Online FNP programs

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 30, 2018

I looked at Frontier & Maryville, but opted for University of South Alabama because I wanted the dual ACNP/FNP certification. I have not yet started classes (will do so in the Fall).

I was really impressed with Frontier when I was researching programs. I like that you go to campus to meet your cohort and instructors before you start the program, so everyone can put names & faces together. I think that helps the group to bond. I had very positive feedback from current students at both Frontier & USA.

After speaking with an admissions counselor at Maryville, I quickly ruled them out. They have zero campus visits, which means you don't get any hands-on skills training at all prior to clinicals. I didn't like that. I think you should at least get some hands-on instruction and a skills check-off prior to practicing on actual patients. Plus, they do lots of group projects, which I detest. I know the other programs have group projects, but Maryville had more, at least according to the students I chatted with online.

I'm sure some current students from these schools will chime in with their actual experiences. So far, my experience with USA has been good. Just getting all the paperwork together and gearing up for orientation in July. They communicate via e-mail & postal mail. We do have to travel to campus twice during the program, which I'm happy about. Exams are proctored via webcam/audio with a lock-down browser. Semesters are 16 weeks long, so you take 2 courses per semester. The sites I've identified for my clinicals already have clinical agreements in place, so it's just a matter of securing my preceptors. The docs & NPs I've spoken to about clinicals have said their NP students from USA are good students and were prepared for clinicals and they would take another student from USA. That is definitely a plus. There are some schools that are an instant "no" when you say the school name.

Good luck with your search :)