etabor82

I can't speak to being a distance student, but I graduate from Vanderbilt's ANP/GNP program in a month and two days (but who is counting?!). I initially had a hard time rationalizing the cost as my son was 7 mos old when I started, and my husband is in a CRNA program here in the Nashville area. I managed to work PRN at my current job, but I have no idea how anyone worked more than part-time (but many did, and props to them!). I will say that I don't think distance students have any disadvantage academically; if you're local you have the option of attending weekly classes but don't have to as they're available live-streamed and archived. Some of my friends in my program are distance students and travel from IN, CT, AL; many people in my class met during the first block and ended up splitting room costs. There is also a place on campus that is somewhat like a dorm where you can stay for blocks if there are available rooms, and it is much cheaper. I don't feel like my distance friends were at any disadvantage having to find their own preceptors; in fact, sometimes I think that was preferable (as a local student, you may be assigned to a clinical site as far as 2 hrs one-way for a rotation). Vanderbilt is an excellent program, and you can definitely tell that they've been doing it a long time; compared to my husband's CRNA program, it is very structured, the instructors are (for the most part) very personable, and they are helpful and understanding. I am so happy that I decided to do Vanderbilt's program, and I will also say this: it looks wonderful on your CV! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail (erintb at gmail.com!

Hi isha! Have you looked into Vanderbilt? I'm not in the FNP (doing the ANP/GNP route) so I can't speak to that aspect, but they do a mixed online and distance-learning format for most of their specialties. My ANP/GNP program is a little over 11 mos long, and for basically one long weekend a month I have to be on campus (amounted to 4x in the fall, 3x in spring and 3x in summer); the rest of the classes are streamed online and exams are all on Blackboard. Clinicals are done in your home area w/a preceptor of your choosing (usually! they have to approve the preceptor, obviously). I know several people in my program split the cost of hotel rooms during the block sessions, and other use some sort of on-campus "housing" during their stay (basically a dorm room at a discounted price). If you have any questions, feel free to message me or e-mail me at [email protected]. Good luck! Erin

Check out Vanderbilt University's FNP program! They do distance-learning, basically a long-weekend of classes most months and you do your clinicals at your home site if you're more than 2hrs from Nashville. Good luck!