Info on USI Online

Nursing Students NP Students

Published

Any go to University of Southern Indiana? I'm looking at their online PMHNP program, but it's fairly new and doesn't seem to have a lot of theory based courses necessary for mental health care. The only diff. between this program and their FNP program is this one has a course in Psychopharmacology on top of regular pharmacology, and then the clinical courses. Seems iffy..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The 3 "clinical" courses aren't clinical courses, they are the PMHNP core classes that include clinicals. I think you will find that is the structure of most NP programs. The Assistant dean in charge of the APN programs is actually a PMHNP and FNP with both PhD and DNP. I have never heard anything bad about USI.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wonderful! Good to hear. I'm really interested in the program but I definitely want a high quality program and need to hear a little more about it since it's so new. I was comparing it with Vanderbilt's distance program - Vanderbilt's curriculum for PMHNP is VERY different than for the FNP, with very little overlap. Meanwhile, at USI the overlap between their FNP and PMHNP program is quite strong, with at least 75% of the classes being the same. That scares me a little. I want to be well trained in psychiatry and mental health.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it has to do with how they divide the curriculum.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi am in USI PMHNP program, I got in summer,2012. You are right on those classes that seem to be the smae but this is the core classes for the graduate program. Their is 18credit hours of those Nursing 601,602,603,604,617,622 I hope I got it all but these classes are for all graduate students in the nursing program not considering the track you want to specialize on. After these core classes you will now enter you own specialty with it's related clinicals.

This is a good school, their instructors so far based on my experience are awesome. I heared horrible stories on Patho way before I got accepted this class is a big deal for all graduate student no matter the school. Dr.Walsh took me in this class, I can't ask for a better instructor. The thing is start studying right away so the program don't run you over LOL I mean literally you have to be on your toes. The graduate nursing program at USI is a very serious and demanding program.

Hope this helps.

Goodluck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, Psych, ART, CM, MT.

I applied to USI as well for their FPMHARNP program for fall 2013. I researched a lot about programs online, and USI seems to be solid.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was accepted into USIs January 2013 class for the FNP Program. I'm so excited!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I was accepted into USIs January 2013 class for the FNP Program. I'm so excited!!!
would you mind sharing why you choose USI?
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiovascular, EP.
Hi am in USI PMHNP program, I got in summer,2012. You are right on those classes that seem to be the smae but this is the core classes for the graduate program. Their is 18credit hours of those Nursing 601,602,603,604,617,622 I hope I got it all but these classes are for all graduate students in the nursing program not considering the track you want to specialize on. After these core classes you will now enter you own specialty with it's related clinicals.

This is a good school, their instructors so far based on my experience are awesome. I heared horrible stories on Patho way before I got accepted this class is a big deal for all graduate student no matter the school. Dr.Walsh took me in this class, I can't ask for a better instructor. The thing is start studying right away so the program don't run you over LOL I mean literally you have to be on your toes. The graduate nursing program at USI is a very serious and demanding program.

Hope this helps.

Goodluck.

I graduated from USI this past summer in the FNP program. I, too, had concerns about any of the online programs and spent lots if time researching the various programs. I can tell you without hesitation you don't get a free ride at USI. It is a rigorous program and you had better stay on top of all the reading. The tests are hard but fair and the faculty are either PhD or DNP. If I had to narrow it down I can tell you the faculty will wear you out but they each really want you to succeed - think about when your parents say I'm hard on you because I love you. That is true at USI.

The first time pass rate for NP certification is far better than the national average. Out of 42 graduates in my class I only know of one who didn't pass certification the first time through but she did the next time. She unfortunately has migraines and was in bed two days before she sat the first time. Not sure if that was the reason but it couldn't have helped.

You will find graduates who will bellyache about not having everything spelled out for them and this will be the same people who ask questions that were an embarrassment to the rest of us. However, ask them if they passes NP boards and somehow they did.

One HUGE obstacle will be finding clinic locations - if you enroll I would almost immediately begin trying to nail down at least two or three clinical locations and find that many preceptors. Everyone does a physical assessment class in a family practice setting before you begin the specialty rotations. Get these sites identified and always get one or two backup sites. I met with 78 family practice clinics before I found one to take me and then just before i started my preceptor got pregnant and quit. I had to start over. I was lucky to have had a backup site. If you have no site, preceptor, and legal co tract between USI and the site, you cannot move forward.

So if you are committed, willing to work hard, can find good clinical experiences in your area, and can find your way out of a paper bag without assistance I highly and without hesitation would recommend USI.

D. Jensen, MSN, FNP

USI - Class of 2012

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congratulations Barefoot. Do you have any tip on the clinical pharmacology? Do you have any suggestions on how one can study for the class, does the text have a study guide?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have been a student at USI for my BSN/MSN and currently a Post Masters NP student and considering the DNP program. I can tell you that this program is stellar. As the previously indicated, you have to stay on top of the curriculum because you are going to be required to study at least 15 hours a week to be successful. I feel that I have received a viable education and well prepared for any role that you plan on pursuing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know that this is an old message.but I was wondering how is the classes at USI ?I was asking about classes 601,602,603,604,605,606,617,618,622 I will have to take two at a time the first year and then one per semester the next two.I will graduate in three years?I heard the instructors are wonderful and the program is challenging and thats exactly what Im looking for?Can anybody tell me about USI nurse practitioner program classes and give me any advice?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment