Chosing between two schools for FNP program

ryguyRN · Apr 27, 2013

If the price is that significant then go to Walden University. Although a friend of mine graduated last year from Georgetown U. and said that it was a very high quality program that prepared her very well. She got a job immediately after graduating.

medic33 · May 17, 2013

I am in the same situation where I am trying to decide between Georgetown and a smaller school that is a DNP program with a possible scholarship. I am still leaning towards Georgetown because I feel I have gotten a lot of support (with the technical aspects as well as possible grant and scholarship opportunities). Georgetown also coordinates the clinical sites and preceptors which the other school does not do. I have a few connections with truly quality MDs that I would love to have as my preceptor, but how do I know what really makes a quality FNP preceptor? I want to make sure I obtain the quality education...Georgetown has always bent over backwards to answer questions promptly and empower me to be excited about their program.

But, I also totally understand the financial implications. Do we get what we pay for? What do you think?

M

lhflanurseNP, APRN · May 17, 2013

I am doing South University and the fee is about 248/hour for the MSN-FNP program.

luv4health · May 17, 2013

Medic33-

That is a very good question about whether you get what you pay for. I certainly believe a lot of what you get out of education is the quality of your study and the time you put into it. Certainly, Georgetown has a stellar reputation. Walden just started its FNP program last September, so I am still nervous. I did defer my start date for both schools to September 2013 to give me time to make this important decision. Any other words of wisdom would be helpful.

Thanks!

sugarsweet21612 · May 18, 2013

Overall I have been impressed with georgetown for the most part. However the clinical situation has been less than ideal. Although they "find" the sites for us they really don't do a very good job at it and communication with the placement team is horrible. My next semester starts June 3rd and I'm still waiting for them to (hopefully) find me a site.

lhflanurseNP, APRN · May 20, 2013

I arranged my own clinicals, and was very lucky because there are not a lot of NP students in my community. Each of the practice sites include physicians and NPs. They are all well respected in the community AND in the local health system. I expect to learn a lot and being the only student, affords me more personal one-on-one. I am a very learn as I do person, so the preceptorships are most important to me.

kimkeim10 · May 20, 2013

I am looking for clinical placement in a Family practice environment for the Fall 2013 with either an FNP or MD. I live in Los Angeles. Does anyone have any suggestions or referrals? Much appreciated.

medic33 · May 23, 2013

Sorry that your clinical sites have been less than ideal. This was one benefit of Georgetown that helped me make the decision for Georgetown. Did you have many suggestions of where to look for sites for them? May I ask what state you are doing your clinicals in? I am in Iowa. I have a few people I would like to work with, but I don't know if they will be eligible since they work in the emergency department setting.

Good luck with future clinicals!!

finallydoingit · May 24, 2013

I have just finished my third quarter of Walden's FNP program. The program is challenging and the teachers are excellent. The student does have the responsibility of finding preceptors. I have no knowledge of Georgetown or their program, but I am very pleased with Walden.

TiffanyRN!! · May 26, 2013

Can you please PM me your feedback on South University. That was my first choice but I went with Walden and am thinking about transferring due to the lack of the support staff (academic advisors). The hike in tuition doesn't sit well with me when I can't get assistance with bias instructors. TIA!!

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Jun 3, 2013

Tiffany, I tried to PM you, but it says your box is full :-(. You can try a PM to me with your email or phone # and I will get back with you.