United States University (USU) FNP

Has anyone done this program? I'm looking into it and it seems great but there are hardly any updates reviews. Thanks!

On 12/3/2019 at 4:20 PM, Mrskeene3 said:

Hey guys!!!! Sorry I get this notifications all the time I tend to ignore.

i am newly graduated from USU. I can’t tell you how much I recommend it!!! CHEAP and one of the schools on the CA BON! You can’t beat that. I will say the program I just completed will not be the ones you endure simply cuz they are constantly striving to make the program better not easier. With that being said I was able to work part time, raise a toddler and gave birth to my 2nd baby. It was not Easy. I highly recommend finding multiple preceptors like as many as you can get your hands in. So many of mine fell off for various reasons so i always had a back up to my back back back up. You never know. GOOD LUCK!!!!

What was the total cost if you dont mind sharing? I cant get my advisor to give me a rough estimate. They will get back to me. Some have said it costs ~+$40k here.

Specializes in FNP Student.

The cost for USU FNP program is ~26,800 with no hidden fees except the cost of your books. I pay $375mo on the payment plan.

2 hours ago, Firelilly said:

The cost for USU FNP program is ~26,800 with no hidden fees except the cost of your books. I pay $375mo on the payment plan.

Really? Chamberlain has tuition at $29925 but after fees and a NP license fee ($6500) it comes out at $41,000. How is the school? Any regrets or staying the course? At less than $30,000, I can't beat that with an ugly stick for a private for-profit. TIA!!!

Specializes in FNP Student.

No regrets! The courses are tedious like any other Masters level program. Many may comment that they prefer to attend a more reputable institutes. Employers only care if you pass the boards. I work for a very large health network in PA and many of the FNPs graduated from various online colleges which I'm not familiar with. In the end, you are the one that will be stuck with the bill. Hopefully, you receive some type of tuition reimburstment from your employer to soften the blow.

Specializes in Pediatric Home Healthcare.
On 12/15/2019 at 4:35 AM, runnyeggs said:

Those were my thoughts too. The advisor is sooooo accomodating that my radar is going off. Never attended a for profit school before. It better not be ITT or Corinthian. Not sure if Kaplan is any better.

I am in the process of enrolling. I'm not 100% certain I will go through with this. I obtained my BSN from Capella not knowing it was a for-profit. In retrospect, I'm glad I didn't look too deeply into it as it was very affordable and I feel I received a good education; equally as good as all my peers from the ADN program I was in who went $40k into debt for a well known University degree. At the end of the day, we all are employed.

As far as USU goes, I have called several recruiters in my area. None of them look at the University attended. They want to know the school is accredited and you passed your boards. They have all said it's the resume and interview that weight the heaviest.

I am no one to pursuade anyone in any direction. I know, as an older student with children at home, I have to be responsible to my family. I believe this is the direction I am supposed to go - the FNP, I mean. How I get there in the end, I'm not sure.

I did join a FB group for FNP students. I have run into a few USU students about to graduate. They all say the same thing: do not get behind in reading, take responsibility for your eduction, apply yourself 100%, and find preceptors early. I was accepted to Vanderbilt, Georgetown, Simmons, and Loyola. I really wanted to go to a well known school, but the price tag is unreal. What I want more is to be an FNP. So I will take the overarching advice of those I've spoken with who have attended USU, whether I decide to attend or not, and take responsibility for my own engagement in my education. Not meant to sound preachy, just something I need to hear myself.

27 minutes ago, LJCecere said:

I am in the process of enrolling. I'm not 100% certain I will go through with this. I obtained my BSN from Capella not knowing it was a for-profit. In retrospect, I'm glad I didn't look too deeply into it as it was very affordable and I feel I received a good education; equally as good as all my peers from the ADN program I was in who went $40k into debt for a well known University degree. At the end of the day, we all are employed.

As far as USU goes, I have called several recruiters in my area. None of them look at the University attended. They want to know the school is accredited and you passed your boards. They have all said it's the resume and interview that weight the heaviest.

I am no one to pursuade anyone in any direction. I know, as an older student with children at home, I have to be responsible to my family. I believe this is the direction I am supposed to go - the FNP, I mean. How I get there in the end, I'm not sure.

I did join a FB group for FNP students. I have run into a few USU students about to graduate. They all say the same thing: do not get behind in reading, take responsibility for your eduction, apply yourself 100%, and find preceptors early. I was accepted to Vanderbilt, Georgetown, Simmons, and Loyola. I really wanted to go to a well known school, but the price tag is unreal. What I want more is to be an FNP. So I will take the overarching advice of those I've spoken with who have attended USU, whether I decide to attend or not, and take responsibility for my own engagement in my education. Not meant to sound preachy, just something I need to hear myself.

Almost all of those FNP FB groups require current students to admit them into the group to ask them questions. This is my first for-profit school. I've gotten bachelors and masters from state universities, one from the UC system. The world of for-profit, especially the un-established ones can go bust. Any school that accepts you the next day before transcripts are even ordered deserves a probing eye. This school was a non-profit before it changed names and also became a for-profit. It started as a school to help immigrants transfer credits and become teachers. All its presidents have been from other no-name for profit schools (I mean Trident University International???). So, this is all new for me and why I am on the fence. Also, many of its students in the beginning of this thread did NOT have flattering things to say about the school. I am 50/50 on joining you this Jan or Mar.

As you mentioned above tuition is exactly as it states online.... It still says on their website main page the monthly price of $375 (no interest) so I would push for that as a condition of you attending the school, they should honor it.

The school did exactly as it said it would for me. I doubled up the first year classes and finished in 18 months but not sure they allow that anymore. If you are not looking for a prestigious UCLA/USC degree or the idea of taking time out of your life to sit in a physical class this program is for you.

The instructors want you to succeed and give you tips on what is necessary to do so. The program is CA-BRN approved which is HUGE as an FNP in California. The books look good on the school as they have to publish this information and they just bought another University so I doubt they will be folding for a while.

Also, I just started a DNP at a "prestigious" university. It will cost less than 50K for both my MSN and DNP which is cheaper than most FNP programs.

As long as you don't care about the school name, I would save the $$$ for your DNP.

Good luck!

Specializes in Pediatric Home Healthcare.
20 minutes ago, runnyeggs said:

Almost all of those FNP FB groups require current students to admit them into the group to ask them questions. This is my first for-profit school. I've gotten bachelors and masters from state universities, one from the UC system. The world of for-profit, especially the un-established ones can go bust. Any school that accepts you the next day before transcripts are even ordered deserves a probing eye. This school was a non-profit before it changed names and also became a for-profit. It started as a school to help immigrants transfer credits and become teachers. All its presidents have been from other no-name for profit schools (I mean Trident University International???). So, this is all new for me and why I am on the fence. Also, many of its students in the beginning of this thread did NOT have flattering things to say about the school. I am 50/50 on joining you this Jan or Mar.

I totally get it. I know they were bought out by Aspen Group, who owns Aspen University in Colorado-another for-profit. Another for-profit, I should add, that doesn't have the greateat reviews. I received my ADN from a community college in Colorado and it was a great education. Not without the "nurses eat their young" feel, but a very good education, nonetheless.

I am actually on the fence with another well known, online university. Not typically like me, but still, I have to consider the financial impact on my family. The other issue is time. I know there is a great deal of responibility in being a practitioner. At the same time, I know my level of committment. I do worry, as you talked about, that they could fold. However, they did get accreditation for the next ten years (I beleive) from CCNE. They have also recently released several of their professors that weren't following protocol and have new ones.

I have heard they have a 90% pass rate. After the few students I have spoken with, I believe that will increase purely by the tenacity and dedication of the women attending USU that I have spoken with.

I don't know. I wish I had a legitimate magic 8 ball or something. I do pray, and have been, for the right answer.

The FB group I'm on is "Family Nurse Practitioner Students". It has a red stethoscope twisted into a heart as the picture. They allowed me on there with no problem. Lot's of good feedback for University of Cincinnati.

If we both end up deciding to jump in (I would be starting in January), I'd like a companion to get through if you'd be interested.

Specializes in Pediatric Home Healthcare.
6 minutes ago, CANURSE999 said:

As you mentioned above tuition is exactly as it states online.... It still says on their website main page the monthly price of $375 (no interest) so I would push for that as a condition of you attending the school, they should honor it.

The school did exactly as it said it would for me. I doubled up the first year classes and finished in 18 months but not sure they allow that anymore. If you are not looking for a prestigious UCLA/USC degree or the idea of taking time out of your life to sit in a physical class this program is for you.

The instructors want you to succeed and give you tips on what is necessary to do so. The program is CA-BRN approved which is HUGE as an FNP in California. The books look good on the school as they have to publish this information and they just bought another University so I doubt they will be folding for a while.

Also, I just started a DNP at a "prestigious" university. It will cost less than 50K for both my MSN and DNP which is cheaper than most FNP programs.

As long as you don't care about the school name, I would save the $$$ for your DNP.

Good luck!

Thank you for this post. USU does not allow you to double up on classes any longer. One of the drawbacks, in my opinion. As well, they have one class per term the first year, then two the second year with clinical hours. I would think it would be more manageable if it were two the first year, then one the second with clinical hours. But that's just me being opinionated. ?

Would you mind sharing where are you going for your DNP? That is my goal when I complete whatever FNP program I attend. I do appreciate your input on the financial stability of USU. After speaking at leangth with various staff, I know they are in better standing now that they've been bought out and made necessary changes for their accreditation.

I wish I could have the big name and money for a DNP. But as you said, keeping the cost down at various degree levels makes furthering your education more affordable. I've read your posts and really appreciate your insight.

Off topic but a MSN FNP is more than enough and a DNP is unnecessary...more schooling at that level doesn't compensate for anything you already know as a MSN FNP. Sometimes i think its just nursing in general to get back at doctors

Specializes in Pediatric Home Healthcare.

I have been told that as well. Thank you for your input.

My ADN was the same way as it was super cut throat but BSN, MSN, and now DNP (in progress) were much more based on following the rubric and completing the assignments as the directions state.

Well with regards to your comment "to get back at doctors" do you feel the same about DVM's, DPT's, DC's, DO's, and PharmD? These are only a few of the doctorate degrees in medical fields but what about PHD's, ED's etc., who are they trying to get back at??

I do not feel pursuing a terminal degree in ones profession is something that should ever be discouraged as there is nobody but the individual that knows their drive and passion.

I partially agree with your comment as the culmination of a DNP is very similar to that of a FNP as mostly likely you will finish some sort of capstone project, but have to disagree as the breadth and depth of knowledge required to complete a DNP is so much more.

I believe there are two main reasons to pursue a DNP.

1) Teaching. Basically all online educators and many brick and mortar schools (beyond ADN courses) are looking for DNP prepared nurses. If becoming an instructor is your goal as a side or full-time gig, I say pursue the DNP.

2) I plan to be in the nursing profession for at least the next 30 or so years and there will be a lot of change over the next 3 decades and I am trying to hedge my bet.

Take this opportunity to look at the AACN DNP publication as in 2004, their goal was for all APRN's to be DNP prepared by 2015.

"In 2004, members of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) voted to endorse a position statement identifying the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree as the most appropriate degree for advanced-practice registered nurses (APRNs) to enter practice. At the same time, AACN members voted to approve the position that all master’s programs that educate APRNs to enter practice should transition to the DNP by 2015" (Auerbach et ., 2004).

People will say something like well I will be grandfathered in to which I would say, you're probably right. But what about people in California who do not have to pass a national certification but only need to graduate with a MSN-FNP degree from a CA BRN accredited school and congrats you are an NP? What if in the next few years they only grant full-autonomy to individuals who are nationally certified and hold a DNP?

It would be naive to think that if 15 years ago the goal was for APRN's to hold DNP's that in the next 10 years they might actually bring it too fruition. There are other states as well that do not have full-autonomy and this might be their way of granting it to NP's with a DNP or maybe MSN prepared nurses will have the option of working under a DNP prepared APRN?

I honestly have no idea what the future is going to hold for DNP's but seeing as a bachelors degree is the new high school diploma, I bet in my lifetime the DNP will be the new MSN.

Best of luck with all of your education choices!

PS sorry this is sooooo long ?

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