Frontier School of Midwifery

[NurseB_, BSN, RN]

Hey everyone,

I'm a senior in nursing school getting my BSN and I'm set to graduate in May 2012 if everything goes well. I'm planning on getting at least 1 year experience in L&D before I begin a graduate program. I'm going to begin applying for Extern positions in August so I can make sure that L&D is what I really want to do. I also think the experience would be wonderful. I've been thinking heavily about either becoming a certified nurse midwife or a WHCNP or both. I'm 99% sure of my decision. I was looking at the Frontier School of Midwifery's webpage and it seems like a really nice school and I've heard nothing but good things about it. I would like to start getting schools in my head that I could possibly apply to in the next few years and I wanted to know more about this school. I would love to hear from former, current and perspective students!! I would like to know as much as possible because this school is a big possibility for me. I would like an online program, one where I can work at least part time, and one that doesn't cost to much money.

1.Could someone please let me know what the course work is like? How are the assignments and how do the tests work?

2.How much experience would you recommend I have before applying so I can be as prepared as possible for the coursework?

3.Any negative aspects of this program?

Anything else that anyone wants to add would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Lots of the threads on the Nurse Midwifery forum at this site. You should check it out!

[NAURN]

I have applied for the Fall 2011 FNP and I have heard nothing but great things. I can't tell you about the classes or the course load, but have heard of many that have worked and done the program either part time or full time and have done just fine. Also, there is a one year experience as an RN requirement for either of their specialties, and CNM doesn't necessarily require your experience to be in OB... there are many that have never stepped foot in an OB unit and have done the program.

I can say that when you are ready to apply, keep checking their website for their deadlines and apply early. They have closed down accepting applications on a few of their classes because of the volume of qualified applicants. You have to have at least a 3.0 GPA or take the GRE (so its nice if you meet the 3.0 to not have to take the GRE)

You will also have to write 2 essays and fill out an application, also send them your resume and transcripts. Its pretty straight forward and really easy process. Oh and 3 references. But there weren't hoops to jump thru and all the staff there answered all my questions and were really nice. It was a really smooth process.

I have looked at many option for me (I have my ADN and have been a nurse in ICU for 5 years) so I was debating about getting my BSN first, then MSN, looking at programs in my area and online, and when I found Frontier, although I didn't know much about it, it felt right. And I don't get that feeling often! lol

There are 2 required campus visits to Hyden, KY... one at the beginning or orient you to the online learning and your classmates, and one before clinicals to get checked off on things like stitching, minor procedures, pelvic exams... etc.

The program is front loaded, meaning that all the didactic work is upfront and you do all your clinicals at the end. I liked this because if I need to cut back my hours at work (need to work full time as long as possible for benefits) I can go down to PRN during the clinical time and have it only be 6 months or so.

They have a facebook page as well.

[NAURN]

OH I did read their catalog and their tests are done at home, on secure browser (to cut down on cheating, but you do sign a honesty statement in the beginning) and there is a test at the end that has to be taken at a testing center... I am guessing like a final exam of sorts that must be passed to graduate. I have head the coursework is rigorous, but doable and that the students what graduate feel prepared entering the field has a novice NP or CNM

Their catalog is on their website and is a huge source of information, so you get all the correct information and not just hearsay

[NurseB_, BSN, RN]

Thanks lots for your inputs on the school. I really think it's a good fit at this point. As the time gets closer for me to apply I will try to get even more information about the school. As of now I think I wouldn't have a problem getting into the school. The GPA requirement isn't bad at all and that's one of the things I was worried about when applying to a graduate program. Keep me posted on your experience with the school even though our programs are different because I would be very interested in knowing how your experience goes.