University of South Alabama dual FNP/ACNP Fall 2018

Nursing Students NP Students

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Anyone out there apply for the dual FNP/ACNP Fall 2018 semester?

After the recent changes made at my current school, I have decided to transfer. I don't like the direction my school is headed and they've made some changes that have drastically changed the program.

Even though I can only transfer 9 credits and it's going to set me back on graduation time, I have decided to transfer to USA. I really wanted dual certification so I can work in the ER when I'm done with school. This program will give me over 1,000 clinical hours and I feel comfortable that I'll be properly educated/trained by the time I graduate.

I'm applying for the MSN program, but is anyone doing either the MSN or DNP dual program? We're all on the same trajectory for our courses, except the DNPs go on to finish the extra courses after we're done with the MSN portion.

I would love to connect with some fellow future students. :) We had a great FB group for my former school, so I'd love to start a FB group for those of us beginning in the Fall once we know we're in.

They look at your years of experience in ICU/ER, certifications (ACLS, CCRN, etc.), and GPA. They require verified critical care experience to enter the dual track or the straight ACNP track. I like the dual program because it's over 1,000 clinical hours. I believe their acceptance rate from last year for the dual track was 69% of applicants (not sure how many applicants?).

Thank you for the info! Best of luck to everyone. Great program it seems like.

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Specializes in ED, OR, Oncology.

I've applied for fall, wish we found out sooner- the next couple months are going to drag on forever. I don't have a backup school, since I'm pretty set on dual role, and I can't afford Vanderbuilt. Pretty confident in my resume- Have 4+ years ER, CEN and the rest of the alphabet, I think my PGS was solid, but my GPA could be better overall. My "recent" GPA is great, which includes prerequisites through my BSN, but I had a couple years screwing off when I was 18/19 that I'm still paying for GPA wise. Anyone have a crystal ball for an otherwise strong applicant with a 3.16 overall?

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
I've applied for fall, wish we found out sooner- the next couple months are going to drag on forever. I don't have a backup school, since I'm pretty set on dual role, and I can't afford Vanderbuilt. Pretty confident in my resume- Have 4+ years ER, CEN and the rest of the alphabet, I think my PGS was solid, but my GPA could be better overall. My "recent" GPA is great, which includes prerequisites through my BSN, but I had a couple years screwing off when I was 18/19 that I'm still paying for GPA wise. Anyone have a crystal ball for an otherwise strong applicant with a 3.16 overall?

Well, I know they look at the overall picture. From the students I've spoken to, they said they do take your experience into consideration first, then GPA. If you look at your NursingCAS application (click on "download" next to "verified" on your status page), you'll see where they break down your grades not only by "freshman, sophomore, junior & senior", they also break it down by category (science, English, math, etc.), as well as by school. They can easily see how different your GPA is from when you were younger versus now. The minimum GPA required is 3.0, so I would think with your experience and the fact that your latest grades are terrific should make you a good candidate.

I'll have 3 years in ICU by the time I start the program. My BSN GPA was 4.0, but adding in my previous associate degree and current grad school courses brings it to an overall 3.72.

The next 2 months are going to DRAG by, waiting to hear about acceptance. Their website says acceptance letters go out 8 weeks after the application deadline. That would put it at April 26th. Cue Tom Petty..."the way-ay-ting is the hardest part..." :D

Good luck! We might be in the same class!

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I am down to make the facebook group! Especially if I am accepted lol ;)

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
I am down to make the facebook group! Especially if I am accepted lol ;)

Definitely! I figured we could wait until we know who's in and then make the group. Unless there's enough interest to start a group now?

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Did anyone notice that the Fall application deadline changed on the website from March 1st to February 15th? It doesn't state the year, so I'm not sure if it means they changed it for this application cycle or if it's for next year? My NursingCAS application was started in January, but it took weeks for my transcripts to arrive. My application was marked "Completed" on Feb. 14th. However, CAS didn't mark it as "Verified" until Feb. 23rd. I hope I'm just worrying over nothing, but I would hate to think I've spend nearly $200 on application & transcript fees to not get accepted because they changed the application date. Eeek! I hope the date change simply means next year's cycle and I'm worrying over nothing :D Fingers crossed....

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Specializes in ED, OR, Oncology.

When I first started my application a few months ago, I'm fairly certain the date was 2/15, then at some point it switched to 3/1. I kind of assumed it meant they didn't have as many applications as they wanted, so they extended, but who knows. Good Luck!

Sam

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
When I first started my application a few months ago, I'm fairly certain the date was 2/15, then at some point it switched to 3/1. I kind of assumed it meant they didn't have as many applications as they wanted, so they extended, but who knows. Good Luck!

Sam

My confirmation e-mail from the CON at USA states that they received my application prior to the March 1st deadline. So, I'm hoping it's just me being a worry-wart :p

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I'm in the dual role tract and at the halfway point through the program. We've got a great FB group for our cohort and many of the classes have specific FB groups too. They've been an invaluable resource thus far. Good luck getting in! I like the program but have my gripes which I'm sure would hold true with any online program. You'll also have to make 2 trips to the campus for skills intensives, one each summer. Each session is just 2 days long and focuses on specific skills for FNP and ACNP. No grade, low stress, and great to meet your cohorts. My email is [email protected] if you have any questions.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
I'm in the dual role tract and at the halfway point through the program. We've got a great FB group for our cohort and many of the classes have specific FB groups too. They've been an invaluable resource thus far. Good luck getting in! I like the program but have my gripes which I'm sure would hold true with any online program. You'll also have to make 2 trips to the campus for skills intensives, one each summer. Each session is just 2 days long and focuses on specific skills for FNP and ACNP. No grade, low stress, and great to meet your cohorts. My email is [email protected] if you have any questions.

Thank you so much! I just sent you an e-mail :)

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I've also applied for the 2018 Fall program. Most of my ICU experience has been in the Neonatal ICU but I do have a little bit of ER experience. I'm hoping they will accept that as sufficient experience. This is going to be a LONG wait.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
I've also applied for the 2018 Fall program. Most of my ICU experience has been in the Neonatal ICU but I do have a little bit of ER experience. I'm hoping they will accept that as sufficient experience. This is going to be a LONG wait.

Yes, the time is dragging by!

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