NP program- what to expect

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

I will be starting classes towards my FNP this spring, and I am looking for information about how graduate classes compare to undergraduate classes. Do you find that they are more difficult, more time consuming, more interesting, etc. Also, I will be taking a significant proportion of my courses online. Please share your experiences with online courses if you taken any as part of your MSN program.

In general I'm looking for some guidance about what to expect when it comes to graduate school, and what my professors will expect of me. TIA.

[zenman]

It's probably safe to say that in many graduate courses you are not as "spoon fed as you are in undergraduate courses. You'll do more work on your own and as part of teams and write papers and do presentations. I think it's geared more to what you'll be doing on your own out in the real world.

[lovingpecola]

I find grad classes to be more difficult but much more rewarding. They are more time consuming, and my study habits have changed significantly, but I enjoy grad school ten times more than undergrad!

LP

[Spacklehead, MSN, NP]

Grad classes are definitely much more interesting, IMO, because they are focused on your chosen field. You also know the basics of most of the info, so it doesn't seem so foreign.

However, grad classes require SO much more reading, papers and presentations. Also, the exams seem to focus on much more detail.

Best of luck to you! :)

[christvs, DNP, RN, NP]

Hi, I'm about to start my second semester in my acute/critical care NP program. It is a lot different from nursing undergrad. Just like everyone else has been saying above, grad school involves many, many more papers to write, tons of reading all the time it seems, presentations, more group projects, etc...But it is so worth it! :)

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

Thank you all for your responses. I am only taking one class this spring so that I can ease myself into grad school. However, I am really looking forward to being around such enthusiastic students such as yourselves :)