Which FNP programs are the shortest?

Updated:   Published

I have heard that Vanderbilt is one year? Georgetown is 16 months? Are there any other fast pace FNP programs out there that can be done in less than two years?

Specializes in ER.

Most NP programs I have seen is 2 to 3 years and usually non-stop.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

What program did you end up doing?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
KaraBSNRNCRRN said:
I was thinking the same thing, no one knows your intelligence or circumstance, just answer the question. Some of us, like me, have been a clinical nurse for 15 years... That must account for something. AND I received my BSN from some wonderful, very particular, nuns! With a family of 6 and working overtime, I want the fastest ACCREDITED MNP out there. And to exbound on what you eluded to, I just got report from a med surg float that doesn't even know how to start an IV really. WTH?

The point is not everyone has the same experience or abilities. NP education is extremely unstandardized. Some people are brand new nurses, fresh out of their BSN, and entering a program that is approximately 1 year that allows them to diagnose and treat/prescribe. I personally am not a huge fan of that. Minimum requirements and standardization protects the quality of the professionals graduating and ultimately the quality of care patients will be receiving. It's not a personal slight against anyone.

Perfect example - starting an IV is a skill that can be easily acquired. Who cares if the nurse can or can't start an IV? Show me a physician (other than an anesthesiologist) who can start an IV? You can teach a tech to start an IV. Knowledge and its application is another story entirely.

Prior experience as a nurse is a must in my opinion. But at some point you reach a plateau. A RN is not a NP. And while I think you can learn a lot as a RN, it does not replace the need for time and experience in a NP program within a controlled environment where you are being watched and trained.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you knew anything which obviously you don't fast track is nothing to worry about worry about the people that spent 4 years to get their FNP. The top schools for nursing are fast tracked for future reference.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.
Skudley said:
If you knew anything which obviously you don't fast track is nothing to worry about worry about the people that spent 4 years to get their FNP. The top schools for nursing are fast tracked for future reference.

Wow, that was pretty harsh. People choose the programs they choose for any number of reasons, and suspecting their abilities based solely on that criteria is quite judgmental. There are probably excellent NPs from accelerated programs and four-year programs, conversely there are awful ones from both as well. People have different strengths and weaknesses across all professions, I would hope that those RNs that are choosing to further their education for some reason will find success in their new roles, however they completed their education.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with you what I said was more for the people stating that peop that are looking for a shorter program some how is less effective then a longer one. But if you have kids and working and what ever else factors that make you take longer to complete your NP is no problem but for people to say they wouldn't want to be treated by a student that did a one year program is porposperous. University of Pennsylvania Which is an Ivy League school FNP is 1 year full time program and many other great schools have 1 year programs.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Skudley said:
I agree with you what I said was more for the people stating that peop that are looking for a shorter program some how is less effective then a longer one. But if you have kids and working and what ever else factors that make you take longer to complete your NP is no problem but for people to say they wouldn't want to be treated by a student that did a one year program is porposperous. University of Pennsylvania Which is an Ivy League school FNP is 1 year full time program and many other great schools have 1 year programs.

Penn is 16 months for the FNP.

I think either end of the spectrum is probably an issue. Too short and you obviously aren't getting enough clinical hours (an issue in all programs). Too long and you aren't going to be able to synthesize and integrate the information as it's coming in.

Preposterous?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Skudley said:
I agree with you what I said was more for the people stating that peop that are looking for a shorter program some how is less effective then a longer one. But if you have kids and working and what ever else factors that make you take longer to complete your NP is no problem but for people to say they wouldn't want to be treated by a student that did a one year program is porposperous. University of Pennsylvania Which is an Ivy League school FNP is 1 year full time program and many other great schools have 1 year programs.

I agree with you that a shorter level program does not necessarily mean it is less effective than a longer one, but I think you should also take into account the type of degree they are pursuing as well as what degree they have when starting. NP is a professional license and they can have either a MSN or a DNP.

I've seen post-BSN to MSN NP programs start at about 1.5 years (give or take), but it may take longer for RNs without a BSN (e.g. Associate degree RNs) or shorter for RNs with a master's already getting their NP certification. Most post-BSN to DNP program I've seen start at 3 years full-time, 4 years part-time study. The NP program you are referring to from UPenn is a Master's degree (MSN) as opposed to a DNP which are longer.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 6/21/2012 at 5:23 AM, rynophiliac said:

I have heard that Vanderbilt is one year? Georgetown is 16 months? Are there any other fast pace FNP programs out there that can be done in less than two years?

Do you mind me asking where you ended up going?  I know its been years but stumbled upon your post.

 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Herzing University offers a 20-month FNP program. 

You mentioned wanting to research the quality of programs. I think this is an incredibly wise decision when looking at programs in general, especially if it is fast-paced. When researching programs, I would also recommend learning about how the classes are taught and what the school's staff support looks like. You'll be learning a lot of in-depth information and you want to ensure you will be supported and not have to essentially teach yourself, as it can often happen with the fully online schools today.  

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion