Selecting a school

Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2017

Where have you all applied? I am just starting to apply, and I just hope to get in to one. I already have my choices in order from 1-4 based on things like cost, if the program is all online, known locally, non-profit, format of the curriculum, length of the program, and if the program helps with clinical placement etc. I am only applying to one school that will place you in a clinical if you do not find your own, and if I get into that school, I will definitely choose it over the other all online options. I have heard that tip over and over again, because it seems that many times the clinical placement is the biggest hurdle to overcome. This is just my two cents!

usafrn833, BSN, MSN, EMT-P, APRN · Nov 3, 2017

Thanks for the input! I made a spreadsheet for each school that included cost, any in person requirements or required log in times (all are online programs), length of the program, how many credits/clinical hours required, clinical placement, requirements for the program, and any extra notes. My top choice is the one that assists with clinical placement (only one) and it's located in an area where I have friends, so when I travel there, I won't be out extra costs for lodging. It's unfortunately the most expensive school (double what the others cost), but my main problem with it is there are required log in times. I'm deploying soon (they're aware of that) and I'll be on a totally opposite time zone from the USA and I won't always be available on a set schedule to log in. I don't want to be penalized for missing mandatory "class" times though. Especially since I'll be paying A LOT for the education. Having options is definitely a good position to be in, but I'm having a lot of problems deciding and I have to give an answer soon to reserve a spot!

203bravo, MSN, APRN · Nov 3, 2017

If they have mandatory "log in" class times and you don't think that you will be able to achieve that requirement then it would be best to defer your start date with that program until you are back state side.. or accept a spot with a school that has less strict requirements...But make sure you questions yourself honestly as to weather you will be able to make assignment and/or exam deadlines based on your deployment, military job assignment, internet issues, military schedule, etc.. if you decide to not wait until after your deployment.

Best of luck and thank you for your service.

usafrn833, BSN, MSN, EMT-P, APRN · Nov 3, 2017

I'm leaning towards the program that does not require log in times. Clinical placement is student driven and that's my biggest concern. I could start when I return, but you have an abundance of time on deployments and I need something productive to do with my time. Last time, I lost a bunch of weight, watched a lot of Netflix, and counted a lot of rocks. I can't do that again. Clinical would begin a few months after I return, so I could get the bulk of didactic work done while I'm gone.

Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2017

Which online programs are you looking at? Maybe we could help you further. In your situation, I would definitely choose the program without specific log on times. Will you be back stateside for your clinicals? Do any of the programs have an alumni registry for you to contact for preceptors? What I am gathering is that you need to be researching and securing your clinical sites and preceptors WELL in advance. This could be a potential hold up for you, since you will be overseas and unable to network.

usafrn833, BSN, MSN, EMT-P, APRN · Nov 4, 2017

Which online programs are you looking at? Maybe we could help you further. In your situation, I would definitely choose the program without specific log on times. Will you be back stateside for your clinicals? Do any of the programs have an alumni registry for you to contact for preceptors? What I am gathering is that you need to be researching and securing your clinical sites and preceptors WELL in advance. This could be a potential hold up for you, since you will be overseas and unable to network.

The school with the log on times won't allow me to begin until I return, which defeats the purpose of having something to combat boredom while deployed, but I understand and respect it. They assist with clinical placement, but I wouldn't begin clinicals until the 2nd year -- well after I return. They have the program I'm interested in (AG-ACNP) and that's Georgetown.

The other school with AG-ACNP is Maryville. They don't have log in times but the clinicals are student driven.

The other 3 schools I was accepted into vary with log in requirements, program lengths, etc. but they are all FNP. Not my preference, but I wanted options.

As far as networking goes, I'm in the military which is a huge network in and of itself. If you don't know someone, someone you know will.

Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN · Nov 6, 2017

For what it's worth, my friend just graduated from the AG-ACNP program at Maryville. She said it was "horrible", and she would not recommend it to anyone. It was very disorganized. Also that everyone always failed the exams and they never got explanations about the exam questions. She was in the first acute care cohort.

usafrn833, BSN, MSN, EMT-P, APRN · Nov 6, 2017

Oh wow! Thanks for that feed back of the program. I wonder if it's because they were the first and potentially had kinks to iron out. I've looked on this site for reviews of all the programs I applied for. Unfortunately, there isn't much and what is here isn't current.

Dranger · Nov 6, 2017

Honestly trying to do a NP program while active is a cluster. I ended up choosing the reserves just so I could focus on school. You don't want to be a half ass provider....

Trying to find your own preceptors is hell and even if you know people that doesn't mean their facility will let you.

usafrn833, BSN, MSN, EMT-P, APRN · Nov 6, 2017

I disagree that AD produces "half ass" providers. I know many who have completed advanced degrees while on AD. I not sure why it was assumed I'm AD as well.

Georgetown has a clinical assist team for preceptors and sites and that's one thing I like about them as opposed to other programs. It's not a guarantee, but I've yet to find an idealistic program.

Networking was mentioned previously. No correlation was implied on my part regarding facilities or preceptors, but while it may be "hell", knowing people certainly doesn't hurt.