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Discussion

Help me decide NP school :)

Great news! I am in a position to decide between attending Gonzaga's MSN FNP program or Concordia's MSN FNP. Didn't think I would be in this position! Now I need to make a decision and my husband and I are both having the hardest time! Would love to hear your guys' input.

And just for some context, I live in Portland OR and will be working full time (3 12s) at least until clinicals.

Gonzaga:

1. Cost: 38,000 + the cost of 8 weekend trips to Spokane WA (5ish hour drive)

2. Time: 2.5 years full time, 8 weekend on campus intensives

3. Reputation: Excellent reputation in the Pacific NW

4. Cohort model

5. Have heard nothing but excellent feedback about the program experience

6. Board pass rate: 98%

Concordia:

1. Cost 26,000

2. Time: flexible with 2.5-4 year progression plans and one 2 week on campus intensive (family lives in Milwaukee so there would not be an additional cost)

3. Reputation: Not as well known in the Pacific NW

4. Not a cohort model, you progress as you would like

5. Spoke with recent alumni who also had nothing but excellent feedback about the program

6. Board pass rate: 98%

What is important to me is having the best academic preparation and being set up for success as a new grad. Also cost is important as I will be paying a portion as I go and taking out loans for the rest, but ultimately this is not the deciding factor. Any input you might have on this would be greatly appreciated!

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    Im not yet an NP student as yet ;) but I'd like to say that I like Concordia better. Here's why

    • Cost- 12k less (you mentioned that this is important)
    • Flexible curriculum/progression time is a good prop in case a situation arises and you need to increase or decreas your credit hours
    • Location- Im sorry but the travel to Gonzaga will eventually weigh on you :(
    • Alumni loves the school
    • Excellent pass rates

    Only con to this situation is the fact that the school isnt well known but I think all the other factors out-weigh this. I also believe that the fact that you will now be a mid-level provider will be more important than where you graduated from. You can prove yourself by your work ethics and skills, which will definitely help build the schools' rep. All the best!

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    I agree with besaangel. I would chose Concordia. It appears to be more flexible and to be just as good of a program so why not save a little money. I do not think the fact that the school is not as well known in your area is an important factor. Passing boards is more important-people are more concerned about whether you are licensed and the quality of the care you provide over what school you went to. Good Luck and congrats!!

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    • Author

    Thanks so much for your responses!! I was about thisssss close to putting my deposit for Concordia and then I found out Gonzaga has students in Portland and you can coordinate practicing/ studying with them. Because they are a cohort the students also seem to have a great time doing everything together on the weekend inversions. Also because it is more local there are a lot of predicting clinical contracts with the area I live in. I figured the additional support was worth the cost. So I picked gonzaga. I think I probably wouldn't go wrong either way. Both are great schools!

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    SO happy for you

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    • Author

    Thank you! Running through a mix of excitement and nervousness. A big part of me feels like I should ask the schools "are you really sure?" Haha I still can't believe it!

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    You are welcome.... and U have earned it

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    Hello Junebug! Did you start Gonzaga FNP program already? Do you mind sharing how it is going for you?

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