What Every Aspiring NP Should Know Before Choosing a Program

If you’re considering going to school to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), there are many factors to evaluate before making this important decision. (I refer to NP in this article, but it is also applicable to any potential Advanced Practice Registered Nurse- APRN degree, as well.) After speaking with numerous students, one common sentiment I hear is, “I wish I had known these questions before choosing my school.” That’s why I want to help guide you through the process of selecting the right NP or APRN program that aligns with you!

As a nurse practitioner (NP) with over two decades of experience and the founder of PreceptorLink®, I work closely with NP students. I’ve seen firsthand how crucial the right program choice can be to your success. Let’s talk about the different types of NP schools and help you understand the pros and cons of each. This is so important to think through! Don’t get suckered in by flashy or persuasive salespeople (that’s what they are oftentimes). Look for the best option for YOU!

One very important caveat. Don’t just go to where you did your BSN, especially if you live in a different state than your alma mater. I can assure you that this can be a problem, especially if your BSN school was a brick-and-mortar or lesser-known institution. Affiliation agreements are very frequently a problem in this situation! Please take my word of advice here!! 

Let’s talk about the different types of schools and the pros and cons of each: 

1. Brick-and-Mortar Schools

These are traditional institutions with physical classrooms where you attend in-person lectures. Think of the old-fashioned model, which I experienced when I pursued my master’s degree. Although my doctoral program at Duke University was hybrid, my master’s education involved being in a classroom, face-to-face with faculty.

Advantages:

• Personal Interaction: You have the opportunity to build relationships with your faculty and classmates. This face-to-face interaction allows for more personalized feedback and a support system, which many students find invaluable.
• Hands-On Training: Many brick-and-mortar programs incorporate standardized patients or simulation into their clinical training, which provides practical experience in a controlled setting. This is supplemental to the mandatory hands-on clinical hours. 
• Preceptor Assistance: These schools often help students find preceptors due to established local relationships. This can be a major advantage, especially since some states, like New York and Oregon, have restrictions that limit preceptorship to in-state schools.
  

Disadvantages:

• Inconvenience: Commuting to campus multiple times a week may not be ideal for everyone, especially those with busy schedules or family responsibilities.

2. Hybrid Programs

Hybrid programs offer a combination of online and in-person education. For example, when I completed my doctorate, most of my coursework was done online, but I still had to attend in-person sessions for clinical skills evaluations and competency check-offs.

Advantages:

• Flexibility: This approach allows students to complete much of their didactic education from home, which can be especially beneficial for those who need a more flexible schedule.
• In-Person Intensives: These programs often require periodic visits to campus for skills assessments and simulations, ensuring students meet clinical competencies. I’d strongly encourage you to attend these if they offer them. You will generally be glad you did.

Disadvantages:

• Online Limitations: Although hybrid programs offer some face-to-face interaction, you may not develop the same deep relationships with faculty and peers as you would in a traditional setting.

3. 100% Online Programs

Online education has become more common in the NP field, especially given the technological advancements that happened after the global pandemic. While convenient, these programs vary widely in quality. Choose carefully.

Advantages:

• Ultimate Flexibility: You can attend classes from anywhere, and many programs allow you to pause and resume your studies as needed, which is great for working professionals.
• Accessibility: Online programs open the doors for students who may not live near a traditional NP school.

Disadvantages:

• Quality Concerns: Online programs differ significantly in quality, and students must do their due diligence to ensure they’re enrolling in a reputable school. You want to come out of your NP program feeling well-prepared and not struggling with gaps in your knowledge. Be warned: Some hospitals and sites actually say “No X Graduates.” This can be a real concern, especially in places where it is highly competitive or more academically inclined. ​We especially see this in the Northeastern states and Northern California. If there are highly reputed, top-notch schools in your area, preceptors and employers may be more inclined to precept/hire from those schools. At some point, you or your school will need to find an NP preceptor, so think about this ahead of time!​
• Limited Interaction: Although some online programs offer live lectures, many rely on prerecorded sessions and/or reading material, which can make it harder to ask questions and engage with faculty. If this does not support your learning style, you may struggle. 

Regardless of the type of program, all NP students are required to complete hands-on clinical preceptorships. (Take a look at my article on KevinMD about hands-on clinicals.) The minimum requirement for clinical hours is currently 500, but most programs far exceed this number. Clinicals are so important, so don’t shortchange yourself there! Less is not more when it comes to clinicals! Additionally, while some simulation and virtual experiences (like Shadow Health) may be incorporated, they are supplemental and not a replacement for in-person clinical education. Personally, I’d strongly suggest you pick a program with more clinicals and not less. Trust me! You’ll be so glad when you are out in clinical practice that first year! It’s a huge learning trajectory! Yes, the struggle is real when it comes to finding an NP preceptor, but it’s worth it in the end. 

Direct Entry Programs: An Alternative Path

While most NP programs require prior nursing experience, there are some direct entry programs designed for individuals without a nursing background. These programs are more akin to physician assistant (PA) schools, offering an accelerated and intensive path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Although far less common, these programs are often offered by very reputable institutions (often Ivy League) and provide a comprehensive education. I’ve met some great direct-entry NPs. 

That said, I personally believe having nursing experience before becoming a Nurse Practitioner is invaluable. In my opinion, you should have at least three to five years of nursing experience before starting an NP program. This background allows you to gain crucial insights into the healthcare field and prepares you for the realities of clinical practice. I have seen posts on the nursing forums of graduates saying that they did not fully realize what they were getting into. Imagine going through all of that school only to find you really don’t want to become a provider!? However, if you have a really good idea of what to expect, a direct entry program may be right for you.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right NP program is a pivotal decision that will shape your future career. Whether you opt for a brick-and-mortar school, a hybrid program, or a fully online option, it’s essential to evaluate the quality of education, the support system available, and the clinical opportunities provided. Do your research and ensure that your program aligns with your long-term goals as a healthcare professional.

Please let me know if this information has been helpful or what advice or questions you might have. I wish you the best of luck in your journey. Feel free to reach out if you need assistance or further guidance.

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.
Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.
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