NP programs around St. Louis? (SLU, Chamberlain, Maryville, SIUE, etc.)

[awintt94, ADN, BSN]

I am hoping to start up on a program this fall but I am overwhelmed by the choices in the area and was hoping for some critique on different schools if anyone has something to share.

SLU's AG-ACNP program is the main one that I am looking at. I want to do acute care and I appreciate that it is a Master's - I don't feel any need to pursue a Doctorate at this point and I have never read it does much to boost clinical knowledge. I also appreciate that they offer different certs so I can go back and do FNP or psych, for instance. The problem is that the tuition cost seems to be high, but to an extent it's worth it to me if it's a better education.

Maryville/Chamberlain I feel a bit more trepidation about as I hear all kinds of stories about hiring managers looking down on so-called "degree mill" schools. Yet people I know are doing Chamberlain and seem to like it and the NP in my ICU went there too and obviously has a fine job. I don't know if she used to work here as a nurse and got in that way or anything though, I plan to talk to her about it next time I see her.

SIUE seems good but it's only FNP and it's only a doctorate so it doesn't really meet my hopeful criteria but if it's a great education then I can start there.

Does anyone here have anything to share about the options in the area?

[KittyRN]

Hi, currently in siue's FNP, in my last semester. 

Good for you for wanting to advance your education! I chose DNP because I thought it would create more options for me as I want to go into teaching and not necessarily NP stuff, but I wanted to have the option in case I changed my mind (you never know what life might throw at you). 

The first 2 semesters are basically advanced physiology, patho and pharm along with advanced assessment. It was very rigorous and the physiology class was extremely difficult and many struggled (If there is a weed out course this is it). The rest is clinical classes with assessment, interpretation classes and so on and some research classes with the DNP project classes. A lot of learning that I truly enjoyed. As far as clinical experience, it is only as good as your preceptor. You can find your own preceptors and are encouraged to do so. 

Overall, I recommend the program. They seem to want you to succeed and have proven to be very helpful and flexible (I had difficulty securing preceptors and project issues). I don't know that you need a DNP for your future and on one hand I wish I would've gone to a 2 year MSN program as I would be done by now and have much less stress(in the moment)....but I'm counting the days to the end at this point. And I feel my options will be limitless once I'm done. I will have a terminal degree in my field. 

Siue's program is very good quality in my opinion. At times I wish it would've been easier but then anyone could finish it. 

Today, if I could travel back 3 years I would choose a 2 year MSN program and I do not think siue currently has an MSN FNP, only the DNP, but check out their site and talk to an advisor. You can always go back and get your doctorate (the length is 1 year post masters for most programs).

Good luck in your future endeavors!