Members are discussing their experiences with Walden University's nursing program, with some expressing concerns about the ease of admission, lack of onsite lab experience, difficulty finding clinical placements, and the high cost. While some have had success with passing certification exams and finding jobs, others are worried about the school's accreditation status due to a governmental investigation. Some members are seeking advice on transferring credits to other online schools and balancing work with school.
I have been reading different threads on here for years but have never had an account. I have seen a lot of talk about Walden, mostly pertaining to "don't go" which is not bad advice but does not answer any questions. I figured I would add in a basic review and my overall recommendation. Take it or leave it, I am not here to argue with anyone or promote anything.
Application: easy, almost anyone with a pocketbook and a pulse gets in. I feel if you did not get accepted to Walden I would not advertise that.
Coursework: trivial when I went, but I know they have revamped it since then with different things so I can't speak for the new students. When I went it was mostly writing papers. In no way does that prepare you for anything, in my honest opinion. If you can be disciplined reading the text book you will learn the material. This is with any online coursework. I find asking questions during school was useless because most of the time no response or teachers didn't know. The biggest downfall in my opinion would be no onsite lab experience to go over even basic NP skill sets. There are other online schools that have onsite labs every semester, I would have found this beneficial.
Clinicals: Finding your own clinical is a pain and can derail your education. I personally had a few sites fall through last minute but was able to salvage those semesters with contacts I knew in the local medical community. I did find different preceptors but had to travel further than I liked to. Clinical can also make or break you, I had very good rotations with highly respected preceptors that also take on medical students as well as PA very frequently. One of my preceptors was even the head of the medical college's rural rotation program. This really helped having those good resources to teach me, without them it could have went differently.
Cost: Final cost of just school was around 50k. I found this to be on par with another local brick/mortar NP school.
After School: Passed AANP without problems on the first attempt, did study though. I feel like not anymore of my medical friends who went to different schools.
Job search: I had a job lined up before taking my boards, also had different options available. I did also have two other ones lined up just in case. I work in a family practice clinic. I do pick up hours in local ER and an urgent care as a locums, the have not had a problem with my degree.
As far as being a good NP that is subjective to whoever you ask, I have held down a job and received good reviews from my superiors. At my place of employment if you're not up to snuff they will place you on an improvement plan to help mentor you into what they want you to be. I have had a few colleagues had to this when they started. I did not ever have to do this, so I assume I've done something right.
Final recommendation: I do not recommend going to Walden even though I have done well so far. I feel like there are better options with coursework that could help you become a better NP (onsite lab sessions), also if a school will find preceptors that is a plus. If you must be 100% online, which was my case, it is an option for you. If I could go back I would not have changed it because at the time was the only thing that worked for my family. Also I have worked with good and bad staff from many different schools, some prestigious and some looked down upon. One sticks out from Havard Medical school who loved to show off that class ring, but when SHTF was very rattled in the emergency room.
I did not touch on things like diploma mill, for profit, or other hot words associated with Walden. This is more for the people thinking of going to NP school that want feedback about colleges. Some of you can put your pitchforks down ?.
also apologize for any mispellings or improper use of the english language... I did go to Walden for god sakes!
I am a current MSN-FNP student at Walden University - however, I just found out that they are under investigation. This is very worrisome for me and I'm not sure that I want to continue there knowing they could possibly lose their accreditation. Does anyone know of any other on-line schools that would be willing to accept the 4 classes that I have already taken - I just hate to have to start over and lose the 4 classes that I have already finished! Thanks!
I'm currently enrolled at Walden in the FNP program. Anyone has questions about what is new or anything I can try to answer. I start clinical in March.
I’m starting soon. Are you able to work and go to school? How is the courseload?
they didn’t really tell me how the classes will be. First year theory and second year preceptorship?
The program has changed since I went through it. I believe it still is first year theory and second clinical. I do know a recent graduate and she did work as a nurse during school.
I'm currently enrolled at Walden in the FNP program. Anyone has questions about what is new or anything I can try to answer. I start clinical in March.
Could you please explain more about the program. I am worried that I will be looked upon as not getting my degree from a validate school
I'm currently enrolled at Walden in the FNP program. Anyone has questions about what is new or anything I can try to answer. I start clinical in March.
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How are things going? Have you finished your clinicals?
Lonnie48
87 Posts
Thanks for sending this over!