Most Rigorous NP Programs (worried about NP Curriculum)!

The University of North Dakota has an excellent program - more units but you will be well prepared.

If you are looking for an NP program where you are going to be able to diagnose everything from Day 1 on the floor, you aren't going to find it. Most future MD's don't find those programs either.

NP's, are mid-level providers. Keyword: Mid-Level.

They are an invaluable part of the healthcare team, but if you are looking for more in-depth science courses, I suggest you go the PA route.

Thanks for the advice so far.

Jory - I have weighed the options and I definitely want NP over PA. I would like to eventually own my own practice, and that can never happen as a PA. In addition, I am already a nurse. I do think the PA education seems more standardized, I wish NP programs were that way. I just feel so many NP schools are just in it for the money - pumping out unqualified NPs so they can collect the tuition money. I really want to learn and be have the tools I need to serve my community, not just have the "NP" license/degree.

You'll be happy to know that many programs are starting to only offer an NP degree as a doctorate. Meaning, more in-depth classes and practicum hours will be required. The AANP and other heavy organizations support this transition.

University of Maryland is one such program whose Fall '13 matriculating class is the first to enter in the DNP-only option.

I'm not sure what you are asking? Most NP schools have a more holistic educational path than hard science courses like CRNA or PA school. When you graduated nursing school, did you feel like you could treat any kind of patient from day one? When you graduate, you will not have a MD's education...nor should you. As an above poster mentioned, NPs are mid-level practitioners. It is a trade off since you are receiving an education much more quickly than a MD (although, unfortunately, making a lot less $$$) I go to Drexel for my PMHNP and really like it! I don't think that I will be an expert practitioner when I graduate, but I think that is true no matter what school you go to....experience (at anything) is what gets you to be the best. GL! I would definitely avoid any for-profit schools....

Agree with the above posts about learning truly starting once you are in practice. That being said I would recommend a brick and mortar school vs an online only school. Most schools have on-line courses anyway in case you need the flexibility of on-line courses. Also I would look for an established program where they had plenty of contacts in the community. When it comes to clinicals you want to know that the school has several placement options for students. You dont want to have to scramble for your own preceptor while you're busy in school, most likely working and juggling other life responsibilities.

It's a shame that our nursing school regulators have such low standards that a student would even have to think about fending for oneself when looking for the best education their money can buy. They've abdicated their responsibility when they require students to find their own preceptors -preceptors that haven't even been vetted as educators. A lot of people are paying a lot of money for substandard degrees and the folks who are supposed to be monitoring our educations just turn a blind eye.

I had similar concerns and my strategy was to go to US News and World Report, make a chart of the top rated schools by my specialty, and then look into each program and compare. I looked at schools that I could realistically go to based on location and then narrowed by the curriculum. Once you look at 30-40 schools, you get pretty good at detecting "fluff." Cost was also a consideration, but I felt my school was worth its slightly higher price tag. Then I went to a few open houses and spoke with the faculty to get a sense of the programs and searched student experiences extensively here on AN and google. Unfortunately, most of the student experiences posted are related to the direct entry programs, which I was not. Overall, I love my program and yes, it IS hard! But it's so worth it. Best of luck, OP

Thanks for the advice so far.

Jory - I have weighed the options and I definitely want NP over PA. I would like to eventually own my own practice, and that can never happen as a PA. In addition, I am already a nurse. I do think the PA education seems more standardized, I wish NP programs were that way. I just feel so many NP schools are just in it for the money - pumping out unqualified NPs so they can collect the tuition money. I really want to learn and be have the tools I need to serve my community, not just have the "NP" license/degree.

IcySageNurse: I definitely agree. It's all about the money with many (though not all)schools nowadays. Tuitions used to increase every year or two; now I've watched some increase the credit costs every semester or trimester.....nursing education is a very lucrative business these days.

There are plenty of np programs that offer a solid foundation to begin practice. They may have different course titles than the standard medicine courses (and many do not) but the key is they provide a foundation, just as PA school does. Plus, there is nothing stopping you from picking up a book, because honestly any grad program is going to throw info at you, not hand hold. When you are in rotations, stay longer. Beg for information. Read read read.. Keep the ego in check, as one of the most dangerous things for a patient is a new clinician that thinks they know it all, or is ego driven and can't say I don't know. Medicine is life long learning. If you are really that worried, either go to medical school or do a post grad residency. HTH