Georgetown University

medic33 · May 5, 2013

I completed my BSN with an online school, Excelsior College. I have also applied to Georgetown University. The online coursework for the BSN was manageable, but initially scary. There were a lot of discussions and papers. As I got more comfortable with the format, it became second nature. The online format for Georgetown University sounds like a similar situation other than the addition of video classes. I would suggest that if you choose to complete the online program, you know someone or feel very comfortable with computers and IT issues. I didn't have too many issues during my classwork at Excelsior. The tech support from the University is usually pretty helpful.

Hope this helps!

M

PA_RN87, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · May 12, 2013

I'm also looking at online programs, specifically for FNP. Georgetown was one of the universities I was researching... but when I see advertisements on other websites, I become concerned that it's too much hype. I'm also looking at Duquesne, University of Pittsburgh, and Clarion. I'm living in PA, and I was also concerned whether completing my coursework with Georgetown's online program would be useless in PA?

I read the blurb they have online, but there isn't much information.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · May 17, 2013

Medic33- I completed my ASN through EC and am currently completing my BSN through EC as well and will be done in December. do you have to have your degree conferred before you can apply? I'm not worried about the online portion, just the clinical and also isn't there some classes that you have to be logged into at certain times as if you were attending a live class?

medic33 · May 22, 2013

Tasha,

No you do not have to have your degree conferral before you apply. They will request your transcripts initially. You will eventually have EC send a form to whichever university you are applying for saying you are in good standing to graduate at so and so a date. You can receive your acceptance to graduate school before you have your conferral of your BSN. I would suggest working as a RN for a bit prior to pursuing graduate school, just to get your feet wet. If you are working as you are getting your BSN that works as well. Graduate schools tend to want a bit of RN experience prior to pursuing graduate degrees.

I have been accepted to Georgetown and have started the whole process as a new graduate student already, but my BSN conferral isn't until June 21, 2013. Congratulations on your progress! You will get there! I hope this information helps.

medic33 · May 23, 2013

PA-RN Georgetown prepares Nurse Practitioners for autonomous practice. Looking at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners website with the link below... shows PA Nurse Practitioners need to have a collaborating Physician associated with their practice. The states in yellow.

http://www.aanp.org/legislation-regulation/state-practice-environmentN

With this in mind, you may want to choose a school that conforms to this type of practice.

But Georgetown would, like I said prepare you for independent practice. Autonomous states include Washington D.C. and Iowa(where I am). All states take the same national certification so the education at Georgetown would apply to PA, but each state regulates Nurse Pratitioners individually. This is one of the current issues of Nurse Practitioner scope of practice.

I have not looked at too many schools, but have been impressed with the support I have received in the application process and the fact that Georgetown will set up all of my clinical sites, even though I am in Iowa. I have heard the process of finding clinical sites is at times very difficult. Georgetown also offers a part-time program, which will hopefully allow me to work at the same time.

What is attractive about the schools you are looking at? Hope this info helps :)

PA_RN87, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · May 25, 2013

What is attractive about the schools you are looking at? Hope this info helps :)

Thank you for the information, and point of view! I'm mostly just trying to look at respectable online FNP programs because where I'm living and working, there is only 1 school that has a FNP program within driving distance, but they're definitely not my first choice.

The feedback I'm researching when it comes to schools basically boils down to the following questions:

1. [ most important] Is the program solid? In other words, does the curriculum do a good job at preparing you for the national examination, as well as functioning in the professional field?

2. Does the school have their act together? Do they provide adequate support, and maintain adequate communication between student and their professors, mentor, administration, etc.?

3. Is the school and/or program well respected? It's important that I don't waste time and/or money on school that isn't well respected (I know several online schools are generally considered "jokes" by most employers).

4. [ least important, but still important ] Cost. Can I get the same quality for a lower tuition elsewhere? I don't mind spending more if it's worth every penny.

Some of these questions may seem frivolous. However, having earned a BS in biology from a private university ($$$), then attending a PA state university for nursing (low tuition), it's pretty obvious that you get what you pay for (which is why I'm hesitant to attend the university that's within driving distance). So I'm doing heavy research for my next educational endeavor on multiple levels.

medic33 · May 29, 2013

Good Luck with your research! I agree that most (fully online) programs are not respected by employers. Although, hybrid programs have a better reputation. Georgetown is a hybrid program.....mostly online with a couple extended on-campus visits to test assessment and other skills needed.

The on-campus programs I looked at did not meet my needs and I already commute an hour each way for work. I hope this is the best route to go.

PA_RN87, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · May 29, 2013

Good Luck with your research! I agree that most (fully online) programs are not respected by employers. Although, hybrid programs have a better reputation. Georgetown is a hybrid program.....mostly online with a couple extended on-campus visits to test assessment and other skills needed.
The on-campus programs I looked at did not meet my needs and I already commute an hour each way for work. I hope this is the best route to go.

Thank you! I didn't know that Georgetown involved extended on-campus visits? I just searched their website and couldn't find anything that mentioned it. Did you speak to an admissions counselor? I looked at other hybrid programs, but they mentioned the on-campus visits in their description.

Also, have you applied / been accepted to Georgetown?

Nursestudent14 · Jun 5, 2013

Thanks for all of the information! I graduate with my BSN next May (2014) so I have just started the search to go on not to long ago! I did contact an admissions counselor and they do set up clinicals within fifty miles of your home. I also asked about the extended weekends. It is a Friday through Monday or Sunday in Washingtin dc and your required to make this trip three times before graduation for specific classes.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Aug 30, 2013

Medic- how is the program going for you? I'm applying now =)

adamRn79, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2013

PA_RN87: I'm currently searching for an online program in PA also, was shockingly denied by Clarion today, have also applied to Duquense. What did you end up doing?