Walden University Reviews of Master's in Nurse Practitioner (NP)

I am completing the bridge program from ASN to MSN. The schools website is awful; too many options, too many steps to get where you want to go, not at all intuitive. The library is another pain in the butt. I get 99% of my resources off the internet and not through the school - kind of bs when you're paying $3k/class. They also do not do a good job of making it easier for those of us, (most people), working and raising a family. Your work eventually gets graded, not very prompt - so it's difficult... Read More to know where you stand. Some of their rules are silly and not productive - can't post a response to a colleague the day you make your post. Is there a purpose to this, other than making it more time consuming? I found a way around this stupidity but it's still aggravating. You are on your own to find a preceptor - know that ahead of time. To be honest, I looked at transferring but it would have taken more time and money so I'm sticking it out- one aneurysm at a time.

So, I feel like my opinion might be a good gage for future prospective masters students. I have two degrees from very reputable brick and mortar schools, and have experienced both traditional and exclusively online classes over the last 10 years. So far, my experience with Walden has been sensational. The professors have been very supportive, are very responsive, and the material is highly educational. It has improved my practice as a nurse and how I take care of my patients. I have three other co-workers... Read More who LOVE Walden and we all seem to have the same opinion that even though it is challenging, --it is very doable if you manage your time wisely. One of my coworkers goes to the #1 NP program in the United States (University of South Carolina--as reported for 2016), and his wife goes to Walden. (He chose South Carolina because they have a med school). He stated that his wife's NP program at Walden was almost exactly like his, with a few mild differences. The unfortunate difference is the price. South Carolina's tuition cost is much more, and if he had to do it again, he would have definitely considered Walden instead. Furthermore, the nurses at my hospital that are enrolled in Walden's program are very intelligent and passionate about their work, their patients, and making a difference! Just know that online classes can be difficult for certain people. You have to be self-driven and you have to possess the desire to absorb the material. It's not for the faint of heart and nobody holds your hand, but you have support when you need it, even if it's 2am in the morning. I've had nothing but positive experiences so far with Walden University, and I've gotten positive responses from physicians, NP's, and PA's. When I say "Walden University," people respond with "Oh, they have a good NP program," or "I had a friend graduate from their NP program," or "I've heard that's a great school." My classmates vary in age, have an extensive and varied amount of experience in the field, and work at renown hospitals. The professors all have doctorates from well-respected schools, are published, and have served as leaders in the field. IN ADDITION, the nurses I know that have graduated from the NP program have ALL PASSED BOARDS ON THE FIRST TRY-AND ALL OF THEM HAVE JOBS. So, with that being said--I TOTALLY RECOMMEND WALDEN UNIVERSITY!

I have completed half of my program requirements. Overall I am very satisfied with the education I have received. I find that the more effort I put into an assignment the more knowledge I gain. The program is geared toward adult learners. That means WE are responsible for doing the work and the professors are our guides. My professors thus far have Always answered questions in a timely manner and/or returned a phone call or text. My best friend attends the same University and has had good and bad... Read More experiences. I believe EVERY college has its drawbacks. I have had good and bad experiences at both local universities and private institutions. I hope this helps.

I have been attending Walden since December 2013 ,and I have taken six classes so far and I have six more to go. As I can see it as a student the program has been very rigorous for me. I am a very hard working student and I have done well at the school. This is my first online school for myself but, I have tutored online students. Online takes a lot of time and dedication more than going to a brick and mortar school because you are truly self teaching yourself. I am planning to do my doctoral degree... Read More online not at Walden but another online school Maryville and it is because of their reputation. The tuition at Walden has been the cheapest I have seen around for a NP program its around total cost of 40,000 dollars. That is what a student pay to get a Bachelor Degree. I hate to see all the bad reviews but I think online education is what you make out of it as a student.

I would not let the bad reviews of Walden turn you away. I am quite surprised by the reviews. This is my second Masters degree after receiving a MBA from a Brick and Mortar school. I knew what to expect when choosing an online school. As a mother of an infant who would have drive 90 minutes to a classroom each way I chose to do the classes online. Other colleges in my area have a mix of classes and online. However, all the schools require you to find your own clinicals at the NP level. I find the... Read More work online just as hard as in person. You need to be a self motivated learner. Instead of spending time driving and in the classroom you are at home or the library studying. The support is there if you need it. You need to pick up the phone and call which you would need to do at a regular school as well. Every person must make a decision that fits their lifestyle and needs. Walden has been a great choice for me.

I have just completed year 1 of 2 of the MSN FNP program, I start my practicum courses in two weeks. I have had an excellent experience and am still shocked why the reviews are so terrible. The texts, the readings, quizzes and assignments are all comparable to other FNP programs. You do miss out on the benefit of learning live in the classroom and gaining that extra coverage of the material, but the same content is still covered, its just very self motivated. If you dont do the readings, you wont... Read More learn what you need to do be an effective NP and pass boards. You are expected to set up your clinical rotation sites however this is not uncommon. All of the other universities I looked into were this way also. The Nurse Field Training has been an excellent resource, they have provided me an extension on finding placement for my peds rotation and provided suggestions in my area based on experiences of other students. Great experience so far and I've completed one year, including the toughest courses of Health Assessment and Pharmacology.

I have been seeing many negative reviews of this school. I have just started my NP degree and so far my experience has been good. My advisor is very helpful and calls to check on me routinely. The only negative so far I have found is that Walden will not help you find preceptors. I will continue to post as I more further along. After seeing the negative reviews I am worried about finding a job after graduation. I would love to talk to someone who has completed the program and see how they feel about... Read More Walden. I hope this helps someone make a more informed decision.

Do not go this school! This is the worst nurse practitioner program I have ever attended until I wised up and left the school. They are out for your money. They lie to get you in the school. The admissions counselor lied to me about Walden helping their students find preceptors for their practicum but they don't. Their curriculum is horrible I feel like I'm teaching myself. What did it for me was when it was time for my practicum and I bust my behind to find a preceptor then the preceptor bailed... Read More out on me and I was told I could do my practicum. After all that time and money spent, I decided it was time for a change. In fact, I spoke to nurse practitioners I know and they said they absolute refuse to precept Walden or any other online because they do not teach them anything. Now I understand what they mean. Walden's so called advanced assessment class is about watching videos of some assessment then they expect you to print out a checklist then video record yourself performing assessments (which they never taught) to be graded by an instructor who never taught you how to perform the assessments in the first place. I strongly advise you not to waste your time or money at this school. Go to a reputable school that will teach hands on assessment skills, so you will feel proud to put on your resume and find a job with no problem. DO NOT GO WALDEN YOU WILL BE WASTING YOUR MONEY!

I am working on a masters degree in nursing as a family nurse practitioner. I can tell you that this program is "NO JOKE". It is very time consuming and challenging. I certainly feel that I am getting a superior education, and I have not regretted attending this university for one minute. I have worked my butt off for the last year, and have 10 months until graduation.

People who are complaining about Walden all sound like they didnt have as easy a road as they hoped they would, so now they want to... Read More bash the school. If you are looking for an easy, "diploma mill" dont enroll at Walden, because your feelings will soon be hurt. You will have to work to get everything you get. Nothing will be given to you! If you work hard and put in the time, this is a doable school, but if your just want to coast along and make a good grade it will not happen at this school. I am very happy with Walden University!