Choosing a FNP Program: USA vs. UC??

[mmgRN]

Hello Nurses!

I am seeking advice regarding selecting a FNP program. I have been accepted at both the University of South Alabama's [uSA] Online FNP program & University of Cincinnati's [uC] Online FNP Program.

I would love to hear from former/current UC or USA NP students, but any advice is appreciated!!!

Some background info about me... My goal is to graduate NP school in two years. I am married and have one child, a 5 year old son. I am 36 yrs old and plan to have another child at some point (can't put this off too much longer!) I graduated with honors from both my ADN and BSN program. I have been an RN since 2008, worked full-time for 6 years as an RN in the ED, and almost 2 yrs in L&D. I am now working PRN (8-16hrs per week) as a peri-op staff nurse to pursue my MSN full time.

Initially, I evaluated the programs based on accreditation, pass rate for certification exams, & cost, but wondering if there is another criteria I should consider more that would help me choose the best fit for me?

Here are some comparison details:

Both programs are CCNE accredited, UC also has regional accreditation.

Both programs give you eligibility to sit for the ANCC and AANP certification exams.

Length: USA- 7 semesters; UC- 6 semesters

Credits/Clinical Hours: USA- 45 cr/ 600 hrs; UC- 50cr/ 672 hrs

Cost: USA- $547/hr; UC- $739/hr

Pass rate: USA- 97%; UC- 76%

As I live in the South East US, the USA program is most familiar to me, due to it's proximity. I know many graduates and the name is familiar to most health professionals in my area. I do know one UC graduate and she had very good things to say about the program. Most of the USA grads say "okay" remarks, but overall would recommend the program. While USA is well know around my area, UC also is well known nationally. They offer both a DNP and PhD program, while USA only offers a DNP. If I go beyond an MSN, it will be the PhD path, so UC does have that advantage.

One detail about USA that is concerning is some core classes are only available once a year. In other words if something happened-- you failed the course or had to skip a semester, you would be a year behind! I questioned UC regarding this and they assured me that all courses were available every semester, so they are much more flexible with the schedule. We are going to be trying for a second baby soon, so this is important to me.

Another detail that is concerning regarding USA has been there registration process. It has been less than organized and would rate them a D- for ease of use and assistance during the process (I would rate UC an A+). I had to resubmit all my initial application materials to USA during the application process twice (not counting my primary submission). Multiple people emailed me asking for the same material, days apart, saying I never submitted certain documents. On the other hand, UC's process was seamless and to add to this smooth process, they have an advisor call you to offer assistance, multiple times throughout the process. So my initial impression of the two programs is UC seems to be more organized than USA and their technology seems superior as well. Having completed both an ADN-RN and BSN-RN program, I have found the overall organization of a program/school can be pretty important. As some programs can create a great deal of stress with their disorganization that takes away from academics.

Advantages found thus far:

USA is cheaper, has a better pass rate, and is well known name wise in my immediate geographical area.

UC is a shorter program, has more flexibility with the schedule, seems to be very organized & more technologically advanced, and offers a PhD program.

I spent hours researching which schools to apply to, so I feel both programs are such good choices! I was not prepared however to be accepted to both and now have to choose between the two?!?

Any and all information about either program or general advice about FNP programs is GREATLY appreciated!!! Thank you in advance for your words of wisdom!!!

[Grneyzrn]

I'm dealing with some of the same issues with USA. I'm accepted for fall 2016 post master FNP. Then I got an email asking for papers again! The I was told that I may have to start fall 2017 í ½í¸³ I'm not waiting that long! The organization is horrible

[mmgRN]

I'm dealing with some of the same issues with USA. I'm accepted for fall 2016 post master FNP. Then I got an email asking for papers again! The I was told that I may have to start fall 2017 ������ I'm not waiting that long! The organization is horrible

Oh wow! I wondered if I was the only one! It was kind of crazy, all in total I had to resubmit everything three times. Not the best first impression.

I've also heard some horror stories on here of USA changing the graduation requirements majorly (adding an additional year) in the middle of students' progression through the program. After reading up on here, I feel very confident that UC is the better fit for me. Their application process was a breeze and everyone seems very helpful, from the advisor to financial aid. I never did even get to speak to an advisor at USA after multiple emails and phone calls.

For the last year or so, all the USA grads I've come across (MSN regardless of specialty), I've asked if they would recommend the program-- all of their faces kind of glaze over, they conjure up some pros/cons, and ultimately say they would recommend it, but their facial expressions said otherwise! After reading on here, I think I understand why.

I know their pass rate is awesome, but thinking what it takes to get their is not worth it and perhaps more can be accomplished in a more positive/supportive environment. I know everyone's perspective is different and all the posts on here are of course hearsay, but there are enough consistent issues to give validity to me.

Not to mention, the major inflexibility in the curriculum schedule. I found this out firsthand from USA. If I have to take a semester off, it would mean postponing graduation by an entire year, instead of just a semester. In the meantime, what if they change the requirements? That would be my luck!!

[Grneyzrn]

Oh wow! I wondered if I was the only one! It was kind of crazy, all in total I had to resubmit everything three times. Not the best first impression.

I've also heard some horror stories on here of USA changing the graduation requirements majorly (adding an additional year) in the middle of students' progression through the program. After reading up on here, I feel very confident that UC is the better fit for me. Their application process was a breeze and everyone seems very helpful, from the advisor to financial aid. I never did even get to speak to an advisor at USA after multiple emails and phone calls.

For the last year or so, all the USA grads I've come across (MSN regardless of specialty), I've asked if they would recommend the program-- all of their faces kind of glaze over, they conjure up some pros/cons, and ultimately say they would recommend it, but their facial expressions said otherwise! After reading on here, I think I understand why.

I know their pass rate is awesome, but thinking what it takes to get their is not worth it and perhaps more can be accomplished in a more positive/supportive environment. I know everyone's perspective is different and all the posts on here are of course hearsay, but there are enough consistent issues to give validity to me.

Not to mention, the major inflexibility in the curriculum schedule. I found this out firsthand from USA. If I have to take a semester off, it would mean postponing graduation by an entire year, instead of just a semester. In the meantime, what if they change the requirements? That would be my luck!!

I have yet to speak with anyone! Nothing but emails...smh

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Don't forget commuting and housing costs when you need to be on campus. Plus additional technology fees, etc.

UC sounds better organized, but the pass rate concerns me. Did you ask about that?

A peer got his DNP form UAB, which he appears to be pleased with, if you want to throw a 3rd school into the mix.