Reputable but fairly priced online FNP

allnurses Guide · Aug 27, 2013

Hi everyone,
I'm an RN in California, just got my BSN recently and having trouble finding a job. I decided maybe I should just go straight on to my master's, but my local programs have wait lists and want experience. I'm looking for online programs but it's hard to navigate through the masses. Anyone know of a program that:
1. Is reputable - no for-profit or diploma mills.
2. Is fully online, though occasional campus visits are okay.
3. Is an MSN (not ready for DNP).
4. Does not require experience for admission or clinicals.
5. Is fairly priced.
6. Can be done full time in 2.5 years or less.
I've looked into many programs, but it seems the reputable ones are forcing 3+ year part time, and I would prefer full time. The reputable full time ones seem to cost an arm and a leg to attend. Any advice? The Indiana ones (ISU, USI, and BSU) all require part time now. The Alabama ones (UAB and USA) require experience. Frontier also wants experience. And anything over about 30K for the whole program is too much.

Just to clarify, you are looking for just an MSN not an NP program, correct?

All NP programs will require clinicals.

SlyFoxRN, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2013

Just to clarify, you are looking for just an MSN not an NP program, correct?
All NP programs will require clinicals.

I'm looking for an MSN-NP program - I'm sorry, to clarify I meant fully online EXCEPT clinicals, which I would obviously do nearby in my own state.

allnurses Guide · Aug 27, 2013

It may be challenging to find all of those qualifications in a program (cheap and reputable and quick and online). Those programs may be out there though.

Given you comment about a saturated job market for RNs, a word of warning. Be very careful about programs that do not assist with the preceptor process!

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Aug 28, 2013

Georgetown 18 mo full time, 24 mo part time(expensive though), University of Cincinnati-24mo, Maryville University 24mo, South University 27-29 mo (you only take one class at a time back to back but fairly cheap in price) , Indiana State University, though every program I have looked into you will have to take part if not all ownership of finding your own clinical sites or at least submitting names/references of sites to the school to get clearance.

SlyFoxRN, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2013

Maryville and South = for-profit

ISU = forces 3 year part time

Georgetown = too expensive.

I'll look at U Cincinatti, I hadn't heard of it. Thanks.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Aug 28, 2013

I feel ya, I"ve been looking into all the programs I can find. Unversity of Cincinnati seems to have a good rep, they are in Ohio and Ohio State University is opening it's online program Fall 2014 as well (not sure on price etc). The only reason I'm applying to Georgetown (besides them being a big school and having a greater than 95% pass rate on license exams) is because I have a GI BIll for 16 mo and if accepted to FT program it will pretty much cover the entire program for me with me only having to take out one loan.

Is there a problem with for-profit schools? I've heard good things about Maryville, even talked to some students at South as well who recommend it, which is why it's on my "to apply to" list.

SlyFoxRN, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2013

I feel ya, I"ve been looking into all the programs I can find. Unversity of Cincinnati seems to have a good rep, they are in Ohio and Ohio State University is opening it's online program Fall 2014 as well (not sure on price etc). The only reason I'm applying to Georgetown (besides them being a big school and having a greater than 95% pass rate on license exams) is because I have a GI BIll for 16 mo and if accepted to FT program it will pretty much cover the entire program for me with me only having to take out one loan.
Is there a problem with for-profit schools? I've heard good things about Maryville, even talked to some students at South as well who recommend it, which is why it's on my "to apply to" list.

There are many threads about this, but yes, I would recommend you steer clear of for profits. They target people with GI bills and are really only in it to make a profit. Your resume will be MUCH more impressive going to a school like Georgetown versus a for profit school with a 98% acceptance rate. Don't let the "recruiters" talk you into going there - if you can go to a place like Georgetown and not have to pay for it, DO IT. Since you have the GI bill, you should also apply to Vanderbilt. Their program is only 12 months, and again that's a very reputable/impressive school.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Aug 28, 2013

Maryville is a "for profit" or "proprietary institution"? Just wondering as I don't know much about that school.

SlyFoxRN, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2013

Maryville is a "for profit" or "proprietary institution"? Just wondering as I don't know much about that school.

I didn't either - I just assumed it was for-profit because of how much I hear about it on here. I just looked it up and it is actually NOT for profit. So only avoid South, Kaplan, Walden, Phoenix as far as I know.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Aug 29, 2013

Medical University of South Carolina

College of Nursing Programs

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Aug 29, 2013

I may withdraw that application to South University then...I did apply to Maryville, and finishing apps for UC and Georgetown. Heart is set on GU as you said i've got the GI bill, they do the yellow ribbon program, and only the last two months of school will I have to use a student loan to pay for anything so I REALLY hope I get in for the FT program! =) thanks for input I appreciate it.