Updated Advice for NP Program

[bsveillon11111]

I've combed through articles on the site and found a few addressing this topic, so forgive me if this is redundant. The most recent comments I've found on those threads are several years old, so I'm just curious as to if much has changed since then, at least in the way of my colleagues' opinions or insight.

I am looking to finally pursue my MSN for NP. I'm looking at all of the programs available and trying to make a decision.

In the threads I've seen from a few years ago (most recently in 2017), the general consensus was to stick with the traditional programs vs. the for-profit/online programs like Herzing or Chamberlain, for credibility's sake. The points were well taken; a traditional program with live skills check-offs, especially for Acute Gerontology NP programs just makes sense.

However, things seem a bit different now than they did back then. 

All of the traditional programs where I live in South Louisiana are virtually online, just like the for-profits.

In fact, the public universities have a consortium going where they all teach the same curriculum. The coursework is all online, in-person checkoffs for critical skills, and you find your own preceptor. These are the public universities. 
 

Chamberlain does the same thing, even with skills checkoffs to be done at a satellite campus either in New Orleans or in Houston. 

So, what is the general opinion about the for-profit's credibility at this point? Both Chamberlain and Herzing degrees are accepted by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, so licensure won't be an issue. 

In your experience, how much weight does the school play in employment opportunities?

I know that there are other cons to the private colleges, like the cost, etc. 

To be honest, I've really been wanting to do the program at the University of South Alabama (which is also accepted by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing), as their check-offs are in Mobile, about the same distance as New Orleans. The only one thing that has me considering Chamberlain, is the curriculum bridge from ASN to MSN in one, 3 year step instead of getting a BSN first and then applying to an MSN program, which seems like it can probably take more time vs. getting a BSN and MSN out of one program.

Long post over.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks.