Online FNP programs...South University, University of Cincinnati, Walden, etc

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Hi everyone,

I'm new to allnurses so hope I'm posting in the right place! I am currently looking for recommendations on MSN FNP programs. I am currently an Emergency Room RN, BSN with 13 years experience, working as both an ER RN and a flight nurse. My husband and I (and our 2 boys under 2.5 yrs) recently moved to a rural area and I'm strongly considering pursuing my MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Due to our young family and isolated geographic area, I am only able to attend programs that are 100% online. Also would like to obtain my degree as quickly as possible (looking at around 2 yrs) all while getting an education that sufficiently prepares me to pass the boards and become a successful practitioner. I'm only working part time now, two 12 hr shifts a week, and plan on continuing the same schedule while in school.

So far I am looking at University of Cincinnati, South University, and Walden University. Others I have considered are Maryville (although this program take over 2.5 yrs) and Frontier University.

I have read some mixed reviews of South University, but due to the flexibility of the program (can double up on classes to finish in less than 2 yrs) and the frequent start dates (seems like a new class is admitted every month or so) it is one of my top picks as of now. I have read earlier posts on South University's FNP program but have not seen any within the past year or so. Just wondering if they have worked out some of the kinks that earlier posters had mentioned. Curious if anyone has graduated from South University and passed the FNP boards? What work load was like? Class structure? Did you double up classes? Etc?

Also looking for any feedback from current/former FNP students at University of Cincinnati, Maryville, and Walden as well....just in case decide to apply to more than one program. Any and all feedback is welcome. Nervous but excited to start the application process!

Thanks in advance!

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I attend Walden University and am in my last year (about to start clinicals). I would say it's very feasible for people working part time but if taking 2 classes it would be difficult due to the requirement of clinical hours..but there are people who have done it! South was a consideration when I was looking too but I ended up choosing Walden. There is tons of reading and weekly discussion posts. The first classes were a lot about research, evidenced based practicing etc. . After that u finally get to classes like pharmacology, pjysiology, exam skills etc. I did the RN to MSN program so this is my 3rd year and I should be done. My biggest complaint is the "finding your own preceptor" thing. If I knew how difficult finding preceptors was I would have chosen a school that provides them. It has definitely wen a stressful process for.me and I'm still not done with it!

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Thank you so much for your post. Starting to look a little closer at Walden as an option. I do have a few options for clinicals with MDs and FNPs that have agreed to precept me, but will definitely look into securing those before too much longer. Good luck with your degree and please keep me posted as to how things are going for you!

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Coincidentally I just lost my preceptor for the 2nd time..I thought it would be easy too but am finding that many preceptors will say they can do it but the facility won't let them. Then I also didn't realize that they can't be in a practice with a specialty. 1 other thing happening is in my area a medical college just started NP programs so now many places are under contracts to only take students from that school. I am considering changing my major at the moment and going to a schoolong that provides preceptors. Oh and also at Walden u can only use a preceptor twice and you have to do atleast 2 rotations with an NP.

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Specializes in Assistant Professor, Nephrology, Internal Medicine.

I graduated from UC. Great program with a good name. Professors are all very active in learning, communication and most of them still practice as NPs. PM me with any questions.

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Specializes in Wound care.
On 10/17/2017 at 5:03 PM, aprildawn1221 said:

Hi everyone,

I'm new to allnurses so hope I'm posting in the right place! I am currently looking for recommendations on MSN FNP programs. I am currently an Emergency Room RN, BSN with 13 years experience, working as both an ER RN and a flight nurse. My husband and I (and our 2 boys under 2.5 yrs) recently moved to a rural area and I'm strongly considering pursuing my MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Due to our young family and isolated geographic area, I am only able to attend programs that are 100% online. Also would like to obtain my degree as quickly as possible (looking at around 2 yrs) all while getting an education that sufficiently prepares me to pass the boards and become a successful practitioner. I'm only working part time now, two 12 hr shifts a week, and plan on continuing the same schedule while in school.

So far I am looking at University of Cincinnati, South University, and Walden University. Others I have considered are Maryville (although this program take over 2.5 yrs) and Frontier University.

I have read some mixed reviews of South University, but due to the flexibility of the program (can double up on classes to finish in less than 2 yrs) and the frequent start dates (seems like a new class is admitted every month or so) it is one of my top picks as of now. I have read earlier posts on South University's FNP program but have not seen any within the past year or so. Just wondering if they have worked out some of the kinks that earlier posters had mentioned. Curious if anyone has graduated from South University and passed the FNP boards? What work load was like? Class structure? Did you double up classes? Etc?

Also looking for any feedback from current/former FNP students at University of Cincinnati, Maryville, and Walden as well....just in case decide to apply to more than one program. Any and all feedback is welcome. Nervous but excited to start the application process!

Thanks in advance!

Hi I know this is an old post, but I am following up as I am also considering the same, what did you end up doing and how did it go>

1
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Specializes in Wound care.

Hello all!

I am new here but wanted to follow up with anyone who is currently in the FNP program or recently completed, I am swaying on this program and another , I like in Atlanta and have some options for the NP rotations, but wanted to know about the classes and support from professors, and any other helpful insights as I have read mixed reviews.

thanks

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I ended up going with the MSN-FNP program at Herzing University. It fit the bill because the didactic content was 100% online and I did not have to travel to/from campus. I was able to do clinicals at nearby facilities. I did have to travel 70 miles one-way away from my home once a week for my Peds clinical, but like I said I live in a very rural area.

Also it is only a 20-month program! Very busy and no chance for a break! But I managed to do it with two young boys and hubby who worked full-time. My boys were 4 months old and 2.5 years old when I started, so it was rough at times but doable. I also worked part-time as ED RN while going back to school.

The program itself was okay. I honestly felt like it was a lot of busy work and don't feel that I learned much from the classes. I think the quality of your clinical sites is really what matters. I did not like that urgent care/walk-in clinic/emergency rooms were not allowed as clinical sites, as my interest was/is primarily emergency medicine. Another downside, it is basically a no-name school so no one ever knew where it was when I was asked in interviews, etc where I got my degree. I guess for me this wasn't a huge issue as I felt I would get hired for MYSELF, not where I went to school......

Either way, I got through school, graduated, and found my DREAM job in my local area as an Urgent Care/ Emergency Dept NP! Overall, I feel like it's an means-to-an-end. I do have close friends who got their DNP through reputable states universities and are having no luck finding NP jobs. Also they felt ho-hum about their NP programs much like myself, and spent 2x longer in school.

I guess it all depends on what is important to you and what your needs are! Good luck. Going back to school if no joke! It is busy and crazy....but it will end and you will get the job you deserve and love! Best wishes.....

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Specializes in Wound care.

Thank you so much for this. I was feeling the same way. I am not seeing a lot of positive responses on some of the on line schools but I really felt like the hands on clinicals will make a difference as my goal is to be the best NP I can be and of course pass the exam.
Congratulations again

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Specializes in Critical.

Hello All

I have been searching alot for a valuable FNP program I end up with ecpi University

Any feedback back about this program ,any body graduated from this program

Thank you

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Anyone graduated from ECPI or south university? Can you share your experience please, it’s so difficult to choose

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