online programs or traditional programs???

I am currently in the FNP program through SLU in St. Louis. It is totally online. I don't have to attend campus for anything. I love it.

It is structured just like a traditional program you just don't have to go to class.

I work 40 hours a week so this was really my only option, plus the university would have been an hour commute one way.

I'm a student with Indiana State University's web-based FNP program. When I started my search for a graduate program there were specifics I had in mind that the school had to have. Flexibility, cost, certain courses, pace, length of study, etc...

The closest university to me only offers a weekend program which meant long, long classes every other weekend and clinicals during the week. That didn't fit my need to work FT. The rest of the schools in my area were too far of a commute or cost too much.

So I turned to online programs, and started my search there. I narrowed the many schools down to ones that fit my requirements: Duquense University, Graceland University, and ISU. What it finally came down to was cost. ISU charges instate tuition to all online students.

Pros: I like being online! Sitting in a classroom listening to someone read off of a powerpoint (as in my BSN program) wasn't appealing. I study at my own pace, and can post my assignments 24 hours a day. All questions I ask are answered by both instructors and students. In lieu of classroom time we have weekly assignments which keeps me on my toes and studying. I also have a unique learning disability, so this format allows me to educate without the stress of cramming information in a classroom. I've even made friends with a few gals... we'll be graduating together, and plan to meet at graduation!

Cons: I have to find my own preceptors. The first 2 semesters were the hardest. Now I know to set them up waaaaaayyy in advance before they're taken by other students! There is also a slight communication barrier being several states away. The first semester of clinicals I inadvertently pizzed off my professors because of a miscommunication on both our parts. They approved my preceptor, but at the last minute changed their minds. The specifics weren't discussed during the initial approval process, and led to some very, very stressful days until they agreed to defer the matter to the following semester. However, the damage is done, and they remember me not for being the good student with a model health history that they use as an example of excellent work, but the one that caused more work for them. I think we would have started off on a better path had we been able to talk everything over in person.

My suggestion is to decide what's important to you in a FNP program. What are you future goals? Can you handle the classroom setting? Do you have the discipline to get your assignments in on time if web-based? Would you prefer having your preceptors chosen for you or do you want to pick your own?

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on your decision!

Gosh, sorry for the HUGE post! :imbar

thanks for everyones replies, very informative.. How do you go about finding your own preceptors??? does it have to be N.P's or M.D.'s. Does that preceptor have to accept any liability for what you may or may not do??? Is that something that keeps preceptors away???

How long is it going to take you to get through ISU??

Again thanks!!

The first set of clinicals was for Health Assess, and we were allowed to choose from NP/PA/MD/DO. After that, it has to be a NP or MD/DO. I simply approached the people that I felt would be good preceptors and asked them. If they said no, onto the next one. Preceptors are always responsible for the work you do. This means they should review all of your work before approving it. You are also covered by the school's malpractice insurance.

ISU's program can be completed f/t in 2 years. I started f/t because it was mostly didactic, and easily done even while working f/t. However, once clinicals really got going I had to slow down the pace to p/t. Had I known this, I could have been done in 2.5 years... unfortunately, I learned the hard way that I was not superwoman, and it's now a 3 year program. I'm ready to leave the bedside now! Oh well. :)

Are mostly in family practice or is it clinicals with different md's in any speciality areas??? Or internal medicine?? Neurology, nephrology, surgery, dermatology??????? I am trying to learn from you guys what is expected, so I will be a little more prepared when and if I am lucky enough to get into the program!!!

Again thank you for your responses any and all are appreciated.

Are mostly in family practice or is it clinicals with different md's in any speciality areas??? Or internal medicine?? Neurology, nephrology, surgery, dermatology??????? I am trying to learn from you guys what is expected, so I will be a little more prepared when and if I am lucky enough to get into the program!!!

Again thank you for your responses any and all are appreciated.

No problem! I'm more than happy to help out. I had to do my search and learn things the hard way (as described in my first post). If anything I say helps you make a decision then it's worth the time!

Seeing how my program is FNP clinicals during Health Assess and first semester of Family Practice must take place with a Family Practice provider. In the 3rd semester of clinicals we still need a Family Practice preceptor, but can start spreading our wings a little by finding a focus with a second preceptor. I'm not certain right at the moment how many hours can be spent specializing... maybe half?

It's during the final semester that I believe we are allowed to pick up hours with a variety of specializations. I've already approached Urology, Pulmonary, Hospitalist (Internal Medicine) and Infectious Disease groups. Additionally, I'd like to see if I can spend some time with a Neurosurgeon. I'm beginning to think that Pulmonary might be a good fit for my needs, so I may spend most of my hours with them. The MD who is the PA liason mentioned that as a FNP working there I would be able to provide more services to the clients than the current PAs. As of now, they employ only PAs in their group for no particular reason other than no NPs have applied.

To be honest, I wish I qualified to be certified as a RNFA (RN First Assist) in order to open my options up a little. The Neurosurgical group in my area only has one PA on their staff... if only I could be in on it! I love Neurosurgery! And the pay would most certainly be higher than a basic clinical position.

Are you considering ISU for grad school? It's funny... I'm thinking they need to pay me a commission... so far 5 RNs have registered for their program in the past year whom I've spoken with! Despite the miscommunication that left a bad taste it's been an excellent experience. I honestly feel that I've learned a great deal, and am getting a quality education.

If you're considering an online FNP program, make sure your state accepts it - not all do......

I appreciate everyones replies... good point about my state board accepting online programs, that I will check into..

Also thank you for giving all the info about the programs and preceptors etc.. I appreciate it very much!!!!

When it comes to graduate programs you have to be certain they are, at the minimum, regionally accredited. Doesn't hurt if they are NLNAC accredited as well. If they cover the regional bases you should be eligible to take your grad boards anywhere. Their online status should not have an impact on your future.

I am in a so-called traditional program, but half of the core courses are offered online. The advantage to doing an on-campus program is that you are guaranteed clinicals. I do not have to spend time searching for preceptors, and I will have at least one semester with an NP and another with a MD by the time I graduate. However, if I wish to spend some of my clinical time in a particular specialty, I am more than welcome to find my own preceptor or enlist the help of our clinical coordinator.

I am finding my hour-long trek to campus bothersome already, but IMO nothing can replace face time with the faculty and my future colleagues.