Ohio State vs U of Cincinnati FNP

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Hello everyone!

I have recently been accepted to attend the FNP online programs at the Ohio State University and University of Cincinnati. I am pretty torn on which to choose , each have their pros and cons. From what I have seen online OSU's online MSN programs are ranked #6 in the nation, however it is a bit more pricey than UC and also will take me longer to graduate. I have heard good things about UC's program as well. I want to be well prepared for my future as an NP, and was hoping someone with experience or information regarding either program could provide me with some feedback? :)

I will most likely be taking out student loans, so would like to avoid as much debt as possible... however want to ensure I receive a quality education and get the best bang for my buck.

Thank you in advance! I appreciate your time.

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nursey, I do not have any insight for you from a current or former student's perspective, but I am facing the same decision now. Unfortunately, I will not be in the position to accept admission to OSU this fall since I am pregnant with a September due date (although very excited to be having another child.) Since OSU does not permit deferring admission, I am debating whether I should reapply for Fall 2016 or opt for Cincinnati.

OSU's US News and World Report rankings are significantly higher for their on-line and brick-and-mortar graduate nursing programs, but having been swayed by rankings before in selecting a graduate (non-nursing) program and not ending up particularly satisfied with my educational experience, I'm wary of relying too much on rankings to make a decision. A more pressing worry for me is that UC has no on campus skills sessions. While that is convenient for work and family, I worry that its program graduates are viewed as less competent as a result. Anyone have any insight on this?

Best of luck whatever you decide, nursey.

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Gonetocarolina - from what I have seen I think UC may have an on campus skill session... For one of the semesters it states we have 4 lab hours a week while in the assessment course. I do not know much about it but was planning to call them soon to determine if that required an on campus visit as it seems like it would. I have not heard that ohio state has any on campus skill sessions, have you heard differently? Good luck in making your decision!

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nursey, I cannot find where I saw OSU had an on-campus skill session, but I was certain I read it somewhere on its website. Now I am starting to doubt myself! There is the required on-campus orientation, which I do not believe UC has.

I discovered that I can indeed defer admission to OSU, so I am pleased to have that option open, although I'll be delayed for a year.

I think calling to get additional information is appropriate at this point, after trying to find the information from published materials. In fact, I'm curious from re-reading OSU's website whether they give any assistance in finding preceptors. I thought not but now I am not sure. That alone would be a huge plus factor, because even though I am prepared to find my own, I would gladly take any help from the university!

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I start UC's onsite FNP this fall and from what I have received the onsite orientation and onsite labs are only required for onsite students.

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nursey43, I was curious where you decided to attend, since OSU's deadline is today.

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I'm in the online FNP program at OSU and I'm going part time. I have one year completed of three since I'm part time. I love the program so far but even part time has been busy because I'm still taking 8 credits per semester. I do work full time and I'm a single parent, while somehow managing to complete my class work. I am happy with my choice of OSU but I do work there so financially it is easier with our tuition benefit. Good luck with whatever program you choose!

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I called and asked a UC advisor about the lack of in person visits. She has told me on the diploma that there is nothing that states it is a distance learning program. She said it's only if you choose to tell the employer it was an online program. She also mentioned for Health Assessment that you have lab work meaning you video tape yourself doing the assessment on a friendly volunteer and it's submitted for critique. I still think the UC online ranking of #8 beats a lot of unranked, questionable online programs.

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Specializes in Assistant Professor, Nephrology, Internal Medicine.

U of Cincinnati all the way!

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UCincy without question! I personally know 3 people who graduated and they are very bright Nurse Practitioners! I start UC in Spring 17 and I am extremely confident about my decision. Good luck to you in whatever path you choose my friend!

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Hi nursey!

I am in the same predicament as you -- I have been accepted to both Univ of Cincinnati and Ohio State's online FNP programs! OSU was my dream school when I first started looking into FNP programs, but the more I look at the price between the two schools and the flexibility of University of Cincinnati's scheduling I am not as sure. I am also nervous about the difficulty of finding a preceptor, and it appears that OSU may be more helpful with this. I am very torn! I would be very interested in what program you decided to go with and any insight would be much appreciated!

Please let me know when you have a chance; I plan to let both schools know by Wed of this week. Thanks in advance!

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