been in practice 12 years as a chiro. I'm seeking a career change for a variety of reason. My ultimate goal would be FNP.
Are there any chiros who have gone the route of Mid America Learning? I've been talking with them lately...have seen mixed reviews in various forums. Some of the posts were 2009-10...and now we're in 2015...so wondering if anything has changed / gotten better?
I'm trying to find a path that would be mostly online...and self paced...so I can keep my practice and continue to treat patients...
University of Michigan/Flint has mostly online MSN option for RNs without BSN but holding other Bachelor degree. It is very competitive place but a good one. They allow at least some nursing pre-recs from online classes but not from Excelsior, AFAIK.
Thanks...yeah I looked at UM Flint...but it says courses must be within 7 years. I graduated chiro school 11 years ago...so my courses are too dated for these guys...
I'm now looking into college of st. scholastica...I have a chiro classmate who is going through their program...16 months or so to BSN. And then St. Catherine has direct entry MSN...that is 26 months.
I guess this leads to another question. Is there any major difference between BSN or MSN?
I'm gathering from the above dialogue...it's best to get RN / BSN...and then work for a while...gather some experience before forging forward into FNP program?
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
Move to allnurses Nurse Practitioners (NP) for members expert advice. You are not the first chiro to transition to FNP --might want to search prior posts in this forum (click spyglass right corner to open search toolbar)
Nurse Practitioner education is at the master degree level requiring you have become an RN + BSN to enter program. Few FNP programs are setup to accept experienced Associates degree RN with bachelor level courses completed along with starting MSN corses.
Since you don't want to leave home community as desire to continue work as DC, it would be in your best interest to investigate programs in your area. You could take most core required programs online, then enter completion evening BSN program (2 yrs) or accelerated BSN program. There are several online FNP programs that you would then be eligible to enter -- Frontier School of Nursing is popular well respected FNP that would fit you.
I'm not sure if this will help anyone, but I actually called and talked to a lady at Mid-America Learning yesterday. She explained to me that they are not a school but they are in partnership with the schools for the different programs they offer. First you have to go to the paramedic program, then on to the paramedic to RN program and then to the RN to FNP program…which I also found these steps on their website. She explained that clinical rotations are only in certain locations right now but that it's not difficult to get them setup close to me. As with any programs, I suggest calling for yourself to get the information.
Hi Doc, I just graduated from WGU w/BSN online while running my clinic and had a infant and a toddler. I am a DC. I love being a DC and love being a business owner ( it does have it's moments though). I plan to start my NP online this fall. Do your research, there are tons of accelerated programs out there. I am narrowing it down now. I plan to expand my current practice or start another one when I am done, so doesn't matter which school I go to since I will be my own boss as long as I can pass my licensing Exams. Good Luck to you! You can do it!
Hi Doc, I just graduated from WGU w/BSN online while running my clinic and had a infant and a toddler. I am a DC. I love being a DC and love being a business owner ( it does have it's moments though). I plan to start my NP online this fall. Do your research, there are tons of accelerated programs out there. I am narrowing it down now. I plan to expand my current practice or start another one when I am done, so doesn't matter which school I go to since I will be my own boss as long as I can pass my licensing Exams. Good Luck to you! You can do it!
I'm doing this exact transition currently. Through WGU I will continue to practice as a DCS while traveling to clinicals in IN and sound didactic portion online. This is the pre-licensure BSN. Then I have found several NP programs that would allow me to stay in my community to finish rotations. I already have several positive relationships with NP/MD/DO offices here and don't foresee having difficulty finding preceptors.
There is also a 12 month DC (foreign trained MD, etc) to ADN in Palm Beach that requires travels once/month for 4-5 days to do clinical. Cost is $26k for the program with rolling start dates. Sit for NCLEX once program is finished.
If you choose that route you can do WGU RN-BSN in 6-12 months. It's dependent on how quickly you can complete the coursework. ~$3500/semester.
As others have stated, many "mainly online" NP programs, some more costly or time consuming than others.
The path I have chosen should take about 4.5-5 years seeing that everything follows along nicely.
KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN
1 Article; 2,675 Posts
University of Michigan/Flint has mostly online MSN option for RNs without BSN but holding other Bachelor degree. It is very competitive place but a good one. They allow at least some nursing pre-recs from online classes but not from Excelsior, AFAIK.