Which Master's Program?

Noimanurse · Dec 7, 2010

I feel in the same position. Trying to narrow down the right school, the right program, and etc. seems to scare me away from "pulling the trigger". I realize it will be a big commitment and I want to make the right decision. I'm leaning more towards the bedside of things rather than administration, but I still have some ideas that admin. might be the way to go...just adds to my confusion. When I think of patient care, do I want to go the NP route or CNS route or both? I would really like to do pediatrics, but I live in a rural area and finding a facility I can get pediatric experience is difficult. Anyway, you are not alone, I'm just as confused as you.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Dec 8, 2010

I'm most of the way through Excelsior in nursing education. They also have leadership and informatics. It is simply an excellent program. Cheap, convenient and I've learned a ton. They have done distance education since before the internet and do it well. Hope this helps, good luck. Message me if you need more info.

lkwashington · Dec 15, 2010

I have decided to attend Walden U this January. It took me almost a year to decide which school I was going to attend. There are several reason why such as all programs are different by admission requirements, programs (classes), and cost. I have spoke to some co-workers and friends who attend Walden and everyone had good things to say about the program. I researched the program it was very interesting. Applied and got in. My enrollment advisor is great. He always calling and checking on me by phone or email, atleast once or twice a month. I feel good about my choice. I will be earning my MSN in education. I hope this helps.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 15, 2010

Besides the obvious criteria such as money, curriculum, etc. Here are a few others to consider:

1. Even if it is an online program ... would travel to the actual campus be easy and cheap, or would it be difficult and expensive? You might want to make one or two trips there.

2. Do you know anyone who has gone to that program? (e.g. someone who can give you useful advice about how to succeed in that program?)

3. What is the reputation of that school -- IN YOUR AREA and/or any area you might want to work in. You're going to want the people you work with to respect your degree and the education your have received.

4. Not all good online programs are marketed heavily. A lot of state schools, traditional universities, etc. have created online programs that are just as good as their well-established "brick and mortar" programs. However, because they are state/public schools and not "for profit businesses," they don't have large marketing budgets. So you might hear less about them, but they might be just as good or even better than a program that spends a lot of money on advertising and recruitment.

I'd check with the schools in your region/state before assuming they don't have anything. Then work your way outward geographically.