SMU or Simmons College online FNP

[SC333]

Hey all! I have a very difficult decision at hand and would greatly appreciate input from this online nursing community. I have applied for the online FNP program at Samuel Merritt University and Simmons College, both starting Sep 2016. Unfortunately, I am faced with the choice of choosing between these two schools. Would anyone like to list some pros and cons of these two schools, specific to the online FNP program?

There are several personal issues I have:

1) I am located in California, meaning Simmons College's timezone is 3 hours ahead of me. How flexible are the online classes at Simmons College? I heard that we are required to participate in a weekly discussion via webcam. Are the curriculums based around self-studying (I would like this because I get the opportunity to study whenever I like vs logging into class at a certain time)?

2) Clinical placements. I heard that Simmons Colleges guarantees clinical placements. Does SMU also secure clinical placements for their students? Several threads portrayed frustration regarding SMU's clinical placement. I spoke with the SMU student support manager and she said no student has been held back due to clinical placements. If possible, I would like to attend a school that doesn't require the student to look for their own clinical site.

3) I understand that any FNP program will be rigorous. I decided to pursue the part-time curriculum while working full-time (four eight hour shifts/week, 3PM-11:30PM). Please also take into consideration that I commute 1.5 hours to work and 1 hour back home. By the time I get home, I am exhausted. Which program is best fit for my schedule? How tolerable is the part-time workload for each program?

All in all, I am deciding between the two schools. As of now, I have a slight lean towards Simmons College because I have heard nothing but positive reviews on the school. From other reviews, I have a feeling that SMU is slightly more disorganized than Simmons College. I am just very concerned with the scheduling of the classes due to the unpredictability of my work schedule and time zone. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I want to choose the school best for me. (:

Thank you all in advance for reading this post.

[LulaNurse]

I have the same dilemma, I have the option of choosing SMU vs George Washington U for the FNP program. I'm leaning towards SMU because their graduates have a good reputation, especially in northern California. Upon graduation, most employers will recognize SMU because the school offers so many well respected programs in California (PA, CRNA, FNP, MD podiatry, etc.). Also, I currently work in ER which makes it a great marketable experience for the primary care setting. In regards to clinical placement, I haven't found anything online about students having a difficult time getting clinical placements with SMU. As much as I want the GWU name on my resume, I'm turned off by their students begging for clinical preceptors on Facebook and the mandatory 3 campus visits!!

[Kk23]

I am between these schools as well. What did you end up choosing and how do you like it? I spoke with an admissions rep at SMU and they said they have clinical coordinators help find preceptorsmamd clinical sites . Is this true?