FNP Programs in AZ

zmansc, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2014

I would suggest getting to know the reputation these schools have in the local provider community. I live just on the other side of the NM border, and when I talked to providers in my community they gave me several program names that they precepted for in the past and would be willing to precept for in the future. They had hired many of the students they precepted. Some were private programs, others were public. They also warned me of specific programs where they knew someone had difficulties (for various reasons). Some of those schools they would not want to precept a student from and some they were just warning me because they didn't want to see me have the same difficulties others had. Again some were private and others were public.

I'm sure that your local providers will have different experiences, and a different list of programs they like/don't like than mine did. And more importantly, getting to know them will open so many doors for you that will help you at various points in your progression, from application to clinicals and even to job hunting down the line. I can't stress enough how much better off you will be if you spend a little time on this now.

cscanlon · Jun 10, 2014

That's a great idea zmansc! This may be a silly question but, do you just call random physician offices and ask them these questions? Lol I am just not sure how to go about calling providers in my area.

harmonizer · Jun 10, 2014

Arizona State University- best reputation in AZ. It is DNP though but it has the best reputation in AZ

serenity1 · Jun 11, 2014

Check the internet for local family practice offices and click on their page. Most will have a page that shows their staff members and will sometimes include where their staff graduated from. I am in the East Valley and have lived on the West side too and many NP's in the area did go to University of Phoenix. I am cared for by a NP that graduated from U of P and have no complaints. She is awesome. I know nurses in South University's program, Grand Canyon U, and U of A. All of them say how rigorous their program is. It also depends on whether you want the DNP or Master's degree. Good luck to you!!

zmansc, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2014

That's a great idea zmansc! This may be a silly question but, do you just call random physician offices and ask them these questions? Lol I am just not sure how to go about calling providers in my area.

Personally, I talked to providers at the facility I worked at, let them know what I'm interested in, talked to them about helping me (allowing me to follow them, helping me with contacts they thought I could benefit from, etc). It's basic networking initially. Turns out their are tight-knit groups of NPs in most communities, once you have talked to one, they know you personally, and they will often introduce you to others in their group. Breaking down the initial barrier into the group and your internal fear of asking for help seems to be the two biggest issues.

Also, don't limit yourself to just NPs, docs at your facility probably work with NPs and PAs and other physicians who might be able to help you make connections with NPs. I've even made connections because a RN was married to a PA who worked with a physician who worked with a NP.

If you don't have providers at your facility who will help, sometimes there are groups that do volunteer work, things like health fairs, or free clinics. Volunteering to help at these types of activities a few times will get you in with many providers who are helping out as well. Another good option for networking.