Online MSN/FNP Programs...Can we get a sticky

[ChesterRN]

Can we get a sticky, kind of similar to the online RN-BSN for this post.

There's way too many Online FNP schools out there to evaluate them all. I'm looking for some real input from current students/graduates of online MSN/FNP programs. Also information from inquiries would be helpful. My goal is to have a string of information that prospective students can use to evaluate the benefit of one program over another related to the student's personal situation. It's good to be in a "student's market."

Here's the first program I've been checking into, as well as UAB.

FRONTIER FNP PROGRAM

Private school. Very friendly staff. All information on their website is consistent with what is said over the phone. Many of the other programs were not forthright with information.

About 18 months full time, 36 months part time. High (90%+) pass rate on Boards. I've spoken with a local regional clinical coordinator. Top notch and friendly and more that willing to take time and answer questions. From all accounts professors stay current and on topic, which correlates to high Board pass rates.

They offer MSN (no-longer through Case as they are now accredited.) In addition, the faculty are actively working on a DrNP degree for grads. They have kind of cool business model training component for establishing your own practice, too.

Three general concerns. The first concern relates to the preceptor. As with all programs that are online that I have talked with, the student is responsible for finding and procuring a preceptor. The preceptor has to be an FNP w/ MSN and you can only use a doc for a small portion of clinical exp. Here in CA this may be difficult as NP's are not required to have an MSN.

The second concern is that 0n-campus time is required. First a 5 day orientation and then after the first year or so, a two-week intense assessment-type course prior to clinicals The school is in Kentucky.

The third concern is kind of mickey mouse and I'm sure the vast majority of you will not have a problem with this. I haven't confirmed this concern yet, as I am still waiting for a call back from the director. This relates to the practice of students on each other related to pelvic exams during the two week on-campus session.

IMHO its one thing to practice IV starts on each other in class, but I have some issues with doing a pelvic bi manual on my fellow student who just shared a roast beef sandwich with me an hour earlier. Again, I don't know for sure that this happens within this program, but the clinical coordinator indicated that it might occur. I know for a fact that other programs do not do this, and for me with my own hang-ups would be an issue. Again, its not confirmed, nor do I think this would be a concern for most people...but I thought it would be worth mentioning.

Total credits=57. Cost:$360.00 credit/full time; $385/credit/part-time student. ($20,520-$21,945) Financial aid available. Program starts 4 times per year. Cost does not include room and board, for a total of 18 days on campus and loss of money from work, airfare, ect--things to consider, but then again, nowhere near the cost of UOP.

Frontier Website: @ http://www.midwives.org/

Other related posts on Frontier within forums:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/frontier-fnp-program-106682.html?highlight=Frontier

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of this program (Student or Graduate)? What were the benefits and drawbacks of attending this program?