Online FNP programs?

I've looked on some of the student boards but they don't appear that active, so just curious does anyone have any recommendations for an online FNP program?

The only thing in my state is South University, which I've heard mixed things about. I'd like a primarily online program, I don't mind if I have to go to the campus once or twice for an intensive but don't want to have to constantly travel, the more online the better.

15 Answers

Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.

I'd ask yourself if you would be happy having your child or parent, or yourself, receive primary care from a FNP whose program was primarily online.

FWIW, a lot of employers have begun to realize that nurses with online degrees aren't measurably better than they were before. Blunt, but true. So many folks scurried to get online master's in case management, for example, but couldn't case manage. Now they can't find the work they thought they'd be a lock for.

Regardless of what you feel about degrees, there is a genuine advantage to brick-and-mortar programs where you can meet in person, wander over to the faculty office for a quick question, have the resources of a real medical center available, truly collaborate on a research project (not a Survey Monkey "capstone") with your peers....and be sure your classmates aren't cheating on the exams, thus cheapening your degree by association. I get asked this all the time in deposition: "Is your MN just from an online program?" (No, it isn't.)

Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.

https://allnurses.com/advanced-practice-c150/

There are many programs that are online now that offer classes via zoom & other apps.  You ARE able to interact with your peers & professors.  Tests are taken via recorded video and/or through testing centers.  I know nurses who've graduated from online classes and those who attended class in person.  I hope you're not discouraged by the nurses who responded with rebuttals.  There are reputable online programs.  
Wishing you the best!

Very true.  I have two friends who graduated from online programs that now own their own practice.  Two of my other friends recently graduated and are already working as NP's.  I'm still trying to decide on which program I want to go through and hoping to start in June.  

"So never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself." -Florence Nightingale

Specializes in Critical Care, Corrections.

I went to Walden for my FNP based on recommendation from my first preceptor as she is a Walden grad. She got her DNP from Chamberlain . She's had no issues finding a job. 

I have yet to take FNP boards because the pandemic happened then I got divorced and now I'm moving again: but I've been studying.  

I was able to find preceptors without difficulty and they all praised me. I also had 20+ years RN experience including 13 CCRN certified. 

Thank you!  I decided on Chamberlain for my FNP, but will look into Walden.  
 
Best wishes for you on your boards!  

Just today I spoke to someone from Chamberlain.  I am also looking at Spring Arbor and Wilkes University.  Any other FNP programs that should be viewed?

I've been looking for months & chose Chamberlain as my first choice for many reasons.  I've heard great reviews from my co-workers, the programs starts with 1 every 8 weeks for the first year, so it makes it easier to focus and you're still able to work full-time.  Their pass rates were higher than many programs I've checked in to and on-site clinicals are only two times throughout the 2 1/2 yrs.  I checked on fees & there are no hidden fees.  You only have to go to Illinois twice.  I looked into Wilkes but found the pass rate, retention rate & pricing were all better at Chamberlain.  Chamberlain also offers their own board prep seminars (included in pricing), which my friends have said was excellent & helped them pass the first time around.  Chamberlain's fees include all your textbooks.  The only thing that is not covered is the cost of the travel to the onsite clinicals.  Many companies are partnered with Chamberlain, so they waive the application fee (which is waved right now anyway) and take off around $7000 of tuition as long as you maintain employment with the partnered company.  

I'm waiting to hear back from Walden & will update when I know more.  

Specializes in school nurse.
15 minutes ago, Hannahbanana said:

I'd ask yourself if you would be happy having your child or parent, or yourself, receive primary care from a FNP whose program was primarily online.

HELLS, NO!

Thank you for stating this diplomatically. A high-quality advanced practice training program can not be done online...

(Especially when so many of these diploma mills also accept nurses with minimal experience.)

I ment a school that offers an online program, I don't have to go constantly travel to. I don't want to have to drive halfway across the country every semester. Most the nurses at the hospitals I've worked for have online ADN and BSN and they're all fine, they went on campus occasionally for stuff but not all the time. All I'm asking if anyone has any experience with an online program such as South or like Baylor, Frontier, Georgetown; are all mainly online you just go once or twice for a 2-3 day intensive and then do your clinical, All that I 'm asking is for thought sin some of these programs? 

Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.

Go hang around the FNP/NP forum here and ask them what they think about the different models and opportunities.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I tend to learn better online since I'm not distracted like I am in the class room. I'll do some more of my own research and see what else I find. I'm fine with a brick and mortar school but would prefer my classes online just because  I can do things on my own schedule for the most part and I fee I learn better that way. I'm not looking for an easy way out that way I thought I'd ask here for people with experience. There are plenty of nurses who aren't good that went to great schools in person and vice versa. 

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