Most Rigorous NP Programs (worried about NP Curriculum)!

zenman · May 30, 2013

You'll learn the most when you finish. I think it was Mark Twain (and one of my physician preceptors) who said don't let your education interfere with your learning.

TheOldGuy · May 30, 2013

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

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · May 30, 2013

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.

IcySageNurse · May 30, 2013

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.

Vespertinas · May 30, 2013

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.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 30, 2013

I agree that the NP program is just the beginning of your learning whether you have extensive experience as a nurse or not. Much of your growth occurs in practice as an NP. However, it's still very important to pick a reputable program that will arm you with the necessary tools to function as a novice NP and expose you to a network of clinicians who are already experts in your field. This becomes very important when you start looking for jobs.

megank5183 · May 30, 2013

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....

NPAlby · May 30, 2013

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.

subee, MSN, CRNA · May 30, 2013

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.

babyNP., APRN · May 30, 2013

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

ponderingNP · May 30, 2013

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.