PNP students UTEP

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 2, 2014

I attend UTEP (FNP program), and as far as I know, the ACPNP program isn't very competitive. Two of my closest friends (husband and wife) graduated this past August from the ACPNP program at UTEP, and they were the only two graduates focusing on acute care, with about 12 other students graduating with their focus in primary care pediatrics. They loved it because they took many of the same classes with the primary care students, but got focused attention in their acute care classes, where they learned a lot. They both also got into TTU for the same thing, but I obviously can't attest to the quality of the school.

NurseNikkii · Nov 3, 2014

Thanks :) I appreciate your response

TexasNP14 · Dec 4, 2014

I am in the PNP program at UTEP, but was accepted to both Texas Tech and UTEP. I graduated from Texas Tech with a non-nursing Bachelor's degree years ago. I know both schools have great programs. Deciding factor for me was I was accepted to UTEP two weeks before TTU came through and UTEP started a semester earlier=graduating earlier. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

NurseNikkii · Dec 8, 2014

austinBaby are you acute care? Are you working part or full time? How is the program?

TexasNP14 · Dec 9, 2014

Nurse Nikkii, I am in the dual certification program (or at least they are trying). If it does not go through I am doing primary care but am in the program with the acute care track people. I am just finishing my second semester with a 4.0. I worked full time up until a month ago when I cut back to part time. However I am still picking up a on call shift once a pay check (if able) so help make up the money I am missing. Plus I do home health teaches, so really I was working more than full time:) The school work was totally doable with working full time, at least until clinicals start, but for my family schedule to work out, we decided for me to cut back. The program is not bad at all. I really love the pedi director and instructors so far. Some of the classes are challenging, but I was still able to get a 4.0 while working full time. Besides orientation, we do not have to go back to the school until the second year starts for skills check off, etc.

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 9, 2014

I found UTEP great for individuals that want (NEED) to continue working while in school. I worked fulltime throughout the entire program, including clinical semesters. During the final semester I just used some PTO, and a coworker friend took a brief leave and we were able to finish the needed hours. I'm graduating this week with a 4.0 with numerous honors. It's very doable.