Georgetown Online FNP Program

emoss · Apr 11, 2012

Hi, LostN — my name is Erica, and I'm the community manager for Nursing@Georgetown. I'll let other members jump in and tell you about their experiences, but I just wanted to let you know I'm available as a resource. Best of luck to you!

Patti_RN · Apr 12, 2012

I was thrilled to be accepted at Georgetown! My experience there has been dramatically different than elsewhere. As you go through the application process they guide you, encourage you and answer every question. The application process is complicated, but I suspect that is by design (only those who are serious about attending will complete the process). The hardest part (for me) was the video interview; you record yourself ad-libbing responses to some questions typically asked in a face-to-face interview. I cringed as I reviewed my videos and I recorded and re-recorded quite a few times. The rest of the application process was a bit time consuming, but pretty standard. Once my application was complete I was notified within two weeks.

My advisor told me a slightly low GPA isn't an absolute barrier; nor is a high GPA a guarantee of admission. They truly look at the whole applicant. I would not assume anything; if you want to go to Georgetown, by all means apply! Your advisor will help you put your application together to highlight your strengths.

The program is rigorous. I don't intend to work while I'm in the program because I have a daughter in middle school who still requires time and attention. That said, I have the luxury of that option, but many students do work while enrolled, but I doubt working full-time and going to school full time is a real option (except for the Mensa members!) By the same token, everything that requires your time outside school should be considered (spouse/ kids/ work/ travel time to work/ kid's activites/ social time, etc.) and your decision to attend full or part time should take all your obligations (and relaxation time!) into consideration. Don't set yourself up for failure by not being realistic about how much time the program requires--and deserves. You want to get the most out of your education, and you want to be successful. Those are the goals, not finishing as quickly as possible.

There are two required visits to Washington, D.C. Since I live 4 hours (drive time) from D.C. and I LOVE that city, I'm excited about the visits. They are scheduled at the conclusion of your Assessment class and after a couple Primary Health clinical rotations are complete. I'd look at those On Campus Intensives as a huge bonus--you get to spend a few days meeting your classmates, enjoying the campus and you can tack on a couple more days to relax and see Washington (where most every attraction is free! The Smithsonian, the Portrait Gallery, the numerous monuments, and the government buildings). I can even give you advice on hotels, restaurants, and other activities (my older daughter went to George Washington U. and lived in D.C. for a couple more years, so I really know the city.)

I was supposed to start in the March cohort, but postponed until August, so I have no idea how intense the classes are except from a friend who is currently in the program. She describes it as much more rigorous than nursing school--which scared the daylights out of me! She also assured me that by budgeting my time, seeking assistance as soon as I have a stumbling point, and keeping meticulously organized, I'll be able to succeed. (I do have the textbooks for the first session; they are... frightening! But, deep breath! It's doable!)

As far as preceptors, you can identify your own clinical sites and preceptors, or Georgetown will find them for you. The requirements are that the clinical site include all ages, both genders, and otherwise include a good cross-section of the population--and not only see a variety of patients but a reasonable number of patients, as well. (In other words, not a sleepy little doctor's office where three elderly male patients wander in each day.)

The school is expensive and the reality of that needs to be considered, as well. There are student loans, tuition assistance through employers, and loan forgiveness plans (where you work in an underserved area after graduation and the government excuses a portion of your student loan each year).

Best of luck to you. PM me if you want more specific information. And, by all means, ask these questions to your admission advisor. They are honest, candid, yet encouraging.

preppyrn, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · May 21, 2012

Hey Patti_RN,

Just wanted to thank you for your helpful information. I'm thinking of applying to the August or November cohort, but still trying to do some careful introspection to ensure that it is the right route I need to be taking now. I did have a few questions. Have you heard of others doing part time school while doing part time work? What does your friend who is currently enrolled do? Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury to leave my job and my desire to start my advanced education hasn't gone away, so I'm hoping I can compromise by doing both part time. Have you heard of anyone taking one class at a time? As you said, the goal isn't to finish asap, so I was wondering if for the classes with clinicals, if it would be possible to take one class at a time. My second issue is indeed finding ways to finance it. Does Georgetown offer many scholarships? I'm still in the process of paying back my BSN loans (ah!) and I'm scared of biting off more than I can chew. I'm hoping to reach an admissions advisor some time soon, but your advice helps. Thanks again!

natyloo · Jun 10, 2012

of course the admissions advisor is going to be nothing but positive . . . they make money off each applicant. additionally, they build their preceptor database by having each applicant contact a potential preceptor during the application process. whether you are accepted or not, they approach your potential preceptor for their students -- which, in my opinion, is quite backhanded -- especially if you are planning to use that preceptor for your own clinical rotation for the school to which you are accepted. i found the admissions to be quite arbitrary and was accepted elsewhere where I am entering my final semester with a 4.03 GPA. i'm thrilled that i am not paying that kind of tuition for a school that i felt was not forthright information i provided.

Patti_RN · Jun 10, 2012

Preppyrn, the sequence of classes is very specific for both the part-time and full-time programs. There are no other options unless something has drastically changed since I spoke to my student support advisor. Part-time requires you to take two classes per semester. I''d imagine that you can work part-time and go to school part-time, as that is what the track is designed for.

Students move together in cohorts which makes it easier to form study groups and coordinate together on assignments. Because you're video conferencing for your classes, you 'see' your professors and fellow students just like brick-and-mortar classes, but on your screen. It saves commuting and its associated headaches--you simply sign-in at the appointed class time and attend class. You have the ability to get immediate feedback, ask questions and discuss topics in real time. Obviously, this is the gold-standard for online education, but somethign unique to Georgetown. I'm excited to be a part of the program and university.

Talk to your admission counselor about tuition forgiveness programs. You can have student loans forgiven by working in underserved areas after graduation. I'm sure there are other ways to get tuition help, but it's not something I know about as I'm paying cash for my tuition. I'm debt-adverse, so I'm the wrong person to ask about loans!

Good luck!

Patti_RN · Jun 10, 2012

Georgetown's admission process isn't the least bit arbitrary! True, there are no absolute criteria for admission; some students with 4.0 GPAs but weak references or lacking experience can be rejected, as can those with slightly low GPAs but strong references and valuable experience can be accepted. But, it's not a crap shoot; they are very selective and accept those who they believe will survive their program. It does a tremendous disservice to do otherwise; admitting students who clearly can't survive the degree of academic rigor sets those students up for failure--these students might quit their job, pass up other programs, then ultimately fail or drop out with tens of thousands of dollars worth of tuition paid or student loans yet have nothing to show for it--no degree or even credits to transfer. If a school doesn't believe an applicant can graduate, it's unethical to accept that person. And, it doesn't matter how well a student does at a 'safe' school (a 4.0GPA student at an less rigorous school might be a 2.0 student in a top program--it's like comparing apples to oranges), surviving at UPenn or Georgetown simply isn't the same as doing well at a less competitive school.

Several years ago, I applied to Harvard for a Masters of Public Health. Not surprisingly, I wasn't accepted. It was a long-shot and I knew it. But, I'm not bitter about being rejected, nor am I bad-mouthing them or their program. The simple truth is there were more capable applicants who had more to offer. I graciously wish them the best of luck and I thank Harvard for considering me.

There are good and valid reasons schools are selective. Schools want the best students they can attract--classroom discussions are of a higher caliber, the academic bar can be set at a height where everyone is stretching but, with work, everyone can actually reach it. Admitting a student who isn't on par with the rest of the class is not only unfair to that student, but to the others in the program. Weak students dilute the academics and lower the standards for the rest of the class. It's rather like recruiting athletes for a team; the 'best' center on a little college's basketball team could easily be the weak link on a Division I team. No one wants to be a weak link; we all need to find our spot in life where we can contribute and flourish.

LUVS2BRN · Aug 22, 2012

I personally spoke indepthly with the admissions counselor at Georgetown and was not impressed. I did research Georgetown's np program compared to others and, frankly, it comes across as a school just looking to make money..and at around 80k for your FNP...they are going to make tons of it! They were very unclear on their student professor ratios, preceptor placement, as well as average RN experience level of their currently enrolled cohorts. The admissions counselor couldn't even give me his opinion on new grad Rn's going straight to NP without experience and how this would effect them receiving job offers or even being competent in their NP roles. He was also at a loss for words when I asked how their program prepares nps for the job market through didactic time, clinical training etc. They don't even find your preceptors for you Again this is just my opinion, but Georgetown seemed like it created this online np school and is admitting almost everyone who applies to make a quick buck and its not worth that ridiculous amount of tuition for a brand new online program.

Tinabeanrn · Aug 28, 2012

Hi LUVS2BRN. Wow, I am surprised to hear your experience compared to others. I know they don't accept everyone that applies as my BFF applied twice and has a 3.97 and 6 years of in patient and out patient nursing experience and an excellent enterance letter that literally knocked my socks off : ). I do agree that 80k is way way way too steep for my blood. I went to a traditional private school which is the most expensive school in Michigan and it cost a third of that program. What other schools have you looked into? I hear Fronter has an excellent online program. Check that one out. I also know someone that went to that program and he was fantastic. Best wishes :)

Calpurnia · Oct 8, 2012

Hi Patti_RN, First off, Congrats on your admission to Georgetown! That is an awesome accomplishment in itself. I know this thread is a bit old, but I've been reading though them trying to learn more about Georgetown, the application process, and the program. How do you like the program so far? Is it every bit as challenging as you had hoped/expected it to be?

I am in the process of applying for the Jan 2013 cohort. I am so excited and terrified at the same time. I feel like in a lot of ways I may be a strong candidate: I have 6 years of L&D experience, a 4.0 GPA in my BSN program, and great references. However, my ASN GPA is less impressive (3.0), I achieved my BSN through an online program (it just doesn't seem prestigious, no one has heard of my program), and I haven't shadowed a WHNP. I go back and forth between hopeful and super insecure. What are your thoughts? I know that they look at the whole candidate, but I also know that this program is incredibly competitive. Some reassurance (or anything really!) would be helpful. Also, how do you like the program? Is it meeting your expectations and would you recommend it based on your experiences so far?

Calpurnia · Oct 8, 2012

Oops! Double post!

drjsherman · Nov 1, 2012

Hi Culpurnia,

Did you hear anything today for January 2013??? I just found out that I got accepted to the Georgetown FNP Online program for January 2013 and I am on the fence.... I am waiting to hear backfrom Samford which I hear that is a great school, well orgainized, and the program is many years old now. I just don't know what to do.

Georgetown is $80k and Samford $30k. I have been reading posts about Georgetowns program and I am not sure. Some say its great, while other say its too much.... I guess we will have to log in at specific times throughout the week and join a lecture (which might be hard if I am working), as well as do videos, taped lectures, and assignments on our own. What have you heard?