I've been reading around the APN boards for a while and this past year I have realized that multiple states, like my state if NC for example, are requiring Out-of-state distance/online educational programs to be approved by the UNC Board of Governors (or whatever committee or board it us in other states), if students are required to physically carry out educational activities within the state (like clinicals and teaching etc..), before a students activities are permissible in the state and upheld by the board. As a result many of the out-of-state/distance oriented NP programs, even from the most reputable schools (Like Georgetown, Vanderbilt, and Frontier) can no longer accept applicants from NC students or other state with this policy. This whole thing came up in the beginning of 2013 around the time when NC made this decision. How do some if you guts feel about this?
I think it's good that the state wants those carrying our such educational activities like clinicals and teaching to come from an institution/training program that is legitimately adequate; however at the same time it seems like a hindrance and push to try and coerce students to receiving any education in NC. I know that NP education could be more standardized and "across the board", but all accredited CCNE and ACN programs must all meet certain requirements to receive accreditation and therefore make their students eligible to take the licensing exam(s) required for licensure. I mean, what is accreditation worth/for if the state is just going to say that it's not enough for an out-of-state/online institution to be accredited by a reputable body (despite how well-regarded the school is and it's success rate on passing boards), but the board feels it must approve institutions itself. I wonder if, and if so, how much these schools will have to pay to get approved. Because this could very well be a money thing as well. Reputable NP schools that I had considered and and began preparing to apply to, such as: Frontier and University of Cincinnati have all announced that they can no longer accept new students from NC.
I know a few if the school, like the two I mentioned above, have stated they are seeking approval, but it seems like such a hindrance when we don't have many distance NP programs in NC, or affordable distance NP programs (thinking of Duke). The closest B&M NP program is 2.25 hours away from me. All only admit only one time a year (unlike many online and distance programs that are out-of-state which have multiple start options). Most of these programs, like ECU (which does have an online program) only accept 25-30 students each year.
The situation is just frustrating. Sorry for the length and likely numerous grammatical errors. I am typing in my iphone and aggravated. lol!
I've lived and worked in a v. rural part of the state for much of my career, and I managed to complete a BSN and a graduate program. I commuted a significant distance to complete a B&M state uni BSN completion program, and I packed up and moved to attend my first choice graduate program. I'm not someone who has a great deal of sympathy for how hard it is to further your education if you live in a rural area. People who really want to do this find a way to do it. Best wishes for your journey!"
I respect your opinion, but it is not always just a matter of how hard you are willing to work or how determined that you are. I understand what you are saying, and agree that those things are critical in these situations, but every situation is different. For me, attending a B&M school or traveling extensive distances would likely not be feasible. I do not work a fixed schedule, and work primarily during the week. It would be nearly impossible for me to work full-time AND be able to make classes even if it was local, due to the class start times and availability. I am single, so I must work full-time. I am determined, and will complete my educational goals, but there are more complicating factors than just will and determination. Have a great day. =0)
I agree and sympathize with you, wholeheartedly, rmtemsguy.
This is so frustrating! I live in NC too and I've applied to Drexel University's online PNP program for Fall 2014 and nothing on their website states that NC residents can't apply. It only states NY and MD residents can't apply. However, I looked on the UNC Board of Governors list and Drexel is not on there, yet they have a cohort program through WakeMed??? So are they approved in NC or not? Ugh....
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
Apparently if they aren't on the list, the no. I'm not sure though. The list hasn't changed in over a year. I am wondering of any school will ever be approved. I talked to Frontier and they said they had to have a site visit and all and they finally got everything done and have just been waiting to hear a yay or nay from NC. It's frustrating, yes.
Apparently if they aren't on the list, the no. I'm not sure though. The list hasn't changed in over a year. I am wondering of any school will ever be approved. I talked to Frontier and they said they had to have a site visit and all and they finally got everything done and have just been waiting to hear a yay or nay from NC. It's frustrating, yes.
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PatMac -
I've been keeping abreast of the issue, just because I know of several people in NC who are interested in FNU and are having difficulty getting information. Unfortunately part of this is FNU is at the mercy of an institution that has it's own interests instead of the interests of potential NPs in NC, at least that's my opinion. Because FNU is at their mercy, I don't think they (FNU) feels able to give out any information other than they are working on it. Internally someone posed the question of how it was progressing, and the response that was given is below:
We have submitted the our responses to the recommendations that our site visitors had from our visit. We hope to be on the agenda for their May meeting.
As soon as we know anything we will let everyone know.
This is obviously not an official response and I don't represent the university in any way. However, I though it would be good for you (and others from NC interested in FNU) to know that FNU is trying to move the issue along as fast as is possible.
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
PatMac -
I've been keeping abreast of the issue, just because I know of several people in NC who are interested in FNU and are having difficulty getting information. Unfortunately part of this is FNU is at the mercy of an institution that has it's own interests instead of the interests of potential NPs in NC, at least that's my opinion. Because FNU is at their mercy, I don't think they (FNU) feels able to give out any information other than they are working on it. Internally someone posed the question of how it was progressing, and the response that was given is below:
We have submitted the our responses to the recommendations that our site visitors had from our visit. We hope to be on the agenda for their May meeting.
As soon as we know anything we will let everyone know.
This is obviously not an official response and I don't represent the university in any way. However, I though it would be good for you (and others from NC interested in FNU) to know that FNU is trying to move the issue along as fast as is possible.
Thanks zmansc!
FNU is my first choice school for when I go to pursue my FNP. I agree that this whole "approval" deal isn't entirely "fair" for a well established and well-known school such as FNU nor the NC students trying to apply there.
According to the site http://www.northcarolina.edu/academic-planning/licensing-institutions it seems to just be "nonpublic" schools that have to go through a process of licensure and accreditation. So I am assuming any out-of-state public schools would be exempt from these requirements?
Thank you for starting this thread. I've been casually perusing programs (it'll be awhile before I'll be in a position to go back to school), and I had no idea this was happening with online programs. It looks like this effects both private and public (out of state) programs, because there are several universities on the list (pretty sure University of South Carolina is public, for example, but I could be wrong). Again, thanks for sharing this information!
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
Just saw on FNU's (Frontier) Facebook page that they are now able to accept NC applicants!!! I'm so excited!!! It's about time the Board of a Governors let them know. I think they can only accept MSN and Post Masters certificates for now, but that's fine with me!!! After a little over 1.5 years they are finally approved by the UNC Board of Governors.
Yes, I got an email from administration yesterday, but wasn't able to post until today. FNU is accepting applicants for the MSN/FNP program. They are still working on getting the DNP program approved, and they said they are still working on it. I think this is very good for NC residents who wanted additional options besides the instate schools.
Happy for you! I am going through a similar scenario now that Minnesota is on Frontier's list. It's so frustrating, especially since it's never been a problem for MN applicants before. Wish it could have been practical for me to apply before October 2013. Hopefully MN will be in the clear very soon, too.
This is so frustrating! I live in NC too and I've applied to Drexel University's online PNP program for Fall 2014 and nothing on their website states that NC residents can't apply. It only states NY and MD residents can't apply. However, I looked on the UNC Board of Governors list and Drexel is not on there, yet they have a cohort program through WakeMed??? So are they approved in NC or not? Ugh....
Hey Hopeful PNP,
I too am seriously researching online np programs, but I prefer Family.
I think we have a bit in common... Have you applied to a program?
PatMac10,RN, RN
1 Article; 1,164 Posts
I agree and sympathize with you, wholeheartedly, rmtemsguy.