Does it matter where you obtain your master degree for NP?

[panpan]

I have a question... does it matter where you obtain your master degree in nursing for NP? For example, top graduate nursing school in the nation is probably John Hopkins and then there are tons of online BSN to MSN programs like Kaplan... I mean do hospitals who hires NP look down upon online nursing programs from a less known university? How significant does this factor come into play when you want to find work? And is there any area/states where they are hurting for NPs?

[mammac5]

My thought is that anyone who passes the certification exam is qualified to be hired in an entry-level position. I also think that if an employer receives 20 resumes for one open position, the graduates from schools with excellent reputations are likely to go to the top of the list of those called for interviews. The name of the school may not get you hired, but it is likely to get you interviewed.

[coast2coast]

Agree with most of this. I know of some outright discrimination against for-profit graduates (kaplan, UoP) at more selective practices on the east coast. i also get the general impression that hiring MDs are more sensitive to 'big name' schools than HR or nurses.

[Tinabeanrn]

I think it is important to research the school, make sure they have the proper accrediations and see what their pass rate is for the boards. I would probably go with a well known school myself, because you dont want to be in an interview and have to explain your education if an employer has never heard of the school you attended. Texas seems to have a large need for NPs as far as I can tell. Unsure of a place that is hurting for entry level NPs. Seems lots of employers what 3-5 years of experience these days :). Hope this is helpful

[myelin]

Coming from a reputable program will help you, especially if an employer is trying to decide between you and someone who went to a degree mill like Kaplan. I, too, know of practices that refuse to hire professional school/online grads (except for online grads from legitimate universities, like Rush, Vanderbilt, etc.) Don't you worry about the quality of education you will receive from an online program with little standards to entry?

[sapphire18]

I know if I were hiring NPs, I would most definitely be looking at which program they attended! :)

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I got my degree from a fairly "big name" school in the East. It definitely opened doors for me in my area. I'm not sure it would have made the same impression in other parts of the country. It doesn't necessarily make me a better NP than anyone else, that's for sure! I would absolutely avoid the for-profit degree mills. Make sure the school you choose has a solid reputation, solid accreditation, and won't leave you abandoned to find your own clinicals.

[panpan]

I agree with you guys. It's just better to go for a reputable program, can't hurt anyways. Thanks all!