Master's Entry for CNL versus Master's Entry to FNP

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Hi everyone,

I was wondering if someone had an opinion about the following decision I might have to make. My fiance and I are long distance (LA to SF) and I'm applying to programs in SF and Seattle. One of the SF programs is for Master's Entry to FNP and the other is for Master's Entry to RN/CNL. The first (UCSF) is VERY highly ranked (top 5) and the second (USF) is ranked at #50. The last school I am applying to is a Master's Entry to FNP (Seattle University) and it's ranked at about #127.

My goal is to be an FNP, so if I were to go to USF I would need to attend a second graduate program afterwards to reach my goal. It would be ideal for my fiance for us to stay in the Bay area (me moving there next year once I start school) because he works in finance and it would be much easier for him to get a high paying job after his current position in the Bay area (already established business contacts, etc.). However, he would obviously move with me to Seattle if that's where I decided to go.

My question is this: It's not very likely that I'll get into UCSF because it is so competitive. If I were to get into USF (the CNL program) and Seattle (FNP), would it be better for me to attend Seattle so I could immediately apply to FNP jobs after graduating, or would it be smarter to attend USF and work as an RN for 1-2 years after then apply to FNP programs again. Since USF is more highly ranked, would I be in a better spot to get a competitive job someday as an FNP since I would be more competitive for other FNP programs and might be able to get into an FNP program that is more highly ranked than Seattle after becoming an RN? Or would it be smarter to just do the Seattle program since all schools are so competitive already, and I would be crazy to turn that down if I got into Seattle?

Thanks for any and all advice or help!

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Specializes in PCU, LTAC, Corrections.

I have heard the stories about the competitiveness in this Pacific area. My first thought would be to go where you get in. If you only get into the program at Seattle go.

I am from the NYC area and I am applying to an direct entry CNL program. I already received admission to an ABSN program in my area but I deferred admission until Fall 2014. I am presently in the process of applying to a direct entry CNL program in the Midwest. Right now my aim to to be an AG-ACNP or a CRNA. However, honestly that can change once I enter the program and go through clinicals. I have chosen a direct entry CNL program because I think it is best to enter an advanced generalist program. I plan on entering the workforce and working for 1-2 years before going back to school for a post Masters program.

I say find these answers:

1) What is the post graduation employment rate for the programs that you are applying for?

2) What is the job outlook for new graduate nurses with no experience that have a FNP in the area that you want to live?

3) What is the job outlook for all new graduate nurses ( ASN, BSN, direct entry) in the area that you want to live in?

Base you plans on those answers. I wanted to leave NYC and go somewhere my money can really be maximized and with a low cost of living ( honestly almost everywhere is cheaper..lol).The employment outlook for the program is great. 95% graduates ( traditional BSN, ABSN, and direct entry) of the nursing school were employed within 4 months of graduation. The starting incomes are really awesome for the cost of living.

Being highly ranked is wonderful for donors, deans, and viewbooks. However, at the end of the day graduates need to be able to find a job. The program I am applying to is also nationally ranked but if the employment rates were below 80% I would not bother applying.

If you are absolutely sure that FNP is the only kind of nurse that you want to be then go full speed ahead. However, if you think that you might divert from that plan then think about the CNL program.

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have you looked into samuel merritt's master's entry program?

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Thanks for your advice! I will definitely find the answers to those questions before the time comes for me to decide. Good luck with your studies as well!

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I have not - but I will check that out. Thank you!

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