Samford FNP ENP Program

hmcnav, MSN, RN · Mar 18, 2020

Did you get in ? I am applying to the 2021 cohort and was looking for some information if you have the time. Such as how long after you applied were you notified?

luna9909 · Mar 18, 2020

Yes! I did get in and started the program in January. I found out very quickly after applying. I believe the deadline was in October and I heard back in a week or two?I have only good things to say about the program! It has been a phenomenal experience so far.

hmcnav, MSN, RN · Mar 18, 2020

Thank you for responding, I am applying to the FNP/ENP program that starts in Jan 2021 and a local FNP only program that starts in Sept 2020. and I am afraid to turn down the Florida Southern program and then get denied for Samford. How big is your class?

luna9909 · Mar 18, 2020

Pretty big, around 60 for the fnp. Enp is a little smaller. Do you have emergency experience in any capacity? (Cna, emt, paramedic, RN, floating, preceptorships) most emergency np programs just want to know if you know what you're getting into. The idea of the emergency world is VERY different than the reality of it. Plus they want to know that you have something to build off of.

hmcnav, MSN, RN · Mar 18, 2020

Perfect, Thx!

TimBitsRN · Mar 26, 2020

On 3/18/2020 at 12:58 PM, luna9909 said:
Pretty big, around 60 for the fnp. Enp is a little smaller. Do you have emergency experience in any capacity? (Cna, emt, paramedic, RN, floating, preceptorships) most emergency np programs just want to know if you know what you're getting into. The idea of the emergency world is VERY different than the reality of it. Plus they want to know that you have something to build off of.

So stoked I found this thread!

I'm looking at applying for the Jan. 2021 start. I live in Arizona, looks like they require 4 campus visits throughout the program. Any word on how they manage practicum placements? Do they place you or do you have to secure your own sites?

Also, any idea of what the total cost (tuition and fees) of the program is going to end up being?

Thanks guys!

luna9909 · Mar 26, 2020

Yes, the 4 visits are through the whole program, so over about 2ish years. I live several hours away, so I drive in the night before and stay in a hotel. There are quite a few people who fly in and say it's doable! There are so few ENP programs that, in my opinion, it's worth it.

We are responsible for finding clinical placements unfortunately. They can help a little, but it's hard if you're not in Alabama. They did give me contact information for alumni in my state. I haven't had too many issues. Use any professional connections, cold call like crazy, and use the resources of your hospital system if possible.

In state and out of state tuition is the same and comes out to about 46,000 for the whole program. It's comparable to most other programs. They have a payment plan if you don't want to take out loans (which is what I'm doing) and it's awesome.

Let me know if you have any other questions! It's been a great program so far.

TimBitsRN · Mar 26, 2020

Sounds awesome! It's so nice to see more ENP programs coming around.

Definitely like the idea of that payment plan. To be honest, I've put off going back because of the fear of loans. Would you mind telling me more about that payment plan? Is it per semester?

luna9909 · Mar 26, 2020

Yes! I work with a lot of NP's right now, and they all tell me they wish they did their ENP in school versus working full time and trying to study for another certification.

Here's the link to their website where it breaks it down in detail. It works for my family but sometimes loans are necessary unfortunately. I would see if your state has any forgivable loan programs for nursing (they basically pay for your school and the loan is forgiven if you work in the state for however long they paid for)

https://www.samford.edu/admission/payment-plans

Kaitlin M · May 1, 2020

I too am really thinking of applying to this program and Vanderbilt for the online ENP aspect. I am super comfortable with everything I have learned and come across with the exception of having to find my own clinical sites. That is terrifying to me, I have considered reaching out to my state NP association to see if they can give me any current registered preceptor resources. This program and SO inexpensive compared to others in my are which average about 90k. I am trying to feel at peace with the clinical situation. I feel like school and work is stressful enough without having to deal with all of that in addition... I'm an ED nurse and really just want to stay ED/Urgent care so school online options are limited.

MoonChild83 · Nov 6, 2020

Hi all,

Just found out about Samford offering a dual degree for FNP/ENP. I like the curriculum a lot. Looks like less fluff classes and more time for clinicals and hands on classes.

I am trying to apply for Spring 2021 though I am late for the deadline. Not sure if any of you know if Spring 2021 is full already? I have been trying to get a hold of someone at Samford but no luck. The director is out of office and her back-up did not respond to me either. I left a message with the nursing department as well.

I am a little confused why they do not have any student advisors or staff available who can help to answer questions about the program.

Hope this does not mean there is no support along the way if I already feel like nobody cares about my interest in the program.

I started my application but had some questions I would like to have answered first prior to paying the fee.

I have over 7 years of ER RN experience and am planning on working in Urgent Care or Fast Track ED which is why I think this program would be great. Vanderbilt requires too many on campus visits, University of South Alabama has more theory classes and there was another university in FL which was on campus plus Emory which is also on campus for FNP/ENP.

Samford would suit me the best. I can come to campus 3 times during that time frame.

Let me know if you have any suggestions or insights for me.

Thanks

Anna-Lena