Does it really matter?

I'm not really sure why you felt the need to say that you are a BSN working with a whole bunch of ADNs LOL, but to answer your question, if I were you I'd go with an online cheaper program, just make sure it is accredited.

I appreciate your response. I don't know why I mentioned the ADN part. It was my misinformed impression that they were being phased out. LOL I guess like the MSN programs. The online program is accredited by the CCNE.

You should go with whichever program has a more challenging curriculum, higher board pass rates, and a better reputation. Don't shortchange your education because one has an "easier" admissions process. A harder admissions process generally means they care more about what sort of students they admit and really put effort into their program. Accreditation is the bare minimum you should be looking for, not the the highest bar - Ritz-Carlton and Motel 6 are both "accredited" to offer lodging to guests, but which would you rather stay in?

Vincentrn, Is the brick and mortar program online or will you actually go to class? If it is online, I can tell you FROM EXPERIENCE that the online programs are all VERY VERY similar. If they are both online, go with the cheaper because you pretty much teach yourself in online classes. You spend a lot of time writing...MOST of your time is spent writing....well...ALL OF YOUR TIME IS SPENT WRITING! lol...except when you get into clinicals...then you work for free and write some more. Another thing to consider is whether or not you will have to find your own preceptors and do you know any NP's or MD's who would be willing to precept you? Believe it or not, finding preceptors is very difficult. If you have no connections, I would try to find a school that sets up your preceptors for you. My last bit of advice, is take advice from people who are an NP program or who have completed one...there are a lot of people who have no idea what they are talking about on here...it just amazes me! Good luck!

Vincentrn, Is the brick and mortar program online or will you actually go to class? If it is online, I can tell you FROM EXPERIENCE that the online programs are all VERY VERY similar. If they are both online, go with the cheaper because you pretty much teach yourself in online classes. You spend a lot of time writing...MOST of your time is spent writing....well...ALL OF YOUR TIME IS SPENT WRITING! lol...except when you get into clinicals...then you work for free and write some more. Another thing to consider is whether or not you will have to find your own preceptors and do you know any NP's or MD's who would be willing to precept you? Believe it or not, finding preceptors is very difficult. If you have no connections, I would try to find a school that sets up your preceptors for you. My last bit of advice, is take advice from people who are an NP program or who have completed one...there are a lot of people who have no idea what they are talking about on here...it just amazes me! Good luck!

While I am sure we all appreciate your viewpoint, hgrindle, your sample size for online programs is 2. You have tried exactly two online programs and are coming on here and telling people that "all" online programs are exactly the same. You are mistaken, you may have gone to two that are very similar, but there are many out there that are set up very differently.

FutureeastcoastNP, you seem to know so much about NP school, how many have you gone to? I'm guessing NONE since you have only been a nurse for ONE year! While I'm sure we are all entertained by your "knowledge", it looks like I am at least 2 schools ahead of you. And if you had read my posts, you would know that I am not speaking of a "sample size" of only 2 schools but I have several friends who attended different online programs: Texas Tech, University of Cincinnati, University of Texas at Tyler and an online school in Florida... And by the way, In reference to one of your other posts on which NP school can you get through the fastest, I suggest you get some experience before you try the fast track through NP school...just a friendly word of advice.

I agree that you should look into the schools' reputations with those doing the hiring as well as board pass rates. All programs are not created equal. I went to a public univ with a combo on-line/in-class classes. I did find that I enjoyed being in class for more and there tended to be less busy work.

Also, you were given good advice on going to a program who arranges your clinicals for you. I would also recommend you talk to students currently in the program or recent grads if possible, to make certain that what you are told matches what really happens.

I appreciate all the feedback. I am still praying and trying to make a decision. In regards to finding my own preceptors, I have some connections, but the area where I live is flooded with NP students. It really makes me wonder would an NP pass over me for a preceptorship for attending an online school rather than one of the well known in state schools. Thoughts?

I agree with you tryintohaveitall, if there had been an on campus program in my area, I would have definitely gone that route, but even the brick and mortar school here has their program all online. And whether or not you know someone willing to precept you is a big factor. Many students have a very difficult time finding a preceptor. I know of some who have had to sit out or even drop out because they couldn't find anyone willing to precept.