Out-of-State/Distance NP Program Approval

[dukona825]

I am wondering if anyone has had issues with the need for state program approvals for out-of-state/distance education NP programs. I am currently in a NP Program at USA which is quite challenging, but going great. However, I am to start clinicals in the fall in Maryland and I recently learned that there is a new-ish approval process for certain states, including MD. The MD Higher Education Commission approval for USA is still in the works through 8/20/14 at the earliest. I was informed by USA that current students have been doing their clinicals in neighboring states in the meantime. This is incredibly frustrating, and I am looking for advice and insight here. How do I know which states? Will this hinder my ability to practice in MD upon graduation? Thanks...!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I think Maryland always had a list of approved NP programs. The list is available online so that students contemplating online programs could check if the program is on the list. Which neighboring states can you drive to within reasonable distance? I'd start there.

The list of approved programs are here (onlie programs are marked in red): http://www.mbon.org/adv_prac/approved_np_programs.pdf

[dukona825]

Thank you, Juan. USA is CCNE accredited and appears on the list, so I wasn't concerned originally. Delaware, Virginia and DC are the closest at 1+ hrs away. My current workplace & where I was planning to do a large % of my clinicals is just a few miles away :/

Here is the list of programs currently under review in MD if anyone needs to check http://www.mhec.state.md.us/highered/acadaff/acadproginstitapprovals/aptlogpd.asp

Like you said, I can start with nearby states & wait for the final word...