Online FNP programs--feedback anyone!? Please!??

klone, MSN, RN · Jul 16, 2015

The only feedback I can offer is that I would not recommend anyone do an online NP program unless they already have an NP secured who is willing to precept them. I work in a clinic of APRNs who are CONSTANTLY getting requests and solicitations from random online NP students, looking for someone to precept them. They all end up in the trash, because I've yet to meet an NP/CNM who is willing to take on an unvetted student that they don't know.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 16, 2015

I'd have to agree with klone's post. Getting into an online program is easy. Getting them to support you afterwards is not so easy. If I was spending all that money getting an education I would expect my school to organize my preceptors. There are horror stories on here about people having to delay graduation and miss semesters because they cannot find a preceptor. I am in an acute care program, but I go to a bricks and mortar state school. I am about to start my second year and so far I have done everything online. I made a plan with my professor to do all the didactic stuff online first so I've as yet never had to go into school. In my next semester I have to go in on a Wednesday once in the morning and once in the evening for a lab. My other class remains online. I will do clinicals next year and maybe go part time. That's manageable and I work full time right now too. The best part is, my school arranges 100% of my preceptors with the best hospitals in the state. The graduation rate is 99% and the rate of employment after graduation is close to 100%. The classes are small too, and I have access to a personal advisor any day I want. I even have her cell phone number. I say go to a state school and skip the online one. This is your professional future. Invest in it.

Trauma Columnist · Jul 16, 2015

Moved to student NP forum

rninme · Jul 16, 2015

If you are going to choose an online program, pick one that has a great network of past graduates willing to precept current students. Frontier comes to mind. Call and talk with them, ask how many graduates are in your particular state and if there are other students currently there. I am not a Frontier student or graduate - but they were my #2 choice. I ultimately chose a brick and mortar school in my state that offered hybrid classes as well as "in person" requirements. And - my school has a full-time clinical coordinator that does all the clinical placements. Good luck to you!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2015

I think a lot are moving towards having online portions. Every where I look there seems to be an online program. As for brick and mortar schools finding your preceptor, be aware that the trend is starting to swing the other way and making students find their own preceptors. So it's not a guarantee to have preceptors lined up for you.

University of Cincinnati and Ohio University are some common online ones for instate. I live near a border so I am going to go out of state. They are my back up choices.

littlepeopleRNICU · Jul 17, 2015

I will be going to University of South Carolina. The programs are online, but there are requirements to come to campus every so often for orientation and further check-offs. I have friends who have already gone through the program prior to me, and they've said their experience with instructors has been great- supportive, available when you need them, even to meet in person(I know in Ohio that's a long drive, but imagining the same attitude would transfer over to helping through phone/email/maybe even video cam). It's been tied for #3 in online NP programs on U.S. News for at least the last two years- not that that means anything, but makes me feel better lol.

The downside is you do still have to find your own preceptors. The school has a LOT of contracts and agreements in SC though, and the entire hospital system I work for is very heavy in USC affiliations, so I'm hoping it'll be okay. I've also been told that they encourage you to find your own, but if unable, do provide assistance, so we'll see.

Just echoing what others have said. Not to completely diss strictly online, for-profit programs. Just showing there are other options out there where you can have flexibility and work, while getting a solid education and have the support you need. And probably pay less money too!

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Jul 17, 2015

I agree with all previous posts, and rninme is pretty much how my school works and I also had considered frontier before I went in state. Which is good because I decided psych was a better fir than FNP. Frontier is very good, I would also look for a state school before I would go with Walden. As far as working full time, well it is hard to fulfill clinical hours as well as work full time. A per diem position can help as the pay is usually much higher and you have the flexibility, I can't do full time but I know there are some in my program that are doing it and it is rough.

jamela1989 · Sep 23, 2016

What school do you go to?

RameyGurl · Sep 23, 2016

I am currently more than halfway in the FNP program at Kaplan University. I have had zero issues. I just started my primary care clinical this week and aside from feeling like a fish out of water, I believe if you are willing to put some time into your education and are very disciplined, you will do fine at this school. With that being said, you do have to find your own preceptors for clinicals but if you have a good group of professional 'friends' it should be easy to do. Good luck!

countrygirl1234 · Feb 9, 2017

Can you give an update on how the program at Kaplan is going?

countrygirl1234 · Feb 9, 2017

How is the program going? I'm in NC and interested in finding a NP program. Thanks!