Questions about NP schools

[whoaitschrista]

I am currently looking at three universities in North Carolina. I am interested in FNP. The three schools are East Carolina University, Western Carolina University and UNC Charlotte. WCU and UNCC are the same distance for me to drive (about 1 hour). ECU's program is completely online with clinicals in my hometown. The program is 2 years long full-time. WCU's program is 2 1/2 years long part-time. This program is a hybrid program. The first year is online, then the second year you goto campus once a week for class and you have clinicals in your hometown. UNCC's program is similar to WCU but they have the two year full-time option or the 3-4 yr part-time option. WCU has been the only school that has said it is possible to work during their program. I am having a hard time deciding which school I want to attend. I would like to still work at least part time throughout the program. Has anyone worked fulltime or part time while in NP school? Also, would it be more beneficial to goto WCU since they have a hybrid program? Thanks in advance!!

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

I'd ask each school what their graduates 1st time pass rate is (on boards). I'd also try meet faculty at each and look into the background of all the faculty to see if you share a research interest with any of them. I'd also try to meet the directors of each program and ask them what their vision and mission are. That is what I did, and it made my choice crystal clear. Good luck.

[raeenna]

Where did you end up going?! Looking into the same schools now. :)