RN-BSN UOP or WCU

U.S.A. California

Published

Hello all!

It's been a long time since I posted...I apologize in advance for the lengthy post and hope you will take the time to read it..I'm in a dilemma right now and looking for advice from those in the Southern California area...I recently completed an ADN program and got my RN license. As I am looking for a job I see MANY employers are now REQUIRING BSN. With that said, I am entertaining going back to school now to finish my bachelor's. At this point I feel my only 2 options are West Coast University (WCU-where I completed my ADN) and University of Phoenix (UOP). HERE IS WHY: My ADN is from a nationally accredited university, therefore, will not be accepted at any CSU. UOP however will accept the credits and is regionally accredited. I have heard mixed reviews from people regarding their experiences as well as the seemingly "bad" reputation of UOP (many however are from different states). Tuition is not really an issue because I have military benefits to help cover the cost. I feel comfortable going back to WCU as I had a very good experience there (they r also in initial phases of regional accreditation, but, will not be done by the time I graduate). I have heard alot of bad things about UOP so I am REALLY nervous about going there...I do plan to move on to get my Master's eventually. So, do I get my bachelors and get to work and deal with accreditation later? OR Go for a potentially "crappy" (again some people's opinion-hearsay) degree with regional accreditation. Also, any WCU grads out there who have moved on to further their education somewhere else with other suggestions? Thanx again for your time!!

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Wow no replies????? How did u like wcu??? I am debating going there to get a bsn....... I need ur opinion if u can help i also poste a question aboutnthe school but did not get any replies :-/

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Yes...I don't know why this was such a difficult topic to get a response for...It seems there are alot of people that will talk down about either one of these schools, if not for anything else, the cost of the program. I agree that is a SIGNIFICANT thing to take into consideration. For me however, I am a military veteran and have education benefits which reduced the cost of these programs significantly. At this point I can go to either one of these schools for next to nothing.

Personally, I truly enjoyed WCU, ADN program (Orange County Campus). Just like any school there are ups and downs..depending on the particular instructor/staff at the time. I felt the program was beyond challenging. I personally prefer the accelerated curriculum...I can't stand being in the same class for 4 months! I learned a lot and was well prepared for the NCLEX..passed the first time with minimum number of questions.

I ended up choosing to return to WCU to complete my BSN strictly based on the curriculum, and the program overall. They are CCNE accredited, however, are not regionally accredited at this time. They are currently in the process and are scheduled to have a visit by WASC in Feb 2012 for either candidacy or initial accreditation. While it is a slight possibility, I am not banking on the fact they will receive their accreditation by the time I finish. I also know regional accreditation is not the end all be all. WCU also offers an appealing MSN program as does UOP. I am pretty confident WCU will be regionally accredited as well by the time I am ready to go back.

If you have to complete the whole BSN program, I would guess they may actually have their accreditation by the time you graduate. Cost, however, is a HUGE consideration and a personal decision. Please just look at the big picture...if you have the time to go through the state school system, by all means, save your money...

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Honestly, it's very expensive at those schools. Have you looked at Chamberlain? It's an online school and I was going to do it if I hadn't gotten into the state program I attended. It only took a year the way it was set up. Good luck to you!

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I am in a dilemma myself good advice is what I need. Here it goes. I have all my pre-reqs finished and I have attempted to apply to National University for their accelerated program but had no luck getting. I was a few points off and now I am getting a bit impatient which is affecting home life and everything else. I attended an info session at WCU (West Coast University) They have all their accreditations but one, WASC, which they are scheduled to get early next year if the interview process goes well. This program is 120k without the pre-reqs about 15k a semester (8 semesters+15k= 120k) I would be attending for 5 which puts me 75k in debt. I am also a single mom, making low income, and not to mention the grants and scholarships out there. This program takes 2 years for a BSN. This is option one.

Option two is apply for cc college and risk waiting 1- 1 1/2 to get in and 2 years to finish the program for an ADN. Thats if I get in this year to be able to start next year. Programs at a cc run around 6-7k yes, huge difference in tuition.

My thoughts:

The time it take for me to start and finish a BSN with WCU will amount to the time I wasted trying to get in a cc college. My issue here is time over money. I would make back that 75k (worse case scenario with out grants and scholarships) in 3 years living comfortable making way more than I do now and coming out with a BSN in two years. But is it worth waiting almost 3 years to finish an ADN and return to school for another year or so for a BSN to save 69k? My advice to myself is "INVEST in myself" and education is the best way! Anyone would not think twice about the money spent on their cars, vacations, shopping etc. but pple think I'm insane for considering this much money on this school for my education.

Any advice is appreciate!!! Thanks!

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Hi did you end up going to WCU? Im planning to go there this fall 2012 and Im really torn because of the bad reviews i have read

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