Part-Time NP Programs: Opinions?

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I just wanted to know what people think about part time NP programs. I've noticed MANY nurses go to NP school part time, taking one class a semester for 3-4 years until they become an NP. Personally, I think this is kind of bizarre. I feel a student needs to really be immersed in their education program, studying it 24/7 to really learn. Since medical/nursing education builds on the foundations, how can someone remember their pharmacology or patho class taken 4 years earlier when they are in the final semester?

No other healthcare professional program allows part-time study. What are everyone's thoughts on how it might hurt NP education?

Specializes in nursing education.

Most of us need to keep working while getting an MSN- whether it be to maintain health insurance, get tuition reimbursement, gain experience, keep professional contacts, etc. I don't know of anyone doing any kind of grad-level coursework in nursing who is not working. NPs' historic background is experienced nurses who went into an expanded role based on their practical knowledge gained from nursing work- not schooling.

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Hi, where do you go to NP school??

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Too much supply is not a good thing as it will lower income potential. What happens when demand goes down? The baby boomers aren't going to last forever.

Exactly baby boomers are just getting older and older. The old model of training an MD over a period of 12 years is not going to work in the future. Nurse Practitioners are the future of healthcare, can train a high school graduate into a nurse practitioner in 6-8 years.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

I like lively debate. But the arguments must be based on facts for any debate to be worthwhile.

You claim there will be no place for NPs but the exact opposite has been predicted by experts, as a PP said.

The economic recession masked the nursing shortage. But we are in recovery. New grad RNs have it much better than a few years ago.

Do some research. What are patient outcomes like for NPs as compared to MDs and PAs? That's the fact that matters when you're evaluating NP school.

Go find out how many unemployed RNs and NPs we have as compared to other fields. That would be a good place to start to form an opinion about whether there are too many nurses.

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Specializes in ED.

I'm currently in a part time BSN-DNP program with George Washington University. With four children I'm so thankful there is this option of part-time. I have to continue full time work as well since I'm the only one working in my house and therefore I carry the insurance for everyone. Its been challenging just taking the two courses a semester. I considered going full time but there just isn't enough time in the day.

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I'm also thankful that my school (Vanderbilt-overall ranked #11 and my specialty AG-ACNP-ranked #5) has a 2 year part-time option. It allows me to continue working in a modified full-time schedule (at a nationally ranked Level 1 Trauma Center) and keep my tuition reimbursement benefits. It sure beats being six figures in debt upon graduation.

I also personally know of countless Nurse Practitioners who went to school part-time while working and became OUTSTANDING and competent clinicians in their practice.

Don't be a hater, OP! ;)

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I am planning on going to NP school part time while working as an RN. I did notice a few schools that only have full time classes, and there are one or two schools I saw that offered FNP as full time only, yet offered FT or PT for other NP specialties, made me wonder why.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I go to school part time but I take 2-3 classes per semester. Last semester I took stats and advanced patho (5 credits)...this semester I'm taking advanced physical assessment, differential diagnosis and research (8 credits).

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I go to school part time but I take 2-3 classes per semester. Last semester I took stats and advanced patho (5 credits)...this semester I'm taking advanced physical assessment, differential diagnosis and research (8 credits).

Do you work fulltime as an RN?

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
Do you work fulltime as an RN?

I do. I'm trying to switch to part time but that is not an option at my place of employment.

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I do. I'm trying to switch to part time but that is not an option at my place of employment.

I wish I knew more about your program to ask you more questions. I hope you are doing well.

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Hello- I have also been accepted into GW's FNP MSN program but am concerned about the cost of tuition? Did the university offer you any scholarship or aid? Thanks

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