Torn- WGU BSN-MSN then apply to Frontier PMC-DNP or ADN Bridge to MSN-DN at Frontier?

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Please forgive typos- using my Kindle and still adjusting to it.

I am so torn. I'm an older new(ish) ADN (AAS) RN - 39 & 2 years intermediate cardiac telemetry experience with prior healthcare supervisory experience, BLS, ACLS,and studying for my PCCN, but currently no other national certifications. I am still rebuilding my life after a natural disaster 3 years ago. I have a great deal of experience with online education, I do well with it, but I don't like having to rely on other students to get my work done. As in, when I was doing pre-reqs for my nursing program, it drove me nuts waiting for other students to finally post in the last 24 hours of a module to be able to post the required minimum responses to earn the highest grade for the class.

For these reasons (money, time, limiting my frustration when feasible,) WGU seems like a good option for my BSN and possibly MSN (education, likely, since I don't like management based on prior personal experience. This will also give me a fallback option for when I get older. ) I know I will be limited by WGU's GPA policy, and the fact the I live in New York severely limits my schooling options. But I also know other people have gotten into Frontier with WGU degrees.

I would be saving probably at least a year and $15-20k by doing WGU-BSN/MSN--->Frontier PMC (and possibly DNP AFTER either option.) Does anyone know how competitive Frontier's FNP programs are? Personal or anecdotal experience with these programs? How "good" is Frontier's program, in your opinion (not that I can afford to be that choosy.)

I'm looking for any/all input- thanks!!!

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Specializes in Emergency.

It sounds like you have several questions, but the root of them is, should you go to WGU and get your BSN and even possibly your MSN then go to FNU for a post masters certificate, or do more/all of that at FNU.

If you do the bridge program at FNU that will add 1 year to your studies. Their website has the cost burried somewhere in it, so you could easily compare that 1 yr and cost to what it will cost/take in time at WGU and I think that should give you a good start. You mentioned you don't like group work, there is a fair amount of group work in some courses at FNU, it depends on the course. I have found that groupwork in graduate school where everyone is dedicated and willing to get their part done is night and day compared to group work in a RN program. But expect some groupwork assignments at FNU.

As for which option is best for a MSN, I think you will have to again assess the courses/time/costs among other things of the various routes you are comparing to determine which route is best for you. I don't know anything about WGU's masters offerings so I can't even begin to compare it to FNU's masters. FNU has MSN in CNM, FNP, WHNP. There are a few joint classes, but the programs diverge rather quickly.

I have never gotten specific numbers out of administration as to how many applied for each seat at FNU, so I can't give you a number, but I do know it is quite competative. I've heard of applicants with 4.0 who did not get in, and I've seen applicants with lower GPAs who did. I think they weigh life experiences, your essays, and your references heavily. FNU is very oriented towards it's mission statement, so if you can tie your goals with the FNU mission, then you stand a substantially better chance of getting in than if you just tell them how great you are.

One of the things I love about my time at FNU (so far), is my class. My class is so much tighter and more helpful than any class I have ever been involved in, it really is a great bonding situation. FNU certainly supports it, but we bonded early, and used social media to turn our class into a great big support group. I know that 10 years from now, we still will be close friends, and helping each other deal with the stress of our careers, find jobs, and just hangout. I would not trade that for anything.

Sorry if I didn't answer all of your questions, if I missed some you want answered, or brought up some additional ones feel free to ask.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I think I will apply to both the other school and to Frontier's bridge program and see what happens. My gpa from this degree is pretty competitive, so there is chance I can get I to Frontier- might as well try and see what happens. :)

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Hi, I am in the same boat. ADN with a bachelor's in Comparative Lit and 6 years of nursing experience. Currently, I am in a Master's program in Education at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.Its a strategy to get into FNP program. I am applying to FNP program in St. Joseph's college of Maine, after understanding that Frontier is very difficult.

I am also not happy with this constant group work, and I am considering a switch to RN_MSN to WGU.

Any thoughts?

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