ISU program anyone?

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Anyone using Indiana State University MSN-NP program online? How is it? Has anyone completed the program

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi there! I'm currently in the program and have met a few others here who are either in the program or starting in the Fall. My first semester just ended several weeks ago and so far I'm extremely happy with how the program is run, the way the weekly assignments are presented, and the response from the professors. Do you have any specific questions? I'll be happy to answer any as best possible. :)

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Specializes in Geriatric, Rehab, and Pulmonary.

I also plan on starting at isu, is there really no requirements to visit the campus. I live in Va and would not be able to travel. Also, any prereq other than BSN from accredited nursing school? I plan on taking undergrad statistics next semester along with my other BSN classes, I will have that finished. Also, in-state tuition for all distance online MSN-FNP students, does this apply? Also, what about books and/or study materials. Are there books to buy or do you have to buy, like a binder with ISU's notes?Thanks!

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Specializes in ICU.

There is absolutely no requirement to visit campus... one of the reasons I chose this program since it was uncertain that I'd be able to do that.

No other pre-reqs aside from a BSN. You have to write an essay and such, but nothing unusual.

Yes! I pay instate tuition for being an online student! Another big reason I chose the program.

I bought all my textbooks online either from Barnes & Noble or half.com... nothing directly from ISU. Some students buy their textbooks from the school but they deal with backorders sometimes. No point in doing that if you don't have to.

I'm a big fan of this program despite a few snafus. If you have any other questions you can always pm me! I've "recruited" 4 students already... I think it's time to ask for a fee. ;)

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Specializes in Geriatric, Rehab, and Pulmonary.

I graduate with my BSN from King College in Bristol, Tenn December 2008. I hope to start January or August 2009. Thanks for the information. I may be contacting you later for more info. Thanks again!

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Specializes in ICU.
I graduate with my BSN from King College in Bristol, Tenn December 2008. I hope to start January or August 2009. Thanks for the information. I may be contacting you later for more info. Thanks again!

You still around? I think you're looking for answers right about now. :)

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Specializes in Geriatric, Rehab, and Pulmonary.

I do have a few questions. Do they really give in-state tuition to distance education students enrolled in the program? Is undergrad statistics required? How many hours a week, each semester, do you do clinicals? How many classes or credit hours can you take a semester? Are the professors and staff helpful about academic advising and classwork questions? Are they helpful with helping you get clinical preceptors? Sorry so many questions. Thank you.

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Specializes in ER; CCT.
Anyone using Indiana State University MSN-NP program online? How is it? Has anyone completed the program

I graduated from the BSN (great program) and took the first two semesters of the MSN/FNP there and was not impressed. Unless things have changed they only have two faculty for the entire FNP program which means your clinical adviser (pretty important role) will have you and another 100+ students to work with.

Also, if you have to go there, do your advance patho and advance statistics somewhere else, as the two professors for those courses (Jim or Tim and Christine) are truly bottom of the barrel and they do everything in their power to set you up for failure.

You might want to check out University of Southern Indiana. I switched and have had no problems there.

They actually have faculty their with real credentials and experience (i.e. first NP in Indiana 'Mother Hubbard' as well as a combined 100+ years of experience) and they don't make their mission to give you a hard time. It's cheaper, faster, better organized, no GRE's and you don't have to go there. Most importantly, all lectures at USI are televised and stored for retrieval. ISU does not do this.

Good luck.

T

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Specializes in ER; CCT.
I do have a few questions. Do they really give in-state tuition to distance education students enrolled in the program? Is undergrad statistics required? How many hours a week, each semester, do you do clinicals? How many classes or credit hours can you take a semester? Are the professors and staff helpful about academic advising and classwork questions? Are they helpful with helping you get clinical preceptors? Sorry so many questions. Thank you.

Tuition is in state, no matter where you live. Undergrad stats is required. If you need undergrad stats, contact ISU and ask to take Dr. Gabany's year long program. The entire class is, online, easy, painless and can be completed in under two weeks.

I can't speak to clinical as I transfered to USI for my clinicals. The ISU MSN/FNP professors (IMHO) are mediocre at best. There helpfulness is also limited in the fact that each of the two faculty members are juggling over a hundred students a piece.

As far as clinical locations, you are on your own for finding. This is true with most distance NP programs, so you will have to pound the pavement. Remember, if your primary preceptor doesn't do bunches of OB/Pelvics/Peds, you will have to find resources to cover those areas.

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Tuition is in state, no matter where you live. Undergrad stats is required. If you need undergrad stats, contact ISU and ask to take Dr. Gabany's year long program. The entire class is, online, easy, painless and can be completed in under two weeks.

I can't speak to clinical as I transfered to USI for my clinicals. The ISU MSN/FNP professors (IMHO) are mediocre at best. There helpfulness is also limited in the fact that each of the two faculty members are juggling over a hundred students a piece.

As far as clinical locations, you are on your own for finding. This is true with most distance NP programs, so you will have to pound the pavement. Remember, if your primary preceptor doesn't do bunches of OB/Pelvics/Peds, you will have to find resources to cover those areas.

I was looking into tow online programs for FNP. USI & ISU are my choices. Is it true that USI have a two year waiting list? If not, would you recommend the program vs ISU?

kwalrn

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I graduated from the BSN (great program) and took the first two semesters of the MSN/FNP there and was not impressed. Unless things have changed they only have two faculty for the entire FNP program which means your clinical adviser (pretty important role) will have you and another 100+ students to work with.

Also, if you have to go there, do your advance patho and advance statistics somewhere else, as the two professors for those courses (Jim or Tim and Christine) are truly bottom of the barrel and they do everything in their power to set you up for failure.

I am enrolled to start in about a week at ISU...I am taking Adv Patho from Jim Hughes. I am wondering what about his class you didn't like? How long before you decided to transfer? What about the professors gave you the impression that they want you to fail? Anything you did like about the program?

Be honest....

Thank you!

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I am accepted to ISU for Spring 2011. I am excited but nervous. Any advice or comments about the program at Indiana State would be helpful.

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