USA vs. ODU FNP programs

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 22, 2021

I went to USA for dual role FNP/ACNP. Just graduated. USA is like most online programs: you study on your own based on the reading guides, write lots of APA papers, discussion posts, etc. We only had 1 group project during the entire program (YAY! I hate group projects). When we got to didactics/clinicals, we actually had lectures recorded on PowerPoint, plus we had a live review online before each exam. They recorded the live reviews in case anyone couldn't attend live.

For clinicals, you do have to secure your own preceptors/sites. However, you can look up existing sites in the CAPS system as well as the Typhon system, which helps find locations in your area and preceptors familiar with your program. You do have to go to campus once during the Summer prior to starting clinicals, twice if you're in dual role. The campus is lovely. USA has a great reputation in the area.

I feel prepared for boards. All-in-all, I was pleased. There were some frustrating things, but nothing I would consider a deal breaker. Most online schools have their tediousness to them.

I've taken a few practice tests and done well. I'm just waiting for degree to be conferred so I can get my A.T.T. and take boards ?

I can't speak to ODU's program. However, I used to live near there when I was a kid. I remember the commercials for ODU basketball in the 70s/80s ?

Good luck with your decision!

Dreababy · Jun 2, 2021

I went to ODU's FNP program. I really enjoyed the program and felt that there was great support throughout. There were some hiccups during the pandemic, of course, but it didn't take away from the overall experience.

It is a distance program, however, you are expected to come on campus each semester for the standardized patient experiences. The standardized patients are the same one the EVMS medical students use. These are actors who "act' like real patients and present with certain diagnoses that you have to work up, figure out their diagnoses, differentials, and determine a plan, and write SOAP notes on.

During the first semester, you attend class weekly via Zoom or on campus if you live locally. Second semester, the mandatory classes dwindle down a bit, and by semesters 3, 4 and 5, there are only about 1 or two live classes per semester, if any. Semesters 1,2 and 3 are the "heaviest" with homework, papers, group projects, etc.

I was a distance student, so I had to find my own preceptors. Locally, ODU has preceptor contracts throughout the community, or you can find your own if you aren't matched with one. You will be assigned a clinical mentor who will monitor your clinicals and do site visits. My site visits were done virtually.

I felt confident ODU prepared us enough for me to go ahead and take boards quickly, and I was right. I took ANCC boards and passed on the first try just a month after graduating.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your choices! ?

Dreababy · Jun 2, 2021

.

Voiceofbeauty, BSN · Jul 3, 2022

On 6/1/2021 at 9:11 PM, Dreababy said:

I went to ODU's FNP program. I really enjoyed the program and felt that there was great support throughout. There were some hiccups during the pandemic, of course, but it didn't take away from the overall experience.

It is a distance program, however, you are expected to come on campus each semester for the standardized patient experiences. The standardized patients are the same one the EVMS medical students use. These are actors who "act' like real patients and present with certain diagnoses that you have to work up, figure out their diagnoses, differentials, and determine a plan, and write SOAP notes on.

During the first semester, you attend class weekly via Zoom or on campus if you live locally. Second semester, the mandatory classes dwindle down a bit, and by semesters 3, 4 and 5, there are only about 1 or two live classes per semester, if any. Semesters 1,2 and 3 are the "heaviest" with homework, papers, group projects, etc.

I was a distance student, so I had to find my own preceptors. Locally, ODU has preceptor contracts throughout the community, or you can find your own if you aren't matched with one. You will be assigned a clinical mentor who will monitor your clinicals and do site visits. My site visits were done virtually.

I felt confident ODU prepared us enough for me to go ahead and take boards quickly, and I was right. I took ANCC boards and passed on the first try just a month after graduating.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your choices! ?

Heyy!!

I start ODU’s NNP program in august and was curious to know if you would send me the syllabus for the first couple of classes? I know things are different and based on professor but I just wanted a sneak peak into what I’m getting into. Also are there any online groups with ODU MSN students?