Exactly how competitive are MSN-FNP programs?

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Here's my dilemma. I've been accepted into a very prestigious *but very expensive* ABSN program that is out of state. This school offers their ABSN students to continue straight onto MSN with an NP specialty of their choice as long as they maintain a 3.0 GPA in their ABSN. They also provide the preceptors for you while you get your MSN. Due to the high tuition and unnecessary living costs, I was going to come back to my home state after earning my BSN and apply for online MSN-FNP programs. However, now I'm doubting if I'd be able to get into any of them... How exactly competitive are these programs? (specifically, the ones that are offered online?) My first bachelor's degree had a horrendous GPA (3.19) and frankly, I'm not sure if I'm going to walk out of my ABSN program with a rocking GPA either. I guess I can make it up with superb work experience or something, but ideally, I want to go to NP school as soon as possible after my BSN. So I'm not sure if it'd be better for me to just stay at that expensive school and earn my MSN-FNP despite the cost, or come back home and try applying to MSN-FNP programs with a risk that I may never get into any of them... Even if I get in, I may have a hard time looking for preceptors depending on the program... Any thoughts? Advice?

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-Finding preceptors is a HUGE barrier

-Online NP schools are not competitive at all

-A glut is coming...

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

FNP programs are quite prevalent and seemingly exist in every metro area in every state. Admission can range from "sign the check and you're in" to "we have limited slots so you may get wait listed due to the number of applicants". I personally would stay away from programs that make you find your own preceptors because that opens up a lot of potential problems for you if you can't find anyone willing to precept you. Besides, it doesn't seem fair for you to pay a school for just half of their effort in educating you. NP programs do not have to be expensive. There are reputable state universities out there that are reasonably priced if you're an in-state student.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to student NP forum

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

I'm accepted into my local state school and will start classes this May. Not everyone who interviewed got into the program so it was moderately competitive. It's nothing like applying for CRNA school, which is extremely competitive (I applied and interviewed for this in 2015).

I would make sure that you have a solid nursing experience behind you. Then practice interviewing. Also make sure that you look the part. Spend the extra money on a nice suit that fits you well.

The most important thing is to go in with confidence.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Do you have a pulse? Do you have a checkbook or access to student loans? Boom you're accepted. At some schools, at least

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Something to consider is where you want to work and/or get experience. If you want to move back to your home state, consider hospital/clinic systems you find appealing, then ask them what schools they have agreements with. It helps with a major roadblock of finding somewhere to do clinicals. Even if you want to work for a small private practice, you can potentially get a job there as an RN while doing clinicals.

As others have said, there are plenty of low barrier schools. A nursing 3.0+ will get you in many places, and a 3.75 almost all places. I'd be less concerned with getting into any school than with getting into a good school that will help you do what you want to do after your MSN.

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It depends on the school. I once applied to a for profit school and at the last minute withdrew and sent everything back because of how *easy* it was to get in. I decided to attend a brick and mortar, reputable, yet still an online program (with on-campus exams) school and got in too. So at first i was thinking...maybe it isn't that hard to get into NP school. But I talked to three other people who applied to my program and didn't get in. Don't let the "online" fool you. I've done "online" for my Masters in education at a brick and mortar in state university and now doing "online" at a brick and mortar private university....and maaaaaan...the difference is NIGHT and DAY.... the FNP program is waaaay more challenging and Patho was hands down THE MOST DIFFICULT class I've ever ever taken. It really depends on the school and the program Just make sure you go to a reputable school so no one questions the integrity of your degree. "Better" schools will be more difficult to get into but competitive for a reason. They need to make sure you can do all the work they throw at you.

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Online is the way of the future so online does not mean easy or cheesy. Many, many schools are going online in order to reach out to students who can't or don't want to move, particularly those who are established in their careers, have families, etc. Georgetown, Duke, UNC, the list goes on and on.

For profit online schools are usually the checkbook entry type, but they just want your money, and lots of it. As has been said, there are a lot of reputable online programs out there and they range in price from $30k up to darn near $80k, and probably beyond. Check national ranking to find out how competitive programs are.

Also, finding your own preceptors is not uncommon, particularly if you do an online program. Doesn't mean anything about the program or its support of students, just means you know more about your particular area than they probably do. Most schools, if not all, will make the contacts with your suggested preceptors to set things up.

As for getting in, first off 3.19 is not "horrendous." It may not be what you wanted or were shooting for, but it is far from horrendous. If you got into an ABSN program, which tend to be highly competitive, at least where I live, then you probably wouldn't have trouble getting into an NP program.

Think it through, look at pros and cons of either decision and do what's best for you, not based on what you think could happen in the future.

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