Most NNP schools are online these days, but there are a handful of true brick and mortar ones (I developed a spreadsheet that looks at this kind of thing). If you want a comprehensive list of programs, NANN lists them here: (http://nann.org/professional-development/graduate-programs).
As for me, I went to a brick and mortar school on the east coast. I commuted about 2 hours each way for 2 years, going to school part time. I was able to work all the way up until my final practicum, where I was doing 50-60 hours of clinical per week and just couldn't do my RN job at the same time. For the first year with just theory classes, I worked full time. For the second year when I started clinical, I took one vacation day most weeks. I had one full day of theory classes, 2-3 days of clinical, and then 2 days of work. It was exhausting! I remember when we got to December for Winter break that I felt like I was on vacation "just" working my regular 36 hours.
I was able to do a good portion of my clinical write ups during clinical (again, had to be disciplined when all you want to do is chill out) and I spent my "day off" doing regular studying and completing projects.
Would I recommend it? It was nice not to have to take out loans for living expenses and I certainly was able to put things together well about NICU patho, pharm, & management since I was literally living and breathing NICU day after day, but I admit I wasn't always Miss Sunshine, LOL.
