Reputation of online APN programs

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I'm currently considering going back to school to become an FNP. I am the only money maker in my family at the moment and work at least 4 shifts per week if not more. I would love to go back to school but I don't really have time for a brick and mortar program. When applying for positions, will it be looked down upon that I got my degree from an online program? I have heard that at least at the ADN/BSN level, applicants with online degrees are being put at the bottom of the pile. I would hate to waste my time and money going to an online program only to not be able to secure a position. Any input is greatly appreciated.

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Online programs are as good or bad as any other type. I don't think anyone cares where you went to school. No one has ever asked me.

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Specializes in family, internal, pediatric.

I think it would be important to obtain good clinical rotations. You may be setting up your own clinicals. This is where you will apply the knowledge obtained on line.

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Specializes in FNP.

I concur that brick and mortar vs online is immaterial. I think the name of the school probably matters. I know there are many people here that liked their programs, etc. but in my anecdotal experience, programs like capella, phoenix, wgu, etc are not well respected.

Another consideration is that you are probably not going to to be able to work 36-48/week hours all the way through a FNP program, either on the ground or online. Clinic experience has to be done in person, lol and usually cannot be done on weekends, etc.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Trauma/Critical Care.

Online education is becoming main stream, specially with working adults. I obtained my FNP through UOP and never have anybody question my degree. As Gator FNP mentioned when choosing a program, be aware about the quality of their clinical rotations and of course, school accreditations.

Good Luck.

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Specializes in Trauma, Emergency, Urgent Care.

Honestly, I am not a fan. We are able to practice with 500 hours of clinicals after an on-line program. Come on. Seriously, would you hire an on line educated MD if there was such a thing? Would you trust an online tax lawyer to defend you against the IRS?

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Specializes in critical care.

Have you taken online courses before? Some people seem to love them, others not so much... From my experience (undergrad only), online courses are definitely not a time saver. It seems they replace in-class discussion with tons of writing, and sometimes it just feels like busywork. Not my thing. :(

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Specializes in PICU.

Browndog, obviously you don't understand how an online education works. There is NO difference between the quality of online vs. inperson education based only on format. The differences are in the quality of the schools themselves. What difference does it make if I sit and class and watch a lecture or sit at home and watch the same lecture on my computer? BTW, lawyers in CA who get their law degree online can be licensed to practice law in CA.

I love the flexibility of an online education, but agree with what others have said that there is no way you can work more than 3 shifts a week and complete an FNP program. You can maybe do it while taking the non-clinical courses if you only take 1 class at a time, but you can't do that during the clinical semesters. Online classes generally take more time than in person classes, just because you have to spend time going over everything yourself and figuring out due dates and assignments. But you save on commuting time, so maybe it is a wash in the end.

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I agree to that online isn't going to be a time saver per se, albeit it increases your flexibility. But it's going to be impossible if you work full-time and go to school full time and have a family. It's really recommended that you either work full time and do school part time, or vice versa. Ideally, not working at all :).

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Hey People!

I think Online education is as good as traditional. When I graduated in 1996, I was not aware of online classes. Many of my friends have taken online classes and all they say that it;s super convenient, it;s not easy but easily manageable. Best of Luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care & ENT.

I am currently in an online FNP program. I think the program can be completed while working, depending on your schedule and other responsibilities. I am taking 2 classes a semester. Online classes work best for me, because I can take classes and still work full time. I would have to juggle more with going on campus for classes.....commute, gas prices, parking, sitting in class, etc. Being online, I can go to class anytime and anywhere I'm located with a internet connection.

When it gets to the clinical portion, I may just take some time off from work, PTO for a week just so I can obtain some clinical time. You just have to plan and figure it out.

If you were going to a "brick and mortar" school, it would still be equally important to obtain the best clinical experiences.

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Specializes in Trauma, Emergency, Urgent Care.
Browndog, obviously you don't understand how an online education works. There is NO difference between the quality of online vs. inperson education based only on format..

Oh, please do educate me Annaiya.

I stand by my statement. I have taken online classes before. There is a place for this model in any program, it should, however, in my humble opinion, not be the entire program. There is, a great deal of value (assuming your class members have been practicing RNs for a while and not simpy DE students) inherent in-class education via dialog with the prof and other class members. Alot can be learned in two-way real time communication with people who have gained valuable lessons through first-hand experience as nurses.

So, I will agree to disagree and leave this discussion to others. Bye.

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