Does Program Prestige Matter for FNP?

[Barkow]

I'm having a bit of a personal dilemma choosing NP programs, hopefully you folks can offer some input!

I live in an area with a fair amount of options to get an FNP degree. Assuming that actually getting accepted to a school isn't an issue, I can go to an Ivy League school that I can't afford, a state school that is cheap but very disorganized with poor customer service skills, or a couple of small Catholic institutions that aren't too expensive, but as colleges (aside from their nursing programs) aren't too highly rated in general.

My dilemma is that the location and timing of the FNP programs at the small schools lend themselves best to what I need, but I have no idea as to how potential employers perceive different schools. Does prestige matter at all, or are all NPs created equal as long as they pass their boards and do well in the program?

[UVA Grad Nursing]

How well connected are the local schools in terms of locating practica for you? Many of my own students have made great connections (networking, getting job offers) from their practica. As can be seen from many of the online folders here, if you need to locate/negotiate your own practica --- many problems can arise. Chances are that the higher-ranked program has many good clinical sites in their area --- and never admit more students than they have clinical sites.

Are you committed to remaining in your locale? If yes, chances are that there are many alum from the local programs who may consider their own 'alma mater' better than the big-ticket Ivy League programs. However, if you are thinking about relocation, then a program with a national prestige will own more doors than will a degree from South Succotash State University.

[VivaRN]

UVA Grad nursing gave some great advice.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Agree with UVA - and yes, he/she does give great advice.

[UVA Grad Nursing]

I'm just a guy who has been in higher education administration at Georgetown, Michigan and Virginia for 25 years now (most of it as an Assistant Dean). I'm also the founding President of AACN's network that deals with admissions, recruitment, financial aid, and student services.

[athena55, BSN, RN]

:bowingpur sorry double post!

[athena55, BSN, RN]

"I'm just a guy who has been in higher education administration at Georgetown, Michigan and Virginia for 25 years now (most of it as an Assistant Dean). I'm also the founding President of AACN's network that deals with admissions, recruitment, financial aid, and student services"

:bowingpur