Marian University-Online Accelerated Program - Page 5

I had a feeling that's the way it would be. Thanks!

I am currently in my third semester in the Marian Accelerated Online Program. It is a lot of work, but I am glad of my choice for the online program. The clinical experiences have been great. The people that are in the program come from a diverse background which makes the learning environment very unique. At first I was not sure if I liked the independent learning environment but now I really like it. I am glad I do not have to drive to campus everyday and spend the whole day there. I have a family so it helps to have some flexibility, although I will say that you still end up going to campus at least once or twice a week for testing that is scheduled. Also in your first semester you will spend a great deal of time at campus the second part of the semester for clinical labs. So far the first and third semesters are the hardest. The third semester contains so much paperwork from clinicals and on top of that a heavy didactic course load.

Thanks kjj007!

Do you find that there are any opportunities to get together with other students for study groups etc? Is there some camaraderie between the students in your program?
Anyone that's got experience with the online program feel free to answer!

Yeah there are many that get together for study groups. I have gotten together with other students to study, but I study much better on my own and then bouncing off questions to the other students. Many of the cohorts of classes start their own facebook page where the students of that class can talk to each other. This is very helpful in working together to answer questions. At the end of the semester there are always a couple of groups of students that get together to go out. There are always going to be people that like and don't like the online format, but it really is what you put into it is what you get out of it.

Anybody apply for Marian Online BSN for the fall?? I did and I'm waiting to hear back..

My cohort (Dec. '12) has called it the most expensive correspondence course in the world. The clinicals run the gamut from fair to very good. I think the clinical instructors & opportunities are the best part of the program. Some of the clinical instructors are outstanding. But the "didactic" (substantive) part is pretty much DIY -- do it yourself. Very little teaching overall. And, from the student perspective, program management needs improvement and is not student-oriented. It seems like every time they have a problem, the students suffer.

But I strongly disagree about the pathophysiology prof. Ours was awesome! The best teacher in the program, and probably other programs. Very responsive to questions. Clearly loves teaching and is very good at it. His lectures made very complex concepts easy to understand.

My advice overall -- if there are other alternatives, explore them. The problem is that the demand for nurses is so great and the state schools have waiting lists -- so the alternatives are limited. Good luck.