Deciding on a NP program

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

I have been trying to decide which NP program to apply to. I went to Spalding University to complete my Bachelor's and was wanting to go back for my Master's, but it's by far the most expensive on my list. I am also researching Eastern Kentucky, Frontier Nursing University, and Graceland University. Cost-wise those three are about even, none require the GRE (Spalding and EKU I'm exempt because of my undergrad GPA). There are pro's and con's for all programs. Both Frontier and Graceland require at the most two trips to their campus at set points in the program. I work full time I doubt I would be able to get the time off required.

Despite it's expense, Spalding is closer to me than EKU though EKU is 100% online. All are reputable programs in my state, though I had never heard of Graceland (I asked my hubby's NP where she went to school).

Anyone here go to any of these programs? Like's/Dislike's.

My big problem (might not be for some) is writing my personal statement/essay. How personal do they want you to get? Cost is also a big issue simply because I am going to try to not have to take out too many student loans as I'm already up to eyeballs in debt from my undergrad degree's.

One school I researched in my state completely blew me off by making this statement "at your age I would go to a MSN program, not a DNP program like ours". Needless to say, they dropped completely off my list of possibles.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

Wildcatfan, First, congratulations, it sounds like you have been researching programs and identifying pros and cons of each. Second, of the programs you listed I only know one, frontier, so I cannot compare or contrast with the other programs. One of the reasons I applied to frontier is that they have quite an extensive support system for you during your clinicals. They have staff dedicated to monitoring you and your preceptor during your clinical progression. As you mentioned there is one trip to campus that is about two weeks in duration just prior to clinicals for skills assessment as well. As I had no options for B&M programs, I knew I wanted a program that would support me with my clinical as well as my didactic learning, and frontier had a plan for that. The other schools might as well, but I don't know about them.

Good Luck

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Thanks, I don't know why the campus visits worry me so much. It's much worse for those who are out of state. I just don't know how supportive my employer will be needing to take the time off. We don't get vacation, just flex time and if I don't have enough built up then I won't get the time approved. I know this is worry several years in advance but that's how my brain works.

Your right though, everything I've read about Frontier shows they are very supportive. My husband's NP has precepted some from Frontier and the other NP in the office went there. One thing for me though I'm still a bit undecided on whether I want to work only in the office or in a hospital. If I choose hospital then my choices of schools will dramatically change as neither of them have acute care NP programs.