online nurse practitioner

criticalHP, MSN, RN · Oct 3, 2009

I received info from UC and am concerned about the short 8 week sessions & amount of credits per semester. I plan on working fulltime while in school and am not sure if this program would be fulltime/partime. How was the interview process?

The interview I had was over the phone and lasted about 30-45 minutes. I was questioned on my education, work background, years of experience, and my goals for the future. At the time the GRE was still required, but because my undergrad GPA was 3.9 they would waive the test. (now the GRE is not required). I did express my concerns over the short terms-they are on a quarter system- and was assured that it is possible to do the program and work full time as long as one can commit to about 20-25 hrs per week to study. At some point I will cut back on work. At present I do not believe they offer a part-time program, but they also changed to waive the GRE's recently so perhaps.

criticalHP, MSN, RN · Oct 3, 2009

Hi, NurseFL. I'm also looking for an online RN-MSN program. Judging from the info UC sent you do you know if they'll help you find preceptors close to your location when it's time for clinicals? (I'm assuming you're in FL as am I)
Thanks.

You will be expected to find your own preceptor for clinicals.

NurseFL · Oct 3, 2009

I was told by UC that the program is considered 3/4 time and it is not a good idea to continue working full time especially when clinicals start. However, I am sure it can be done. Preceptors are your responsibility. I do not like that their program requires so many credit hrs... but they are a great school! I would like to hear more from past/present students. Maybe, real life info might be better able to guide us! Good luck to all.

criticalHP, MSN, RN · Oct 6, 2009

take a look at their course lists. It seems more thorough that other programs with 'less credits'. I was impressed with the content I reviewed. Yes, it is 3/4 time but I ws told it is possible to manage work and school, at least until the clinicals begin.

IMABSNRN · Oct 6, 2009

You can find a list at allnursingschools.com. I did an online ANP at St. Louis University and it was ok- I learned what I needed to know. If I could do it over, I would have picked somewhere cheaper. I went back and got a Post Masters FNP at a local school that was an on campus program, and I think I got a better quality education at SLU. If you do decide, I cannot emphasize enough to get a FNP, not an ANP, as there are many more job opportunities and you are more marketable, even if you don't plan on seeing kids. It is not as easy to come by a new NP job as it is a seasoned RN job.

Oh no, don't say that. I am pretty sure I'm going to be accepted into the adult/gero NP program at University of South Alabama and I hate to think I'd be wasting my time.

Fiddlesticks!

MSPRN01 · Dec 18, 2009

criticalHP,

I was just accepted into UC's FNP program for Winter 2010. Can you tell me how you like it? Do you get the support you need (i.e. tech support and timely responses from instructors)? Any information you could give would be helpful and GREATLY appreciated. There is still another school I am considering. Thanks

MSPRN01 · Dec 18, 2009

criticalHP,

Sorry, once I looked back and read all of the thread, I realized you start in Jan 2010:smackingf. I guess we will all be learning about the program together!!!

RosesRN · Dec 19, 2009

Please keep this thread going, very interested myself :) thank you!

harmonizer · Dec 20, 2009

University of Cincinnati (UC) is 100% on-line, it allows me to continue to work, and I enjoy the reputation the University maintains. ... UC recently waived the GRE so that's great for prospective students, but if your undergrad GPA is less than 3.0 they may require something to show you are a good grad candidate.

How strict are they regarding following the curriculum as planned? I know that some online school like Stony Brook allows up to 5 years to complete the program. Will UC kicks a student out of the program if a student have to slow down 1-2 quarters because of something coming up in their life or he/she is unable to take the full load? And will they be flexible enough to allow you to resume where they stop? Since they admit student every quarter, they might be more flexible about this. I just don't like inflexibility of having to take courses non-stop especially during the last few semesters when practicum starts. Do they make you sign a contract regarding this or just a contract about maintaining 3.0 in grad school.

MSPRN01 · Dec 20, 2009

harmonizer,

You raised some very good questions. Based on the curriculum, the program is not self-paced. You start with a "cohort" or group of students with the same expected graduation year and based on that cohort you continue on a set schedule. Another point to consider is not all classes are offered every quarter, which is another important factor when planning graduation. I received multiple e-mails on all of the steps to get registered. I am going to call my enrollment advisor on Monday and ask a few more questions. I found out a couple of weeks ago I am expecting baby #2, so I do need clarity on some of the points you raised, since I may need to take a quarter (or two) off next year. I will keep you posted, also UC has a great website will a lot of information at http://nursingonline.uc.edu/

harmonizer · Dec 21, 2009

harmonizer,
I will keep you posted, also UC has a great website will a lot of information at http://nursingonline.uc.edu/

Thanks, MSPRN01, please keep me posted. I don't think the website answer this question. Well. I think University of Southern Alabama is not self-paced either. They will allow the student to return but their graduation will be delayed. They just have the option of full-time and part-time. I don't know about Stony Brook. Although the program is not self-paced, can a student take full-time courseload and delay their graduation by 1-2 semester?

Zoolander23 · Jan 5, 2010

You can find a list at allnursingschools.com. I did an online ANP at St. Louis University and it was ok- I learned what I needed to know. If I could do it over, I would have picked somewhere cheaper. I went back and got a Post Masters FNP at a local school that was an on campus program, and I think I got a better quality education at SLU. If you do decide, I cannot emphasize enough to get a FNP, not an ANP, as there are many more job opportunities and you are more marketable, even if you don't plan on seeing kids. It is not as easy to come by a new NP job as it is a seasoned RN job.

How long did it take you to finish the entire program?