FNP School Choices

Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C · Mar 22, 2009

I'm not trying to split hairs over this, but I don't see anywhere in the US News ranking where they try to say this is a scientific study.

Too true. But the inference to the consumer is clear, the list indeed purports to rate the quality of the school. Essentially, the school listed at #13 "is not as good" as the quality of education delivered by the school ranked #17. What's worse is that this list attempts to rate each school with a raw score that directly infers that the quality of the program is directly proportionate to that score.

They are very open with how they achieved these rankings.

I'm not sure they are. How deep, or how many clicks to you have to go before you can access how the scores are actually obtained. Why is there not a disclaimer at the top of each page with a link?

Also, faculty input is used in creating the list, but those faculty are all graduates of at least one (and probably 2 or 3) colleges of nursing--so a large number of graduates do get to provide input on schools of nursing. I know that most of the faculty at my school are heavily involved in our professional organizations, accrediting organization and scholarly research journals. Many of them sit on a variety of committees and other groups that afford them the opportunity to work with faculty from many other programs. This is often how they become familiar with how different schools set up their curriculum and what opportunities they provide.

All of this is true. But it is only one picture, just like one lead of the heart only gives on portrait of its status. To give true depth and meaning to any ranking system, more than just one view or angle is needed. This is where this ranking system is seriously flawed.

Again, I'm not saying that the list is perfect, but I'm not sure of a better system.

I agree, there is no system out there that ranks schools appropriately with a legitimate and proper scientific inquiry driving the process. So why should the consumer rely on a rating scale that is based on flawed science? Think about it. Would you recommend an intervention to a patient that was supported by flawed junk science just because there were no safe and effective alternatives supported by sound science?

CNM2B · Mar 22, 2009

So why should the consumer rely on a rating scale that is based on flawed science?
Think about it. Would you recommend an intervention to a patient that was supported by flawed junk science just because there were no safe and effective alternatives supported by sound science?

Well, the consumers of these rankings are college graduates (or soon-to-be college graduates) who hopefully have the skills to decide how much reliance they wish to place on these rankings. Hopefully they will see that these ranking are just one tool (out of many many factors) that should be considered when choosing a graduate program.

I wouldn't recommend an intervention to a patient that is supported by flawed science (knowingly, at least), but I can point to at least one medical procedure that occurs many times every day in this country that IS based on flawed science...sad but true.

Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C · Mar 22, 2009

Also, here is another thread just on this topic:

https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitioners-np/us-news-rankings-373183.html

Many schools no longer participate in the U.S. News rankings, questioning their validity. Since only participants are ranked, the lists are hardly objective. I went to a public nursing school for a second degree, years after graduating from a very well-known private school. I'm grateful for both educations, but no one cares where I went in either case.

The US News rankings of graduate nursing programs is not really supported by extensive research nor does it guarantee that the highly-ranked programs produce better graduates. The methodology for the rankings was based on peer evaluations sent to deans and other administrators in schools that offer a master's degree in nursing and are accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission.
On one end, school reputations are affected by local perception of which schools are good. For instance, a specific geographical area may be home to a college or university whose graduates represent a significant number of practicing NP's in the area. Employers in that particular area may view this school as excellent in this instance because of the reputation established by the graduates. On the other hand, some well known national programs have more widespread name recognition which any graduate can carry with them regardless of which part of the country they may end up working in.
While there are a host of many factors that affect the future NP's likelihood of being hired among competition as well as their prospects of commanding higher salaries than peers in the long run, I personally feel that the program where one graduated from can not be totally ignored in the equation. However, it surely isn't the most important thing that makes a difference in every situation.

Polley93 · Apr 5, 2009

I go to University of Phoenix which is a ground program but catered to working adults. (I personally love electricty and flushing toilets and cannot afford to not work full time) I find the University exceptional, very supportive, with advisors for every area (admission, academic and financial) they help you with absolutely everything. Clinicals are decent, cost is reasonable. You start and go through the program with the same group, 30 months, they provide reviews for your cert exams at the end, and help you with employment as well. i have no complaints.

With being in this business for so many years, sad to say, but it really doesn't matter a whole lot where you get educated. It all comes down to having the letters after your name and building a resume and solid reputation.

westcoastgirl · Apr 6, 2009

to the OP, everyone's situation is different but of course we all would love to go to the best schools, if money and life circumstances were no object.

when I was applying to NP schools I was unfortunately restricted geographically due to family, and so attended a smaller school with a good local reputation for its nursing programs. Most NPs I talked to said it doesn't really matter anyway. And because the school was local and this is where I live, the network of graduates and faculty has been helpful to me, post-graduation.

however, I did graduate from a very well-known top tier university for my non-nursing undergraduate degree. I have noticed when I go on interviews all of the adminstrators and physicians (who are making the hiring decisions) zoom in on that and nearly 100% make comments about it, ask how I liked it, etc. So for me I guess the two schools balance each other out in terms of getting me educated, foot in the door, all that. I do not know what they are thinking, just making an observation.

I am not saying that one needs to go broke getting into top name schools, they might be excellent choices, but if you already went to one then the "name" of your NP school might not matter too much to your future employers?

Sharmaine616 · Dec 18, 2010

Would you say that the RODP program is hard online? I know all programs online are challenging but do you suggest doing more that 12 hours a semester? Can you give me any insight on the program? I wa just accepted and I want to know what to expect and should I continue on with being a weekender?

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Dec 18, 2010

Personally speaking, I would rather go to a school where the NP faculty are actually out in the field practicing as NP's, not just adding more publications to their CV. You can learn a LOT more from those actually doing the job, not writing about it.

MissDoodaw · Dec 18, 2010

Getting back to the subject... :) Only one of the schools you have listed is a B+M school, why don't you attend a local NP group meeting, find out what local nps thought of their alam mater and how hard it is to find preceptors where you live if you choose a distance learning program.