I've been applying to MSN/FNP online schools and just got accepted to USC's program!! woohoo!I would have to take the bridge course because I've been out of school 5+ years (this course is a combo of all the major sciences, yuck! micro, o-chem, anatomy, and physiology) - do other schools require this type of course if you've been out of school a while or if you didn't do the best in the sciences for undergrad (I got A's and B's but got a D in micro and had to retake it)?? I would have to take the bridge course before actually starting the FNP portion.
I have a few other schools in the works and was wondering what everyone thought of these schools and if anyone had insight on their FNP programs - most are online...
1. USC - University of Southern California (I know their reputation is great - but the cost is 84k for the 2year program! - one of the higher tuitions I've found. Also - their FNP program isn't accredited quite yet. It's supposed to be by September, but it's still a gamble. Any thoughts on this??)
2. Simmons College (It's 60k for the program, all online, and based out of Boston) I haven't been accepted yet, but am hoping to be! It might be my top choice, but that could just be because I've talked to them the most and it seems like a good program. Any thoughts on their FNP program?
3. Bradley University - again, it's 60k and all online. Thoughts about this program??
4. Maryville University - also 60k I think and all online. Thoughts on this program?
5. Azusa Pacific - it's 37k for their program, and on campus. Any thoughts or info about this school/program?
6. South University - 37k online. I have a co-worker who did their online program and didn't seem too enthusiast about it, but she said she was going through some things which took away from her studies. Any thoughts on this program?
7. Frontier - 30k online. I've heard mixed reviews about their FNP program - any thoughts?
8. University of Cincinnati - 67k online. This school/program got #5 on US News for top best online nursing programs/NP programs I think, which sounds pretty good - when others on my list are #50, 60 and in the 90s...any thoughts on this school and FNP program?
Thanks so much - all the advice and input is appreciated!! It's so hard to know which schools are good - and I've missed a lot of deadlines because I chose this path a little late, and I'd really prefer to not wait another year to attend other/cheaper schools. I just want a good education, want a school that will prepare me for the NP boards/job, but one that doesn't cost a total fortune... Thanks all for your input! :)
So I am in a similar position as most. I Applied to South University as a friend referred me to the program because she had got in, I saw the reviews but reached out to a few nurses who were in the program who said it's good and it just takes self motivation as most online programs. I basically got in but I have not gotten by acceptance letter (I am a planner by nature) and so I didn't want to buy books etc until I got my confirmation of acceptance which is my letter.
i started the process about 3 weeks ago, my admission specialist was aiming for me to start April 14, I was okay with that but as time passed I am internationally educated and so they received all my documentation but wanted confirmation of the degree taught in English which is difficult to find because I am from a English speaking country so the university was doing something specifically for this.
I was going on vacation April 25 - may and I explained that because internet is weird I don't want to start in April, he said it was doable but if not let him know.
Fast forward to this past Thursday he called to say they were waiting on confirmation from my university re English but we were all set I would get acceptance the day before class starts THIS WEEK! I said no I can't start in April because I was not prepared, I won't have Internet secure for 2 weeks and I can't miss class. He kept going on and on and was pushing for me to start this week. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I googled them for reviews and not I'm not sure I want to go there at all!!
i really want to know if I'm over reacting and if I should still continue with South or should I just try to find another school? There are just so many options I'm confused and don't want to make the wrong choice as this is costly and I can't afford to start and stop
Do you know if at Simmons, the teachers are the ones who put the exams or not? I've been to an online school for my BSN and the teachers had no idea about the exams contents, and that made it really difficult for us
My aunt has her PhD in nursing and works at the graduate level at UC Denver. We had a good talk about FNP programs the other day because I am also interested in doing an FNP program. We talked about USC's program because I had done some research about it also and my aunt made a really good point about USC. She said it's really expensive and it's a gamble because they're not known for their nursing program and it's really important to make sure you go to a nursing school where the nursing reputation is known. Obviously if they don't even have accreditation yet that should tell you something and it may be a at least a couple of years for them to build a reputation for their nursing program and work out the kinks. She also advised against doing a program like University of Phoenix or Chamberlain because they don't have a good reputation in the educational world. I believe University of Phoenix had their accreditation pulled for some financial issues. Best of luck to
I am a Simmons College Master's program NP student. I really like it! I feel there area a few students who haven't done well but they partied and played too much so their studies suffered. They blamed the school but with Facebook and what I know about their studying (or lack of it!!), it was taking a back seat to their education! I have a 3.6 gpa (so I'm not perfect) and feel the classes are a good representation of what will be needed to pass boards. Their are some classes that are easier and some are harder. Health Assessment tests are difficult and Patho, and Pharm are some of the hardest ... as they SHOULD be! We are here to learn not just spend money and get a degree.
There have been students who have had to repeat courses due to dropping mid-term (course load was too heavy with life and work schedules, etc) and some have simply dropped out of the program along the way! I don't feel this is a reflection of the course work but maybe just the student, their study habits or outside factors in their life. I have a group of about 5-10 students that have formed study groups and we share class notes etc to help each other learn better and stay ahead. The studying for tests and writing of papers is up to me of course! I know there are MANY schools to choose from but I am grateful for the experience at Simmons and realize the cost could prohibit some people from applying but it will totally be worth it in the end.
I am positive I am learning though because I go back to my work and can apply the information I am learning in class to the hospital patients I am taking care of. I have even had other nurses comment on the things I am learning. Time has been passing quickly for me during this time but again, it's totally worth it!!
I would encourage ANYONE to go to Simmons unless you are looking for easy A's ... and then not passing boards.
I'm currently in the South University Online FNP program. It's all self study so reading reading reading non stop. You will only get out of it what you put in honestly. I looked at Simmons and was all set to start there, and a friend talked me into going to South with her (then she ended up not going). I'd be wary of a program that isn't accredited. Could you start somewhere​ else and then transfer after they become accredited?
I know this is an old post but I was wondering if you could update me on South University! How is it going? Would you recommend it to others? My mom and I are applying to FNP schools together currently and she has mentioned applying to South.
Deenurs
31 Posts
So I am in a similar position as most. I Applied to South University as a friend referred me to the program because she had got in, I saw the reviews but reached out to a few nurses who were in the program who said it's good and it just takes self motivation as most online programs. I basically got in but I have not gotten by acceptance letter (I am a planner by nature) and so I didn't want to buy books etc until I got my confirmation of acceptance which is my letter.
i started the process about 3 weeks ago, my admission specialist was aiming for me to start April 14, I was okay with that but as time passed I am internationally educated and so they received all my documentation but wanted confirmation of the degree taught in English which is difficult to find because I am from a English speaking country so the university was doing something specifically for this.
I was going on vacation April 25 - may and I explained that because internet is weird I don't want to start in April, he said it was doable but if not let him know.
Fast forward to this past Thursday he called to say they were waiting on confirmation from my university re English but we were all set I would get acceptance the day before class starts THIS WEEK! I said no I can't start in April because I was not prepared, I won't have Internet secure for 2 weeks and I can't miss class. He kept going on and on and was pushing for me to start this week. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I googled them for reviews and not I'm not sure I want to go there at all!!
i really want to know if I'm over reacting and if I should still continue with South or should I just try to find another school? There are just so many options I'm confused and don't want to make the wrong choice as this is costly and I can't afford to start and stop
any advice would be appreciated. thank you!