Part-time online school?

Nursing Students NP Students

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I am searching for a nurse practitioner school that I'll be able to go to either part time or full time, online. I have a small child that is just now a year old, which makes it tough for day care. Looking for a school that I can finish within 3 years, so I can start in the workforce and start repaying my student loans. I will have my BSN by the end of this year. I do live on the east coast of central Florida. Any all all suggestions will be welcomed. Thank you in advance.

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Just FYI - I hope you realize that there is no such thing as an online-only NP program. There are several schools that offer accredited online programs for nurse practitioners, however if it's an accredited program you will have to complete a clinical practicum on-site with a preceptor. Hence, the didactic work is online, but the clinical portion is done at a clinical facility. I just wanted to highlight that consideration.

When you do get ready to apply, search the internet (i.e., Google) using key words like 'Online Nurse Practitioner Programs'....and you will see dozens of options; online education is booming. And be aware, some traditional brick & mortar schools may offer their NP programs through distant learning. Online education doesn't always mean it has to be an online-only school.

Also, you probably won't be eligible for acceptance into most NP programs until you finish your BSN and get a cumulative GPA (which will impact your eligibility into certain programs). Some schools also require one or two years of experience first (but this varies among programs). Also, some programs are full time only, while others allow for full-time, half-time, and part time. Some schools require a GRE. It's also extremely important to understand how you will fulfill your practicum and clinical portions of the program if your program is from an online school (i.e., you may have to find your own preceptors and clinical sites).

What you're doing now is good; start early and evaluate your options and research which schools will be a match for you.

- TheRNJedi

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

As PP said you WILL have a very busy last few semesters anywhere you go as they will be filled with clinical. MANY schools provide mostly online classes but may require a few visits on campus each semester (for health assessment lab, learn suturing, etc.).

I graduated in May of 2010 and started my MSN in August of 2010 so it can be done. It helped (probably) that it was at the same school I got my BSN at. And when I asked about the RN requirement it was 2000 hours worked as a RN before CLINICAL. So I did the bookwork portion while working full time and had my RN experience by the time clinicals rolled around.

Ask around. Call schools and ask. I have several classmates who chose University of South Alabama.

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Yes, I am aware that online still means clinicals. I'm just trying to prepare by finding a school that will be the right fit. I am currently at the University of Texas in Arlington for my BSN, but unfortunately, they only allow people that are in Texas to be in their MSN programs. I have been a nurse for 2 years, so the hours won't matter too much once I get to that point.

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Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.
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