RN to NP online program

lwsoccjs · Jul 7, 2017

I considered not posting, but I'll keep it short. So you want to skip the basic requirement of requiring a bachelors degree? Then you want to jump to NP all while doing it online? Do you have years and years of experience? I say this because no program that I know of allows this. I can't help compare our profession over and over to PA. PA get their degree in Biomedical, Chemistry, and the like a hard science bachelors. Then take 100-110 credit hours post that to practice at the NP level. PA do not work while they go to school. PA do not take it online nor do they take it part time. I am confused why we should be treated differently.

Sunset87, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN, CNM · Jul 7, 2017

Frontier University has a bridge program for RNs with ADNs.

Skelly14 · Jul 10, 2017

Thank you

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 10, 2017

Chamberlain has an RN-to-BSN-to-MSN bridge program. You have to do the credits for the BSN first. However, you are not awarded the BSN degree when you complete the credits. You get a letter of completion and then start your MSN program. Once you complete the entire program, then you're awarded both degrees. The only time it really saves you is 8 weeks. Better off finishing the BSN and then going in to an MSN program. You can apply for MSN programs while you're in your last semester of your BSN program.

University of South Alabama has an RN-to-MSN program which awards the BSN once you complete the BSN bridge courses and then you go right on to your MSN. I like the fact that they award you the degree as you finish it, rather than make you wait until the end.

Both programs are mostly online. Both require a 3 day "immersion" to get your skills check off during the NP portion of your program. Chamberlain's immersion is located in Chicago. USA's immersion is in Mobile, Alabama.

Good luck on your decision :)

PADRE123 · Nov 20, 2017

I am in an online FNP program doing the ADN to MSN. I just want to caution you--don't think you get anything for free (in any sense of the word). I still had to do all the classes to complete a BSN, before starting the MSN portion. And online doesn't mean easy. Sometimes I think it is harder. You have to do all kinds or reading and research to help teach yourself instead of having a professor teach it to you. Plus there are required clinical hours and on campus immersions. We work our tails off!

I do think full-time, on campus learning is superior. I am sometimes jealous of the fantasticly organized and structured learning that PA's get. On campus, with physicians and medical students. Structured clinicals that are arranged for them without any effort from the student.

That said, I didn't have time for a PA program either. I had to do the part-time FNP program. Plus, I am proud to be a nurse and of our independence from physicians. I believe our experience as RN's makes us superior to some new PA's who have no real healthcare experience.

I do agree with those posters who say you should have significant RN experience before applying. Be careful what you wish for. There are lots of gray areas in medicine where your textbook doesn't give you the answer. You could be out there by yourself someday with a patient having a heart attack and you need to make a decision. That's where your experience as an RN and your RN "gut" is going to save you and the patient.

I started FNP school after 8 years in the ED and on a transport team. I would recommend some type of critical care or ED experience. You will see a vast array of patients of all ages and different medical conditions. Much more than you will in school. You will take care of much sicker patients in the ED than in FNP school. How many times will you have the experience of doing CPR or seeing a stroke in FNP school? Rarely. That is what will help you when you are seeing a sick patient out in some family practice office with no resources.

Just my two cents. It is well worth the journey but it is a long hard journey. No shortcuts. Think about what will be best for you on day 1 when you are all by yourself. It is definitely doable while working and with a family (that is almost everyone in my class). Congratulations to everyone who is thinking about it. You can do like I did--send out some applications. If you get in, go with whichever one you get into (considering cost, etc.). Good luck!