National University FNP Program

Buyer beware, BSN · Aug 7, 2016

OP: I looked up their undergraduate statistics on (collegescorecard.ed.gov). This site does not give evaluative information on their graduate programs. So you are dependent on them to be honest with you about them, starting with cohort grad and retention rates. I wish there was a way to independently do this but just getting a lot of schools to be transparent (especially for-profits) was like pulling teeth for the Federal government after years of lawyers and arguing. So why the secrecy? Well, many schools would prefer to operate "dark" so they can market you as easy as possible. But what you don't know CAN hurt you. So you must:

1. They need to offer more than "preceptor assistance" (too vague). They should have contractual relations with community preceptors that guarantee you get the 5 you will need for the 700-720 hrs of clinical time.They must put this guarantee in writing. If not, walk!

2. The preceptor issue is a big one because there is a lot of competition for limited spots with medical, PA and other NP schools.

3. The preceptor required courses come at the latter point of the NP program and if they are not there for you, you are screwed.

4. If they ask you to sign an arbitration agreement as a condition of enrollment, run. This is a red light. They should back-up their promises without asking you to give up your day in court if they deceive you.

5. This school is not cheap so remember you are a cherished customer and a professional. If you do the work, attend class, and respect your instructors, there should be reciprocity and good will extended to you as a consequence.

6. Ask lots of questions at open house and know that this event Is held for them to assess how easy it will be for them to spoon-feed you the kool-aid, so be wary but polite.

These days with the cost in money and time your choice must be a carefully measured one. So good luck my friend.