Top DNP school vs MSN FNP School HELP

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I'm looking for some advice with looming deadlines. I applied to two schools for my FNP. I already have acceptance to MUSC's DNP program as a part time student, which means it will take me 4 years to finish BUT I can get some awesome experience as an RN between now and then. I am anticipating getting accepted to Bellarmine's MSN FNP program which is 2 years. Bellarmine is not ranked whereas MUSC is ranked like 15 this year. I am currently going to MUSC for their ABSN. They have a lot of pros and some cons but all schools do. Bellarmine isn't ranked but they do place people who live in Kentucky for preceptors. MUSC states they will assist but ultimately it is up to us. I haven't heard any negatives on clinical placement issues, but it is a fear and so I'm torn. 4 years part time for a DNP (which I ultimately want anyways) at a school that's local to me and ranked highly but doesn't guarantee placement for preceptors or a 2 year MSN FNP with preceptor placement if I move to Kentucky (don't really want to, but could as a last resort). I can't find any reviews on here for the Bellarmine MSN program. Any help is appreciated!

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Are you currently in the ABSN program? If you haven't worked as an RN yet, getting that RN experience is really important and valuable to your education and growth as a nurse. You'll learn so much about yourself and the profession and what you think you want now may be completely different later once you've really submerged yourself in the field. If you're hard set on continuing school right away, I would go with the option that takes the longest amount of time so you will be able to gain that RN experience. Most NP programs require a minimum of 1000 hours RN experience before enrolling in a program so it kind of makes me weary of a program that ignores that standard requirement. Ask some of your nursing instructors for advice as well. Good luck with whatever path you take! A

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I did just want to add that Bellarmine does require 1 year of full time work experience, but they build that into their MSN program and let you earn it while in school. That would be well over the 1000 hours other programs require.

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32 minutes ago, kittymulv said:

Are you currently in the ABSN program? If you haven't worked as an RN yet, getting that RN experience is really important and valuable to your education and growth as a nurse. You'll learn so much about yourself and the profession and what you think you want now may be completely different later once you've really submerged yourself in the field. If you're hard set on continuing school right away, I would go with the option that takes the longest amount of time so you will be able to gain that RN experience. Most NP programs require a minimum of 1000 hours RN experience before enrolling in a program so it kind of makes me weary of a program that ignores that standard requirement. Ask some of your nursing instructors for advice as well. Good luck with whatever path you take! A

Thank you for your feedback! Bellarmine does require work experience, they just let you earn it while in school. A lot of schools allow that especially post-bachelors non-nursing degree options like John Hopkins where you can get your RN and become an APRN within the same program. I already have two bachelor's degrees (Chemistry and Forensic Science with a minor in psychology) and have worked for a diagnostic clinical Chemistry lab in addition to working as CNA prior to earning my BSN. I completely agree with the experience as a heavy factor to consider. It definitely has swayed me at times, but I ultimately couldn't justify spending several thousand more dollars to spread out my education just for more experience when Bellarmine does factor in experience, require it for their program completion, and did a personal interview with me prior to acceptance. This was a hard decision, but I know I made the right decision for me. This is a great discussion though as I know many people who feel the same as you. I think it comes down to personal experience, individual drive, and knowing the field/industry. I have been immersed in healthcare since I was little and completed pre-med coursework before I found out about the nurse practitioner option. I chose nursing because I love the bedside manner NPs have and it directly correlates to their time as an RN which has been in my experience a large reason why many nurses feel that experience is crucial to continuing the strong reputation nurses and APRNs have. I couldn't agree more. I plan to have 2-3 years of experience by the time I am ready to practice as an APRN. In addition to my 14 years of educational training in the science and healthcare field, I hope that will make me a great NP when all is said and done and I can continue that great reputation.

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Congratulations! Getting back in the swing of school can be difficult so schools allowing students to earn experience while you're already in the program is awesome since there aren't clinicals in the beginning of NP programs anyway. I only have a couple years experience and I'm starting an NP program in the fall. I did associates, to bachelors, to now NP and I wanted to start right way cause I know I'll never go back to school if I take too long of a break in-between LOL. I never questioned your drive, I was just unaware of allowing the experience to be earned during the MSN. Getting into 2 schools is a great problem to have! You'll do great and congratulations again

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