FNP Online through USI

Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C · Jul 2, 2008

I would like to check on current or past students taking the FNP online through University of Southern Indiana (USI). Is the program sufficient in meeting your expectations? How are the online classes structured? Any and all information would be appreciated.

Excellent school. I'm in the last year at USI, after transferring from ISU and I am very satisfied. The professors are easy to get along with and this is key. They treat you like an equal versus an adversary. Dean White is always accessible and they have real people that actually answer the phone whenever you call. Professor Hiam (mother hubard as she is known) was the first NP in Indiana and the rest of the faculty have about 20-30 years of exp, and it shows.

The ciriculum is a bit more challenging then ISU, so be warned. I average about 40-60 hours per week now with study on top of 20-30 hours of clinic. The work load is just shy of impossible, but at the end of the day you are amazed on how much you have learned and scared about how much you don't know. Don't let the semester units per course fool you. 6 units at USI feels like 20 units at every other college I've been to, including graduate programs. The faculty really do push you in a nice way and they never let up. They have a sixth sense between what you know and what you don't know.

All classes from lecture and skills are streamlined, and active web screens allow for questions via IM in which a monitor relays to faculty so its like being in class all the time, except in your underwear. Its kind of bizarre when faculty looks into the camera, addresses you by name and then answers your question from 2 thousand miles away in real time. Its almost like they can see you.

The biggest challenge is finding your own preceptor for 705 required clinical hours, which will end up being around 900 hours to complete the compentencies. USI recommends an NP versus a MD/DO but they will accept either. You must have access to pediatrics and womens health. For me, I hooked up with a pediatrician and an OB/GYN for these rotations.

Besides that USI has the most economical program in the country coming in at under $10K for everything. No travel to campus is required unless you want to go to pick up your diploma during graduation.

biggmeg · Jul 9, 2008

I am interested in the FNP program at USI. What is the paper writing requirements for this program and what is the test format?

Are you in the program full or part time?

Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C · Jul 9, 2008

I am interested in the FNP program at USI. What is the paper writing requirements for this program and what is the test format?
Are you in the program full or part time?

I'm full time at ISU. Writing format follows APA for professional papers, and SOAP format for all clinical presentations. Make sure you review APA and have a solid base before you start.

Exams are pretty brutal. You'll get a series of books and are held accountable for ALL content. The exams are online and timed. They give you approx 30 seconds to 1 minute for each exam question so you really don't have time to look stuff up, which is why you have to have pretty solid memorization skills. Take home exams are a bit more research-oriented yet are pretty brutal and time-intensive.

kwalrn · Aug 13, 2008

Excellent school. I'm in the last year at USI, after transferring from ISU and I am very satisfied. The professors are easy to get along with and this is key. They treat you like an equal versus an adversary. Dean White is always accessible and they have real people that actually answer the phone whenever you call. Professor Hiam (mother hubard as she is known) was the first NP in Indiana and the rest of the faculty have about 20-30 years of exp, and it shows.
The ciriculum is a bit more challenging then ISU, so be warned. I average about 40-60 hours per week now with study on top of 20-30 hours of clinic. The work load is just shy of impossible, but at the end of the day you are amazed on how much you have learned and scared about how much you don't know. Don't let the semester units per course fool you. 6 units at USI feels like 20 units at every other college I've been to, including graduate programs. The faculty really do push you in a nice way and they never let up. They have a sixth sense between what you know and what you don't know.
All classes from lecture and skills are streamlined, and active web screens allow for questions via IM in which a monitor relays to faculty so its like being in class all the time, except in your underwear. Its kind of bizarre when faculty looks into the camera, addresses you by name and then answers your question from 2 thousand miles away in real time. Its almost like they can see you.
The biggest challenge is finding your own preceptor for 705 required clinical hours, which will end up being around 900 hours to complete the compentencies. USI recommends an NP versus a MD/DO but they will accept either. You must have access to pediatrics and womens health. For me, I hooked up with a pediatrician and an OB/GYN for these rotations.
Besides that USI has the most economical program in the country coming in at under $10K for everything. No travel to campus is required unless you want to go to pick up your diploma during graduation.

I am interested in the FNP online program at USI. Are you aware if there is a 2 year waiting list? I just want to be sure before applying. I would welcome any comments about the program. I am planning on applying for the Oct 1st deadline.

kwalrn

nightnurse901 · Aug 10, 2010

Hello

My name is Nikki and I am applying to USI for Spring 2011. I want to get and ideal of what kind of essay they are looking for. Also how many students do they take per semester and is it very hard to get in. Any other info you can give me on the program would be great.

Thanks

nightnurse901 · Aug 10, 2010

Do they use outlines or study guides