I'm very interested in becoming an NP soon (FNP or PMHNP), but I want to go to a very rigorous program. I'm very concerned with always providing the best care for my patients and so I want to go to a program where I will learn the most. It seems a lot of "diploma mill" type schools have opened for NPs, and I need help weeding them out!
I look through a few curriculums for NP programs and I'm kind of worried I won't learn enough. I see a lot of "fluff" classes on nursing theory/public health type things - and while these are definitely important, I feel that most of the NP program I've found just don't have enough strong science courses. I want to really work hard, take a lot of deep courses on diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology, immunology, etc. Anyone go to a program like that?
Regardless of your program, do you feel you graduated with a very sound knowledge of how to diagnose and treat most patients on day one or did you feel completely lost?
The Vandy one sounds good! As does Columbia. Seems right now a "good" DNP program is very school dependent.
I think that's true at the MSN level as well. Truth be told, there is a lot of variation in NP programs. This is unique to nursing and unlike MD, DO, or PA school, which are extremely standardized. That's why it boggles my brain when people post that it "doesn't matter" where you go to the NP school. I disagree. Programs vary by a lot.
In terms of the OP's question - any other comments on rigorous, high-quality NP programs folks would recommend from personal or colleage experience? Thanks!
myelin
695 Posts
I think that's true at the MSN level as well. Truth be told, there is a lot of variation in NP programs. This is unique to nursing and unlike MD, DO, or PA school, which are extremely standardized. That's why it boggles my brain when people post that it "doesn't matter" where you go to the NP school. I disagree. Programs vary by a lot.