Getting my Bachelor's at UOP before applying to Frontier?

Specialties CNM

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Specializes in Tele.

I will be graduating in May 2014 with my ADN from a private Catholic college. I had originally planned to continue onto my BSN there as I have already knocked out a lot of Bachelor courses. Now though I am considering to do my BSN degree at University of Phoenix for cost and convenience reasons (it'll save me about 20,000 and all online so I could work full time and get in my very needed experience.)

The reason I am worrying about all of this right now is because I fully plan on applying to Frontier to become a CNM and WHNP. I will even be getting myself into Labor and Delivery as soon as I possible can after I start working. Obstetrics is where I want to be so I want to do everything right yet quickly.

I have heard very good things about UOP for the BSN route so I just wanted to hear others opinion based on what I want to do..what are some suggestions for me?

Thanks for reading my long winded post!

Specializes in Nurse-Midwife.

I can't speak specifically about UOP - but I can address some of financial issues of becoming a CNM. It's expensive - and if you can find a way to save some money on tuition completing your undergrad degree, I'd say do it! Because graduate midwifery programs are not cheap!

Having relevant nursing experience in maternity/OB nursing will help prepare you for graduate coursework probably as much as the BSN completion. So I think the plan to work while completing your BSN is a good one.

If you're worried about the reputation of UOP - maybe not being as well-regarded as other schools - have you considered other schools for BSN - I know some state universities and colleges are offering online BSN programs as well. It depends on the state - though. With in-state tuition, this could be another affordable option.

I'm all for less debt! School loans - especially graduate school loans - can be a bugger to pay off!

Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

If you really want to save some money, you may consider doing the ADN-MSN bridge option that Frontier offers. You will still need to work for a year for experience before applying, and the program requires an extra year of study. The price is $42,925 for that option. Compare that to $32,320 for BSN-MSN + $23,000 (assuming you have enough transfer credits to finish the UOP in 2 years). Of course, it really depends on how long you have to finish the BSN. UOP costs $13,000/ per year for ADN-BSN.

Specializes in Tele.
If you really want to save some money, you may consider doing the ADN-MSN bridge option that Frontier offers. You will still need to work for a year for experience before applying, and the program requires an extra year of study. The price is $42,925 for that option. Compare that to $32,320 for BSN-MSN + $23,000 (assuming you have enough transfer credits to finish the UOP in 2 years). Of course, it really depends on how long you have to finish the BSN. UOP costs $13,000/ per year for ADN-BSN.

The reason I don't is because of that year of experience. With the way the job market can be, I would rather go ahead and get started on my BSN right away. Plus school loans will not start yet. I have pretty much decided to go with Chamberlain for my BSN instead of Phoenix.

Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

Wow, Chamberlain has a great price for RN-BSN!

Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

You should be aware that Frontier requires 1 year of work experience as an RN before applying to ANY of their programs, not just the bridge. I am sure that there are online MSN programs that do not require the experience, however none come to mind. Philly U has a MS in Midwifery that you can apply to without experience and you do not need a BSN, just an ADN with active RN license. They are kind of expensive and you have to find a preceptor on your own.

I have been researching schools for about 6 months now. I am already 34 and cannot begin my nursing classes until fall of 2014, so I am very conscious of time as well, not to mention the mountain of student loan debt that I have from my nearly useless MA in Spanish :(

Specializes in Tele.

Yes I was aware :) I'm hoping to get the BSN while working. Gosh next year? Is there a waiting period? That's one thing about my school, I got right in. It's not cheap because it's a private Catholic college but they have a great program, just really hard. Feel free to friend me. I graduate in May. I'd be happy to help you out in anyway I can :D

Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
You should be aware that Frontier requires 1 year of work experience as an RN before applying to ANY of their programs, not just the bridge. I am sure that there are online MSN programs that do not require the experience, however none come to mind. Philly U has a MS in Midwifery that you can apply to without experience and you do not need a BSN, just an ADN with active RN license. They are kind of expensive and you have to find a preceptor on your own.

I have been researching schools for about 6 months now. I am already 34 and cannot begin my nursing classes until fall of 2014, so I am very conscious of time as well, not to mention the mountain of student loan debt that I have from my nearly useless MA in Spanish :(

I'm pretty sure PU requires you have some type of bachelors. You don't need a BSN but you need a bachelors.

Don't throw your money away on a worthless degree from a lackluster institution.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm not a CNM but can address the UofP ADN to BSN. I graduated in 2004, went on to the UofP MSN program and then did two post MSN certificates. No problems whatsoever getting a job or getting into a DNP program.

Unless you've walked the walk.....

Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
Don't throw your money away on a worthless degree from a lackluster institution.

Which program is "lackluster"?

My mom is a CNM and went to PhillyU. She's NEVER had anyone question her degree. She consistently heard how fabulous she is. She's been a CNM for many years and has never had any issues...

Specializes in Tele.
I'm not a CNM but can address the UofP ADN to BSN. I graduated in 2004, went on to the UofP MSN program and then did two post MSN certificates. No problems whatsoever getting a job or getting into a DNP program.

Unless you've walked the walk.....

I agree. People are so quick to hate on things they know nothing about. I had heard lots of good things about the program and did some research, as what anyone considering a school should do. I have decided on Chamberlain not for the lack of good comments about UOP.

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