Georgetown FNP vs. Grand Canyon University

[algnurse]

Hi everyone! I am needing some advice! I am looking into different FNP programs to apply to and have narrowed it down to two. I live in Phoenix AZ currently and so GCU is one option since it is in the same state, only $28,000 tuition with my employee discount and I don't have to travel. It take 3 years in time, I have to attend an in person class once a week for four hours from 530-930 which is hard with work and having a 2 year old but I can do it. Georgetown is obviously Georgetown. From what I have read and received in information I love the way their program is set up, it is a 27 month program part time and obviously prestigious. The down fall, it is crazy expensive which I will make work if it is better for my future career, and the travelling to Washington DC twice during the program. I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice on where they are or have attended and what they think about it? As far as admissions go, I have a 3.67 overall GPA for my associates, 4.0 nursing GPA and a 3.97 BSN GPA. I have been a nurse for 2 years and worked as a med surg nurse for the last year. I do live in Arizona as I said but once I graduate the program my family and I will be moving back to Kansas City where my husband is from to buy a home and raise our family so I want to choose a school that will also aide in me getting a job in a different state. I already know the SBON requirements and both schools meet those, but basically would I look better with one or the other?

Thank you all!

Amber

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to the Student NP forum for more replies.

[algnurse]

Thank you!

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Georgetown, hands down in regard to quality nationally. Ask the NPs you shadowed with what local employers prefer though!

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

While you're in AZ, there will be employers familiar with GCU. However, outside of AZ, they might not be as familiar since it's not local. I've spoken with the Georgetown admissions advisor for the ACNP program and I liked what I heard about the structure of the program. The only thing keeping me back from applying is the staggering cost. However, *everyone* knows Georgetown and they have an excellent reputation, so you're not going to have to worry about people not being familiar with them. It all boils down to what works for your budget.

BTW, I just found out that UAB (Alabama-Birmingham) has an online program with only one orientation and 2 campus intensives and the cost is the lowest I've seen in my research of brick-and-mortar schools, even if you're out of state.

[Rod, Male Nurse]

Georgetown. It is highly reputable and their standards of learning are higher in the online programs than what will be found at Grand Canyon. Im not saying you wont/cant be a great NP with a degree from Grand Canyon. Georgetown is just the better choice, even when finances are considered.

[Malenurse1235954]

Why not ASU? They have a decent program 1000+ clinical hours. Somewhat fluffy classes imo like most dnp programs

[algnurse]

I want to continue to work and from what I understand ASU's program is mostly on campus. I understand I may have to go down to part time at some point but I need to and still want to work during the program.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

Have you looked in to University of Arizona's program? You only have to go to campus for a few days during August for a RISE intensive each summer. You'd get in-state tuition if you live in AZ.

[Charmedone923]

Georgetown... í ½í¸€

[Aik0]

Hello, I got admitted to Georgetown and am starting this September (yikes!). The Georgetown program is online but you would have to attend live class sessions every week online. So instead of going to a class "room" you will be meeting in an online virtual classroom where an instructor leads the course. I haven't experienced it yet since I will just be starting next month bit I already signed up for my classes and like a brick and mortar school I had to pick a day and time for my classes as this will be when I will be attending the live seminars online.

I fully understand about costs. I applied to Georgetown and didn't really think I could get in (it's Georgetown!) but when I got my acceptance letter my heart just stopped and the reality of student loans and tuition costs just hit me. And believe me it's been six months and I'm still "contemplating" about going to Georgetown. However, after speaking to students that are currently attending the program, and having asked that same question, all of them have said it was worth it to go. They felt confident with the amount of information they learned and a lot of them had jobs before and immediately after graduating. I think in this area, you would need to make yourself stand out. Also, I can go to a cheaper school but this would also mean having to ask managers/supervisors for another letter of recommendation, doing a whole essay again, waiting...etc. I've talked to my husband a few (ahem..maybe more like a hundred times) about the school and the tuition. I swear every week I've been changing my mind about attending...should I go? should I not? ... but ultimately, I don't think i will ever get another opportunity to attend this school. Plus, if I apply to another program it will delay me graduating (which means potentially loosing any future income) and lastly, the confidence that a lot of the students have said they gained after going through the program is worth it. They said that because it's so rigorous, they feel as though the program prepared them to enter the field. I still have some of the replies from the students about this issue when I posted it online. Message me and I can send you a copy. I read it from time to time for encouragement. Good Luck.

[algnurse]

Thank you! This was the info I needed :) I am applying for the January cohort I decided. I can't PM you for some reason. Could I give you my email?! Thank you for all of this information and congratulations!