medic33

Good Luck with your research! I agree that most (fully online) programs are not respected by employers. Although, hybrid programs have a better reputation. Georgetown is a hybrid program.....mostly online with a couple extended on-campus visits to test assessment and other skills needed. The on-campus programs I looked at did not meet my needs and I already commute an hour each way for work. I hope this is the best route to go.

Sorry that your clinical sites have been less than ideal. This was one benefit of Georgetown that helped me make the decision for Georgetown. Did you have many suggestions of where to look for sites for them? May I ask what state you are doing your clinicals in? I am in Iowa. I have a few people I would like to work with, but I don't know if they will be eligible since they work in the emergency department setting. Good luck with future clinicals!!

Justin, I am finishing making the committment and all the additional paperwork for Georgetown now. See you in the fall! Mary

Elkpark: When I was asking for advice from a NP where I work whether I should go for the DNP or to a school for the Masters, she stressed DNP. My employer is already posing NP positions with a DNP degree preferred. So you are right, I don't know if states are changing, but employers may start pushing for the added degree.

PA-RN Georgetown prepares Nurse Practitioners for autonomous practice. Looking at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners website with the link below... shows PA Nurse Practitioners need to have a collaborating Physician associated with their practice. The states in yellow. http://www.aanp.org/legislation-regulation/state-practice-environmentN With this in mind, you may want to choose a school that conforms to this type of practice. But Georgetown would, like I said prepare you for independent practice. Autonomous states include Washington D.C. and Iowa(where I am). All states take the same national certification so the education at Georgetown would apply to PA, but each state regulates Nurse Pratitioners individually. This is one of the current issues of Nurse Practitioner scope of practice. I have not looked at too many schools, but have been impressed with the support I have received in the application process and the fact that Georgetown will set up all of my clinical sites, even though I am in Iowa. I have heard the process of finding clinical sites is at times very difficult. Georgetown also offers a part-time program, which will hopefully allow me to work at the same time. What is attractive about the schools you are looking at? Hope this info helps :)

Tasha, No you do not have to have your degree conferral before you apply. They will request your transcripts initially. You will eventually have EC send a form to whichever university you are applying for saying you are in good standing to graduate at so and so a date. You can receive your acceptance to graduate school before you have your conferral of your BSN. I would suggest working as a RN for a bit prior to pursuing graduate school, just to get your feet wet. If you are working as you are getting your BSN that works as well. Graduate schools tend to want a bit of RN experience prior to pursuing graduate degrees. I have been accepted to Georgetown and have started the whole process as a new graduate student already, but my BSN conferral isn't until June 21, 2013. Congratulations on your progress! You will get there! I hope this information helps.

I am in the same situation where I am trying to decide between Georgetown and a smaller school that is a DNP program with a possible scholarship. I am still leaning towards Georgetown because I feel I have gotten a lot of support (with the technical aspects as well as possible grant and scholarship opportunities). Georgetown also coordinates the clinical sites and preceptors which the other school does not do. I have a few connections with truly quality MDs that I would love to have as my preceptor, but how do I know what really makes a quality FNP preceptor? I want to make sure I obtain the quality education...Georgetown has always bent over backwards to answer questions promptly and empower me to be excited about their program. But, I also totally understand the financial implications. Do we get what we pay for? What do you think? M

Congrats! Are you in the part-time or full time program. I am in the part-time program. So excited!

"Quick! There's no time to lose....Full body personal protective equipment is needed, stat!" ... Because we KNOW there's more of that coming!

Justin, I am starting in the same program as you! The welcome call was informative, but I have as yet to complete the full committment payment. I have been accepted to another program, but it is a bit different. The other program is a FNP/DNP program, full-time, with frequent campus visits 2 1/2 hrs away from my home, but they have dangled a partial to full grant for the three year program. Georgetown seems to have great tech support, part-time program, they and great reputation. I live in Iowa, and I love that Georgetown University will prepare me as an autonomous FNP where I can practice in Iowa. The downside is the finances. Are you excited to start? Why did you choose Georgetown? I will probably see you soon in the virtual classroom :) Mary

I wonder if the states that have nurse practitioners practicing as autonomous primary care givers are those that are moving toward DNP. Iowa nurse practitioners do not have to have a physician coordinating or overseeing their practice.

I completed my BSN with an online school, Excelsior College. I have also applied to Georgetown University. The online coursework for the BSN was manageable, but initially scary. There were a lot of discussions and papers. As I got more comfortable with the format, it became second nature. The online format for Georgetown University sounds like a similar situation other than the addition of video classes. I would suggest that if you choose to complete the online program, you know someone or feel very comfortable with computers and IT issues. I didn't have too many issues during my classwork at Excelsior. The tech support from the University is usually pretty helpful. Hope this helps! M