Herzing University Post-Master's FNP Take Two!

[CLUVRN]

Hey everyone!

So about two years ago, I posted that I had started the post-master's FNP program at Herzing. Well, one week into the program, I got cold feet and withdrew. Fast forward to three weeks ago. I have restarted the post-master's FNP program at Herzing and so far, it has been great! I am taking two eight week classes and had my pathophysiology class from my master's degree transferred in. These classes are fast-paced, but doable! I have one more didactic class to take in the Summer, then all that's left after that are my clinicals! The first clinical begins in May! I'm so nervous about it even though it is seven weeks away! If all goes well, I should graduate August of 2021! This time, I'm determine to complete this program and pass my certification exam the first time (though I'm not sure which exam I will take--leaning toward the ANCC, though:)

Any else currently attending or plan on attending Herzing?

[studentnurse2018, ADN, BSN]

It varies by course so far  3 to 4 papers each course.

[NurseKiker]

Thank you! About how long are the papers? A friend of mine is in a NP Program and she’s had to write 30-40 page papers. I really dislike writing papers so 30-40 page papers would be a challenge for me. 

[studentnurse2018, ADN, BSN]

The page length varies by assignment and course. I am taking my 3rd and 4th course in the program and so far the max required length is 6 - 8 pages for one of the papers.

[NurseKiker]

OK, great. Thanks for responding! Good luck to you!  

[NurseKiker]

18 hours ago, studentnurse2018 said:

The page length varies by assignment and course. I am taking my 3rd and 4th course in the program and so far the max required length is 6 - 8 pages for one of the papers.

Have you started clinical rotations yet? If so, does Herzing help with finding preceptors? And does all preceptors have to be NP’s or can they be MD or PA as well? 

[studentnurse2018, ADN, BSN]

I start clinical in May. I found my preceptor without assistance from the school. First, they will provide you with a list of preceptors that students in your state have used previously. You must prove that you tried contacting preceptors before they will help. There is a deadline for them to help you. The preceptors can be NP, MD, or PA. PA preceptors must have a master's degree. I believe half of your preceptors must be NP. You can use the same preceptor twice. 

[NurseKiker]

45 minutes ago, studentnurse2018 said:

I start clinical in May. I found my preceptor without assistance from the school. First, they will provide you with a list of preceptors that students in your state have used previously. You must prove that you tried contacting preceptors before they will help. There is a deadline for them to help you. The preceptors can be NP, MD, or PA. PA preceptors must have a master's degree. I believe half of your preceptors must be NP. You can use the same preceptor twice. 

Thank you! Do you know if the health assessment and adult clinical can be completed in an urgent care or do they all have to be completed in a primary care clinic? Can any of the hours be completed in a hospital? 

[studentnurse2018, ADN, BSN]

Health assessment ideal clinical sites:  rehabilitation facilities, family-based practice facilities, retail health clinics that conduct primary care, medical centers that have a primary care focus, community-based clinics, urgent cares that conduct primary care, federally funded clinics, VA hospitals that have primary care clinics, extended care facilities, mobile health centers

Adult clinical same as the above but only patients 18- 64 years of age count towards your clinical hours and patient encounters.

[Wellnesswizard MSN-FNP, BSN, RN]

Hello everyone! I wanted to know where everyone is now regarding in the program? Is the program good so far and did the school help you if you struggled finding preceptors? Were the courses doable while working and were the teachers helpful? I am about to start the program in March and wanted some insight!

[Lulu6781]

Hi! I'm about half way through the program and just ending my first rotations. Herzing is awesome! Herzing is non profit. It's challenging and I see why people drop out. (The graduation rate is horrible but the pass rates on FNP certification is higher than my local brick universities.) Students think it's easy to get in but then reality slaps you in the face that you have to study. You have to put in the effort on your weekly posts and keep up with material.  You MUST know your stuff. So you cannot just sail through. My clinical preceptors were laughing because people put down online programs but they were impressed and how awesome the Herzing students have been. We have a top 5 university here that boasts about their nationally recognized program. Herzing uses the exact same books and they have also switched to mostly online d/t COVID. So what is the difference really? Herzing has the exact same clinical requirements and, in some courses, exceeds those requirements. The courses flow nicely and there are quizzes and exams and of course lots of papers. Clinical documentation is done in Typhon just like my local brick universities. I'm happy with my decision. The cost after ALL tuition and fees for the program is only $1400 more than my local universities and the board certification pass rates are HIGHER. The program is reputable. This was a no-brainer decision to make. Do it but expect to earn it!

[R V]

Thank you so much for your input! I just received the syllabus(s)  for my first semester! It is definitely busy work with 2  primary discussion posts/weekly, responses, 2-3 papers per class, quizzes and presentations. I just need to re-teach myself APA format! My only concern is finding clinical placement during a pandemic!  I’m glad I switched to part time at my current job since I feel like I will definitely be very busy with the online busy work. I really appreciate your response and I’m confident that this school will prepare me to be a well prepared FNP!

[kgallegos]

I know this thread is a little old but I'm wondering how clinical placement went for everyone?