Online MSN/MBA or FNP vs. Traditional MSN/MBA or FNP Programs

I am a med-surg BSN, RN and I am seriously considering advancing my education with a MSN/MBA or the FNP. I am in no way down playing online programs, because I know individuals that are currently undergoing programs like UOP, Strayer and Grand Canyon, and these programs appear to be very informational and rigorous. I am just worried about the job market and how I will compare to someone who has done a traditional program. What do you guys think? Does it really matter? Is there any program that I should avoid over another? DO I still have the same chances of securing a position as someone that graduated from a tradional program?

I would honestly love any suggestions/recommendations and answers from those with real life experiences. Anyone that has gone through the online programs, whether you have used your advanced degree or not, please let me know what you think. Thanks in advance for you help!
Honestly, I think licensing is licensing. I don't think it makes a difference where, as long as it is an accredited university.Just in case you don't know, in 2015 a FNP will require a doctorate degree. I think the only "grandfathering" is that FNPs that hold their licence by 2015 will have extra time to get their doctorate, I don't think they are "grandfathered" otherwise. I may be wrong about that.Good luck on your journey I will eventually make it there... Slow and steady!!ETA: *Make sure the school is accredited in EVERYTHING needed... and read the STATE requirements you live in or want to live in. SOME states will NOT allow online schooling (like CA doesn't recognize RNs who graduated from Excelsior). There are a lot of "degree mill" schools out there, and a lot of schools that just say they are "accredited" but they may not be accredited in the right things that are looked for as a standard. As I said, I believe as long as the school meets all the accreditation criteria, and your state recognizes it, then it should not matter.Again, good luck!
After seeing what my peers and family members are going through in these programs I am beginning to think the same. I just want to hear other's opinions. And, yes I know about the whole doctorate requirement to come in the future. I'm not sure if I want that at this point. I'll see. Thanks for the feedback!
With the Masters, there are definitely still a LOT of specialties you can go into. Personally, I've wanted to be a doctor... but started too late, and can't do 36 hour rotations!! So, I am HOPEFULLY going to eventually get my Doctorate in nursing. I'll end up being 50, but hey, I'll have it I've always wanted to teach, too. So, I could stop at my Masters to become a teacher. It depends... Next year I FINALLY graduate with my ADN (FINALLY -started school for it 12 years ago. Life happened), and immediately go to a university for my BSN - that will take a year. Then I don't know if I am going to go to Masters or straight to Doctorate. I think with FNPs having to have a doctorate, their scope will open up even more. Especially not with the healthcare changes and the new patient load that will be coming into the market. Honestly, I think we need more FNPs. MDs are GREAT and needed (obviously), but they really don't know that bedside "caring" side of patient needs. We do... I think that has a LOT of healing presence for our patients.
You have made some great points! Kudos to you for your dedication. I have also thought about Med School or the PA route, but I have opted out for several different reasons, and that is simply not what I want. I'm a Nurse!
There are a lot of great colleges/universities that have online AND traditional programs in one house. I recommend these because very often they do not differentiate between online or traditional program on the transcripts/degree.Ones that come to mind:George Washington University Healthcare MBAConcordia College of Nursing (Wisconsin) NP programSeton Hall University online NP programUW-Milwaukee online DNP programetc.I would start with the programs that have a longstanding, well-respected traditional program who have ventured into the online.Be careful though, online can be a great deal more work and challenging because you do a lot more on your own. I teach both and the online students have to be very self-directed.
Thank you for your suggestions! I have looked into schools with online and traditional programs, but I those that you have named are new to me so I will take a look at those as well.
Cal State Univ Dominguez HillsGeorgetown UniversityThose 2 are online programs.
I think online programs from an accredited school should be okay as far as acceptability in the job market is concerned. Online education is the reality of the times we live in. After all, how many of us can afford to quit our jobs in this market to go back to school? Online degrees provide us an opportunity to do both at the same time and employers are bound to see that! If you're keen on a business education, then the online MBA degree at Independence University seems worth considering. It's an 18-month fully online program that will qualify you for leadership roles within your industry and even outside!