online FNP

AmyFNP · Oct 20, 2017

Hello,

I went to South University and although I complained about it and whined about it, it's the best decision I could've made. Online programs are not without struggles, but you get out what you put in. I finished classes on 10/4, took my AANP exam and passed on 10/13 and had 2 np offers the same day. I just started my job and am waiting for my license, not very patiently!

Anyway, good luck and I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have.

allnurses Guide · Oct 20, 2017

First and foremost, there is a difference between on-line schools and for profit schools. I would stay away from the for-profit schools. They have a reputation for admitting anyone who can pay them and make you find your own clinical placements. Some employers are reluctant to hire grads from these schools, but some don't care. There are many reputable, well established schools that have on-line as well and brick and mortar programs. I'd look towards those programs. You're going to be paying a lot for your NP and you should get your money's worth.

For your sake and for your future patients, don't pick a school that has lax admission requirements and will take anyone with a pulse. Can you really not get any letters of recommendation? You haven't been out of the work force that long. Have you stayed in touch with anyone you've worked with? Have you been doing any volunteer work where someone can speak to your character and work habits? Any former professors who remember you?

Best of luck.

AmyFNP · Oct 20, 2017

I take offense to that. Just because I went to a for profit online program does not mean I didn't get an education. And my employer did not care one way or the other as long as I'm certified and licensed.

allnurses Guide · Oct 20, 2017

No need to be offended. South University is a not for profit university. I stand by what I said about the for-profits having very low admission standards. Some students do well because they are willing to work, hard and go above and beyond standards. These students would likely succeed anywhere. I'd rather spend my money on a high quality program that is discerning in the type of student they accept and demands excellence from their students. Not everyone should be a NP, or a doctor, lawyer, etc.

AmyFNP · Oct 20, 2017

Hmm. What programs are for profit then?

allnurses Guide · Oct 20, 2017

Hmm. What programs are for profit then?

Walden, Kaplan, DeVry, Capella, U. of Phoenix are the ones that come to mind.

Disneydog · Oct 20, 2017

Amy FNP-Well congrats to you!!!! This is a very exciting time in your life. Thank you very much for your input, I greatly appreciate you taking time to reply.

Im going to start working full time soon so I guess I'll get letters of recommendations there. I know all the schools, for profit, welcome just about anybody, but it's who succeeds and passes the exam. Have employees asked where NPs went to school and want to see the degree??? Isn't previous experience as a RN important as well??? Thanks!

AmyFNP · Oct 20, 2017

Huh. And here I thought South was another in that same category. Thank you for clearing that up. My admission process was fairly simple as well. I had to have 3 letters of recommendation too and at least a 3.5 Gpa I think. So I guess they weren't too lax.

smileyfacefee · Oct 20, 2017

Hello! 2 of my preceptor's went to Walden University and they have not had trouble getting jobs in my area. I am also a Walden student currently. When I was choosing I was looking between south and walden...I ended up choosing Walden because South at the time had sooo many bad reviews. I really felt they were both along the same line where it is what u make it. The part I am having trouble with these online schools is finding your own preceptor. That would be my only reason for advising against them. It is definitely a pain in the but. I have come across some nurses who had to change their MSN type and then transfer to another school that provided preceptors...and I may be in the same boat. Have lost 2 already.

Disneydog · Oct 21, 2017

Smileyfacefee,

Not to undermine the concept of finding a preceptor BUT what makes it especially difficult to find a preceptor in the corresponding clinical area? Just curious...

smileyfacefee · Oct 21, 2017

So i have had 2 preceptors willing to do it but their workplace said no. A lot of the places in my area have contracts with schools and won't take students from other schools...and depending on your np type you won't be able to precept in certain places...like I can't do the urgent care centers that are popping up everywhere. And you can only use a preceptor no.more than twice at my school so u can't use the same one for all clinicals. And then u may have to get 1 with a particular specialty which narrows it down even more.