How difficult is online NP programs?

[knittern]

I have been a nurse for over 17 years, i have worked in a myriad of places and areas within nursing.

I am wanting to do an online NP program, just so that I can work it around working nights, 2 kids, and

a husband. I know that we are all going to have to make sacrifices for me to accomplish my goal, but

I want to know for real, how difficult is it? I have never really had to study when I take classes. I have

taken advanced Organic Chemistry classes, was a lab assistant for three semesters in Org. I am OCD,

but not out of control:lol2:

I just want to have someone lay it out there for me, i don't want to kid myself, or get myself all worked up!

I already have some preceptors lined up, I said I was OCD, lol!

I really appreciate any input. Oh I am really focusing on ETSU's RODP.

Thanks to all that help:yeah:

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hi

I did my BSN on line and was thisclose to obtaining my FNP. Then September 11th happened, and I dropped out, sigh....

I feel that, as an on-line or long-distance student you are required to submit more "written work". Plus you must be able to work out a schedule for yourself in order to complete the required homework, research papers, exams on time.

Depending upon the program you may need to set up a proctor for your required exams or go to a computerized center to take your exams. And, as you are aware, out-of-state students MUST line up their own preceptors.

I totally enjoy being a "non-traditional" student (as long as my computer doesn't "crash" or my ISP doesn't fall into a black cyber hole, smile...)

athena

[rnattorney]

I disliked my first online NP program. It was quality program, but I did not feel that I was learning the drugs and labs like you would in a classroom environment. Also, lining up your preceptors can be a challenge. I transferred to a school with classes every other weekend, and they help you set up clinicals and preceptors. That is just what worked best for me. I enjoyed online classes for my generic portion of my masters, but not my classes for my NP.

[meandragonbrett]

If you are a disciplined person go for it. Distance based programs for the MSN tend to involve extensive time spent on your part teaching yourself the material. In my experience, all of the course related materials given by the professor were generally worthless. I have never read a textbook, journal, etc. with as much drive as I have in my graduate program.

[lisaone]

In graduate school you are given the course objectives but not usually the resources to find them. Plan to spend about 2 hours per day for each class you take studying. A majority of the time spent will be researching topics, finding supportive literature, and assimilating all of that information.

If you are disciplined about your time during the week you may find you have extra time on the weekends. I got high grades in my BSN courses but did not commit a lot of time to studying. That's not an option in NP school. I estimate that each of my papers took about 40 hours of learning the information, finding supportive research, and writing the paper.

I don't regret doing it at all. Just be aware that it will take a considerable amount of dedication. Some find the online approach too isolating. It all depends on your style.

Good luck!

[Chaoticdreams33, MSN, RN]

I agree with the other posters, if you are dedicated and have a great deal of self control and motivation and are good with computers, then it will work well for you.

Personally, I got my Bachelor's online, so I am all set with all that!

Just started an in-person NP program and I love it. I missed the interaction and discussion with other students. But, whatever works for you!

[malenkiyb]

I didn't enjoy doing BSN online and found it challenging. You have to write a lot: postings/replies to other students, professor, assignments,papers and case studies.We had nursing fundamentals and med/surg courses in regular courses. It is not easy to combine on site courses with slim lab, two clinical days and online courses. I would say if you had clinicals days at the end of semester than other activities be OK.

Check with your school and talk to current students to get tips how they do it.

[KMKattleRN]

rnattorney I was just hoping to ask you about Clarkson College. I thought I read in one of your post that you attended school there at one point? I start their RN-MSN FNP track this May and wanted to knwo a little more about the program. Thank you