Online MSN in Case Mngmnt - U of AL vs other programs? Full-Time vs. Part-Time?

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**Posted this in the General Discussion first, then realized it might be better to post it in the Eduation/Distance Learning discussion. Admin - Please delete if not allowed.**

I am looking at MSN degrees with a focus on case management. After reviewing several different programs and taking into consideration things like cost per credit hour, length till completion, and options of full-time vs. part-time, I have decided to pursue an online only format.

I'm especially interested in the University of Alabama MSN-CM program, but between working full-time and having a 4 yr old and 2 yr old (would be 5yrs and 3yrs if I started in Fall 2016), I'm unsure about doing full-time vs. part-time. One big benefit of full-time is that my employer will offer more reimbursement. Another big plus is having it done in 3 semesters vs. 6 semesters.

If anyone else out there has done this program, please let me know your experiences. Did you find it manageable with a full-time job? Did you enjoy the program? Or if you have suggestions for a different, online-only, MSN - Case Management program, please let me know. I haven't settled on a university yet, but UoA is definitely a front-runner at the moment :-)

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Specializes in Cardiac, NICU, CM, LNC, Forensic, LCP.

Hello! I, too, am applying for the MSN-Case Management program at The University of Alabama, and I hope to start next Fall 2016. I work full time, so I plan to take online classes part time. Even though I don't have kids, having a work-life balance is important. I get sick if I have too much on my plate or if I'm overly stressed. Other MSN programs that I've been eying are at Loyola University of New Orleans and Seton Hall University. Alabama's lower tuition is a huge convincing factor, but I like how Loyola's courses are taken one at a time every six weeks. We're pretty much neighbors as I live in Virginia Beach! Let me know if you decide to go to Alabama!

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Specializes in Pediatric Sub Acute, Labor and Delivery.

Hey guys! I, too, am interested in the MSN-Case Management Program of the University of Alabama and planning to start in the Fall of 2016 (If accepted). And how did the admission process go (if you ended up choosing this school)? I found the tuition very reasonable and the fact that it has regional accreditation on top of being CCNE accredited makes the program even more desirable. I've looked at American Sentinel University but it lacks the regional accreditation and Capella University was just way too pricey for me. So yeah it would be nice to start a program with nurses from this forum and have a support group of some sort :)

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Specializes in Cardiac, NICU, CM, LNC, Forensic, LCP.

Hi! I'm still in the middle of my application. I'm just nervous about committing to grad school at this moment because I currently work full-time in CM and I'm finishing my last BSN class. If I get accepted into the Fall 2016 class, I may ask to defer it to next Fall 2017. I would also want to obtain my CCM (Certified Case Manager) designation by early 2017. I keep beating myself up for taking the long route to success! A support group would definitely be encouraging. How is your application process going?

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Specializes in Pediatric Sub Acute, Labor and Delivery.

Hi! I started my application but kind of got discouraged by the long list of requirements for admission. I don't have any experience in case management but would like to venture into that field. I left bedside nursing last year and started a new job with the Health Department as a Health facility surveyor. I am currently still in training, with a lot of studying and field work and have to take the federal exam for certification sometime in the summer. How do you like being a case manager?

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Specializes in Cardiac, NICU, CM, LNC, Forensic, LCP.

I understand what you mean about the application requirements. Congratulations on your new job! I also left the bedside and started CM last year. Some days are challenging, but I'm enjoying it and learning a lot every day.

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Specializes in Pediatric Sub Acute, Labor and Delivery.

I am leaning toward the American Sentinel Case Management program. I got an acceptance letter from them last week and the whole process was smooth, no pressure or hard-selling at all. I am aware they lack the regional accreditation that most people consider to be so important in choosing a program but I don't have any plans of pursuing a DNP or FNP down the road. I am looking to apply for a case management job at the VA and they were specific on requiring nurses seeking employment to be graduates of CCNE or ACEN accredited school, so I think the program will suffice that requirement.

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Specializes in Cardiac, NICU, CM, LNC, Forensic, LCP.

Congratulations! I was also looking into American Sentinel and Chamberlain. Let me know how you like it and I'll keep you posted as well.

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