ECPI University MSN-FNP

Nursing Students SRNA

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Ok so I'm researching ECPI. I know they just started the MSN-FNP program. Anyone currently enrolled?

Specializes in Metabolic disease.

They have a forum where students post questions and they are generally answered within a day, however I find that many times the questions aren’t answered thoroughly. Many of us are on our own group discussion and we can usually figure things out.

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@Happy818 thank you for sharing your feedback?

I wanted to ask actual students about ECPI before I start my application.

All the best to your studies?

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2 hours ago, Happy818 said:

They have a forum where students post questions and they are generally answered within a day, however I find that many times the questions aren’t answered thoroughly. Many of us are on our own group discussion and we can usually figure things out.

Do they have a white coat ceremony?

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On 7/22/2019 at 7:43 PM, Happy818 said:

10 weeks in- all online except 2 weekends in VA for 15 hour residency. So far it's been all discussion board writing and additional papers/projects each week. I can't say it's hard, but time consuming. I definitely spend 20-30 hours per week on the class, but I am not a writer so it takes me a bit longer. Plus they really only grade on APA format and grammar, so if you do well with following those guidelines, you'll get A's.

I'm not really seeing the benefit of the classes- Nursing Theory, Politics in Nursing, and now Informatics--but this is more of a BON issue. Considering that MD's don't like NP's because they feel our education and experience is lacking, you'd think they'd focus the curriculum more on actual practical studies.....

Are you still in the np program? I am thinking about applying. I want to hear some personal experiences about the program from current students. Do you mind Pming me your email address?

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Specializes in BSN.

I am currently in another fnp program which is a lot of writing so far which I do not like. I prefer courses that have more of an emphasis on quizzes, tests, etc. Any suggestions?

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Specializes in Metabolic disease.

This is not the program for you then. TONS of writing. If there are quizzes, they are irrelevant to the class content. The teachers don’t teach anything- just grade papers. Outdated books. And they don’t assist with practicum placement at all.

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Specializes in BSN.

WOW!. Thank you. I thought they had a program that assisted with practicum placement. I guess that is not the case....that is really why I chose it. So most of it is writing? Any suggestions on other online fnp programs?

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Herzing helps with clinical placement.

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3 hours ago, Amy Cate said:

WOW!!. Thank you. I thought they had a program that assisted with practicum placement. I guess that is not the case....that is really why I chose it. So most of it is writing? Any suggestions on other online fnp programs?

I was told by the admissions counselor that the school would assist with placement, but they don't.

Most online programs follow the discussion board format and require writing. The problem I have with ECPI is that the topics aren't organized- we've had to write on the same topics in different terms but you aren't allowed to use anything from your previous post or paper, otherwise it's considered plagiarism. And the topics are not really a "discussion", otherwise it would be more interesting. This program is more interested in grammar and APA format than content.

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Specializes in FNP.

The AACN (Master's Essentials) requires that certain courses be offered to obtain an MSN. If you don't offer those courses, it is considered a diploma program. Those courses consist of content like theory, statistics, informatics, etc.. Many students do not realize this, unfortunately. These courses are considered "core" and you will need to take them regardless of what MSN program you attend. They are usually offered early in the program and you gradually begin the NP-specific courses with clinical afterward.

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Specializes in FNP.

There has been some misinformation posted on this site that as the director of the ECPI University Program Director, I would like to address.

  • We should gear our program more toward "practical" practice.

The ECPI University MSN-FNP program is accredited by CCNE which means it must meet the Curriculum requirements of AACN for graduate education. This means the curriculum must include "core" courses such as theory, healthcare technologies, policy, etc. These courses are offered at the front end of our curriculum as a foundation for the FNP courses that follow. We are praised by our students for the on-site residencies we provide at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) where they learn skills like suturing, skin biopsies, I&D, nail removal as well as male and female gynecological exams, head-to-toe assessments, interviewing techniques on Standardized patients.

  • We only focus on writing and APA

It is the responsibility of a graduate program to prepare you for the next level of education (doctorate) so reading and writing papers is a necessity. Faculty and the University do offer support in writing. Some students enter our program with a deficit in writing and we do our best to help them develop the skills necessary for providing clear and concise writing/documentation which is critical as an FNP.

  • We do not offer assistance with practicum site/preceptor acquisition

The MSN-FNP program "does" provide assistance with the practicum site/preceptor acquisition. There is a process that needs to be followed and sometimes students negate that process. In fact, the MSN program is routinely praised by its cohort representatives on how helpful the practicum coordinator is in helping students locate preceptors.

  • We require "1 year" of RN experience to qualify for the MSN-FNP program

Our MSN-FNP program requires only 3 months of RN experience.

Regardless of your University of choice- I encourage readers on this site to reach out to the University's admissions department or program director for up-to-date and accurate information about your program of interest. It is not uncommon to read advice that is inaccurate which can occur for various reasons.

Importantly, continue your education to meet your educational and professional goals. Just do so by gathering information from knowledgeable representatives from the University of your choice. Dr. DD

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Specializes in RN.

 

I am an ECPI BSN graduate. I attended the Orlando campus and decided to attend because they gave yoi a break on tuition for being an alumni. 

If you're looking for an FNP program I would not attend. The program is fairly new and the material is lacking. I agree with the above comments when they say teachers do not teach but simply grade.

The student support in this program is severely lacking. You are very much on your own when it comes to every aspect of learning and finding clinical sites. If this doesn't bother you that's fine but COVID has made finding clinical sites very difficult. Having the full support of faculty is a bonus. I very much regret coming here.

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