Chamberlain College of Nursing BSN Program

yrmajesty3 · Mar 22, 2010

Yes, I need to take Algebra for college students. I guess I'll have to dust off my Algebra for Dummies......LOL

At the urging of my sister-in-law, who is a nursing PHD, I am planning to have Walden do a transcript assessment tomorrow.

She is a very impressed with their program and its tech support. I have a feeling that they won't accept as many credits (though

they are much cheaper than Chamberlain).

I can't believe how expensive all of these on-line programs are! I'm paying out of pocket so the cheapest program will have to win.

intothemoon · Mar 24, 2010

Howdy ALL,

I too have been reading my eye balls out researching RN to BSN online programs.

I have decided to go with the Chamberlain online program because the program is accredited by both the NLN and CCNE. During my research I looked at the TOP local universities in my area; Duke School of Nursing and UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing. The master's programs at both of these top schools specifically state they ONLY accept a BSN from a school that is NLN or CCNE accredited.

I spoke with an advisor from Chamberlain this morning.

I have already taken Statistics and a humanities elective while in nursing school. (I graduated from a local Community College with an Associate in Applied Science Nursing degree and passed NCLEX in 2006).

Therefore, I am told I will only need to complete 11 courses through Chamberlain (the advisor stated a minimum of 10 courses must be taken through Chamberlain). The advisor stated the online RN to BSN is COMPLETELY online, can be completed in 3 semesters (which for Chamberlain = 1 calender year). The cost is hefty - estimated at $17-$20k. However Kaplan and Phoenix are almost DOUBLE that amount.

There are 3 semesters; which are made up of 2 sessions per semester, and each session is made up of 8 weeks each (so a total of 48 weeks).

The advisor stated the assignments are broken up into weekly pieces. So an assignment is posted Sunday night and is due the following Saturday. I like this idea because a set 'due date' will better keep me on track!

When doing YOUR research PLEASE consider:

* How is the program accredited.

* What is the TOTAL cost (hidden fees such as books, technology fees, application fees can creep up quickly!).

* and if you are completely commited to doing homework and reading for the next 1-2 years - a BSN will do you NO good if you can't complete it.

BEST LUCK TO ALL!

The research part of FINDING a program can be mind-numbing!

Kelly

yrmajesty3 · Mar 24, 2010

Thanks INTOTHEMOON.

I noticed that you are in case management. This is one of the fields I hope to get into. I 'd like to know where you work as a CM (if you don't mind). I've been told at a recent nursing conference that you don't really need to have a BSN for that specialty .....but I have found the opposite to be true in the Lehigh Valley area of PA (at least in the hospital arena).

Kaplan has a CM certification program that costs almost $4ooo. Do I do that OR am I better served getting the BSN? I'm leaning to the BSN but still picking my jaw off the floor about the cost.

Ideally, I'd take an insurance CM job that will train me and then pay for my degree.......LOL in my dreams.

I'd LOVE your opinion.

intothemoon · Mar 24, 2010

Howdy yrmajesty3:

Yes, I am currently working as a Nurse Case Manager for a contract provider of case management services to Medicaid patients.

I kindof lucked into this position! My background is hospital ICU and Home Health. My employer especially liked the Home Health background because it is a community health type field.

It seems the same down here in North Carolina that the hospitals are looking for Case Managers with a BSN and/or CM certification.

There is a nationally recogonized CCM certification, which requires from 1-2 years of case management experience in order to take the exam.

I am not familiar with the Kaplan course and so cannot offer any advice there.

Case Management has been BY FAR my most enjoyed nursing position. I soon found out that bedside and hands-on nursing care was NOT for me! (bless those who do however.)

I would lean more towards the BSN whatever your future job path may bring. The BSN is really the spring board into other areas of nursing; case management in general, research, management, education, etc.

YES, some of the online RN to BSN programs are CRAZY expensive. With good research you can find a reasonable balance of quality and price. The advisors can also tell you about payment plans, possible financial aid, and deferment options.

Please consider an advanced degree as a true investment. Many studies have shown that increased education results in increased pay, and perhaps more important, increased job security.

I am confident in my ability as a nurse with an ADN degree, however the market values the BSN degree.

I have also heard in the case management field that insurance company positions are like candy - good pay. However, I am sure you EARN that pay!

I bounced around MANY nursing jobs during my first 2 years out of school. I think the ONE thing that will help you the most when searching for a new position or a new area is to show a steady work history. I was asked this one question several times when interviewing for my current case management position, "We see you have had several nursing jobs here recently. What can you tell us will be different about this position?"

Best of Luck!

Kelly

yrmajesty3 · Mar 25, 2010

Thanks again Intothemoom,

I've actually decided to go with Chamberlain. Hopefully, I can find an entry level CM position in the meantime. The old body can't handle 12 hour clinical care too much longer!

intothemoon · Mar 25, 2010

funny - AND agreed!

FLOBRN · Mar 26, 2010

Someone posted about beware of hidden costs...well this isn't a hidden cost but OMG!! As you all know, I have been researching rn-bsn programs like a lot of people. I ran across Colorado Technical and their online person was actually ONLINE at 0730 Fl time. We got to chatting and for their 18 month course he quoted me $59,000!!!! I asked "are you joking??!!!". No response. Guess I will not go there.

My top 3 are now Chamberlain, Thomas Edison State and Oklahoma Weslayan. Any comments on the 2nd and 3rd ones? I would appreciate any/all feedback.

Thanks

intothemoon · Mar 26, 2010

:eek:

I can't believe the prices go that high! The highest I've talked to so far are; Kaplan $27/28K, Phoenix $32k, and South $33k.

I understand that an online program can be easier to complete and is intended for working adults - but these prices are unreasonable. There are equally accredited programs for much less.

I am a nursing student, not a millionaire :eek:

yrmajesty3 · Mar 26, 2010

Just curious FLOBRN......What did you price Chamberlain and Thomas Edison out for. Seems like my Chamberlain costs are at about $22-23 thou. I've not been able to price out Thomas Edison yet. I've been spending hours on-line desperately searching for nursing grants NOT based on need. I've found them for MSN programs but not for BSN.

How bout you INTOTHEMOON? What have you found?

Carla

NickJ · Mar 30, 2010

I am also researching RN to BSN programs b/c time is of the essence. But...I'm wondering if this BSN from Chamberlain will be accepted at grad schools??? I am using nursing as my pre-PA degree of choice and I surely would not want to spend 23k to obtain my BSN only to find out that it isn't worth anything more than a piece of paper as far as my career plans go....Any input would be greatly appreciated...potential grad schools include Drexel, pcom, chatham, and the out of state list goes on...

ann1120 · Mar 30, 2010

Hi,

I've posted a blog but unable to open the responses, I've received. Is any one else having this problem. I'm fairly new to this site.

ann1120 · Mar 30, 2010

But to answer your question Nick, Iv'e been reading some of the blogs, and it seems that Chamberlain comes highly recommended and is fully accredited.