USA vs UAB?

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I was fortunately accepted to USA's FNP program to start this fall. I've been considering trying to transfer to UAB after a couple of semesters because they have a higher ranking. An old professor of mine says USA is just as good and he recommends I don't transfer out. I'm curious how these programs compare? Has anyone done both? Or has anyone graduated from either of these and can weigh-in on their school? I know distance-learning is hard in any environment so I'm prepared for that much at least.

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

I have a friend that is attending UAB and so far, she isn't nuts about the program. While the professors are extremely nice, will help with anything you need, what she is frustrated about is the vast differences between how classes are taught.

The examples she has given me, is that for some classes...all that is done is the posting of assignments, you read, have a date for a test and then take it. So the instructors are doing more posting than teaching. She has other classes where every week, there are recorded powerpoint lectures...she likes these the best (and has higher grades in them) because she says she feels things are explained more and are actually "taught"...it clarifies the reading material.

I dismissed USA from my personal list when I was applying because of the recording device they require you to purchase for exams. If you read the list of everything that must be done when you take them..I would rather go to a testing center than put the device on my computer. I have an active home with two children...I would probably get shut out every time.

[ryguyRN]

I can only tell you what I have heard from others who have attended USA and they say it is a degree mill (no offense to any USA grads). UAB is changing up their curriculum and getting rid of the Spring admissions and only do Fall admissions now. So far I have had no problems with UAB and the classes, could be better in some ways but I have defiantly had worse online classes.