Which online FNP program is the best?

zmansc, ASN, RN · May 27, 2014

In my opinion no one program is ideal for all. Frontier's program is an excellent match for me. You will find people who say the same thing for Duke and Georgetown, and Simmons and .... You have to identify what is important for you, and figure out which program gives you the best chance at being prepared when you leave the program and begin to practice. There are simply too many factors for there to even be a way to create a formula that identifies the top programs for you.

My program requires 2-3 on campus visits depending on where you start, I would not consider that a hybrid program, but you may feel that way. Most programs are going to require at least one on campus visit, and if campus visits is important to you, then yes, that should be part of your criteria. However, I would suggest you assess what you are being taught during those campus visits and determine how the other programs teach that information, make sure they are providing you with the same knowledge in a way that you will be able to be successful with.

rachel0609, ADN, RN · May 27, 2014

In my opinion no one program is ideal for all. Frontier's program is an excellent match for me. You will find people who say the same thing for Duke and Georgetown, and Simmons and .... You have to identify what is important for you, and figure out which program gives you the best chance at being prepared when you leave the program and begin to practice. There are simply too many factors for there to even be a way to create a formula that identifies the top programs for you.
My program requires 2-3 on campus visits depending on where you start, I would not consider that a hybrid program, but you may feel that way. Most programs are going to require at least one on campus visit, and if campus visits is important to you, then yes, that should be part of your criteria. However, I would suggest you assess what you are being taught during those campus visits and determine how the other programs teach that information, make sure they are providing you with the same knowledge in a way that you will be able to be successful with.

Since you are currently at Frontier, I was wondering how the practicums are set up? Do they assist or are you required to locate them? I've applied for the 130 cohort, just wondering how this works.

Queenbeenurse · May 27, 2014

Following. Additionally, I am also in NYC and not all places are accepted by the NYC doe. Wondering if any New Yorkers could shed some light? Online FNP program, affordable, caring staff that are available, manageable workload. Help, theres so much out there, feel like I'm drowning

zmansc, ASN, RN · May 28, 2014

You have to identify potential preceptors, the administration will negotiate the contract with the facility and preceptor (if one doesn't already exist). FNU does pay a small honorarium to preceptors. FNU also maintains a database of all past preceptors and facilities which you will have access to if you need it. I would suggest starting early, as in, before you apply to any programs, to start building your network of providers that know you and might be willing to help you during this adventure. They may or may not be your future preceptor, but if they already know you, they are far more likely to help you either by precepting you, or making contacts for you with colleagues they know who could precept you.

My class is split down the middle, 1/2 had networked early, and had no problems identifying preceptors. The other 1/2 were doing the mad scramble, searching for preceptors at the last minute and complaining that the school should have told them earlier....

Once you have a preceptor, and you are in the clinical portion of the program, FNU has special faculty that manage your clinical time, their sole role is to monitor both remotely and by traveling to the site and checking up on how each student is progressing. They have been doing remote clinicals for a very long time, since Kitty Ernst started a mail based CNM program back in the 1950s, so they have spent alot of time figuring out what works and what doesn't. That doesn't mean it will be trivial for you to do your part, just that you won't be left hanging as long as you do your part.