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!
