Shortest NP program

Knowing what I know now, I'd be looking for the longest.

Could you please explain about it? why longer?

Most NPs feel inadequately prepared by their two-year programs. There's a lot in NP education to be improved upon and you can read about much of that in past AN threads.

In short, the journey to becoming an advanced practice provider - one who holds ultimate responsibility for correctly, safely, and effectively providing medical management - should not be fast and easy.

On 6/2/2020 at 12:21 AM, parla said:

Could you please explain about it? why longer?

Do you honestly think you will be more competent in an under 2 year program? 600 hours barely qualifies you to diagnose a cold.

If you’re concerned about short length and affordable, find a different career path.

On 6/2/2020 at 12:21 AM, parla said:

Could you please explain about it? why longer?

Yes please don't worry about program length. First find a high quality program and the rest will follow. Nothing in life that is worthwhile is quick or easy. If timing is a concern because of other obligations and you need to quicken things to learn the pain of managing school and life, perhaps instead find a quality program where you can go part time.

On 6/8/2020 at 12:58 PM, Neuro Guy NP said:

Yes please don't worry about program length. First find a high quality program and the rest will follow. Nothing in life that is worthwhile is quick or easy. If timing is a concern because of other obligations and you need to quicken things to learn the pain of managing school and life, perhaps instead find a quality program where you can go part time.

I agree with you. Thank you for your explanation.

Find a good quality program that gives you 600+ hours. Make sure you have clinicals in adult, peds and maternity. Do more hours than required because as an NP you are expected to work independently for the most part and not all your supervising physicians will be good teachers or even wiling to teach.

16 hours ago, thinbluelineRN said:

Find a good quality program that gives you 600+ hours. Make sure you have clinicals in adult, peds and maternity. Do more hours than required because as an NP you are expected to work independently for the most part and not all your supervising physicians will be good teachers or even wiling to teach.

Thank you for the information. I will.

Check out USUniversity.edu

It's affordable, online, with excellent staff and support, and no exhaustive application process.

Also, don't let "certain people" discourage you from reaching your goals because you live in the real world and don't want to spend the next 10 years jumping through hoops at an elitist school. In the end, we all take the same competency test and no one cares where you graduated from, just that you have the degree and qualifications. It's up to the individual to study hard, and continue to learn beyond formal education to provide the best possible care for your patients. Good luck on your journey! You can do it!

1 hour ago, Cam2020 said:

Check out USUniversity.edu

It's affordable, online, with excellent staff and support, and no exhaustive application process.

Also, don't let "certain people" discourage you from reaching your goals because you live in the real world and don't want to spend the next 10 years jumping through hoops at an elitist school. In the end, we all take the same competency test and no one cares where you graduated from, just that you have the degree and qualifications. It's up to the individual to study hard, and continue to learn beyond formal education to provide the best possible care for your patients. Good luck on your journey! You can do it!

No need to go to a school that will cost an arm and a leg. I don't advocate that anybody break the bank. A reputable state school will do just fine (emphasis on the word reputable though). It should also be noted that "certain" programs - let the reader use discernment - are usually the ones most notorious for costing a _______ ton of money. We're not being Debbie downers, just realists. Nothing said earlier was untrue and it's this exact mentality that's hurting the profession - the quick and fast mentality of instant gratification with minimal effort not present elsewhere.

If you can't put forth the time to properly invest in the training, then you simply can't be an NP. That's why there are barriers to entry. We have to remember that we have patients' lives in our hands and it is incumbent to do the best we can in our preparation. Having this licensure, as the state BON will tell you, is a privilege, not a right. So if you can't properly put forth the time and effort, a different easier career should be considered. And to be honest I don't care if that offend some because it is the truth. I tell it to my students and people interested in nursing. Ours is an honorable profession and we need to protect it.