are online MSN programs respected?

I graduated from Walden University, MSN-Specialization in Education 4/07 . I received tuition reimbursement from my full-time job (hospital) without any problems- they only reimburse accredited schools. I obtained a clinical adjunct position in a BSN program, online curriculum development and teaching position with no problems. I recommend this program highly, but do caution that it is a lot of work,and requires self-discipline. It is a worthy program, and a professional, stimulating learning environment. I feel well-prepared to function as a nurse educator (curriculum development and teaching methods).

My state does not have a graduate nursing program that has a nurse educator option, therefore I had no choice but to go out of state, which means distance education. I think llg had excellent advice on what to look for, especially the reputation of the institution. I looked a long time, about a year, before I found an accredited, well respected school of nursing, that was also bricks and mortar. Nebraska Methodist College was the right fit for me, and I got an excellent education. Be sure that your MSN is of a good quality that you can transfer jobs without a problem. I have another colleague in another department that got a "caribbean PhD" and now cannot get another job anywhere, because of that degree.

Gonzaga University is called the "Ivy League of the West." It has a great reputation, great under-graduate and graduate nursing department. But they require your presence on their campus every other month. They may have changed that policy, so ask.

As other writers have stated, distance education means dedicated, every day, learning on your own. A lot of my classmates transferred to a face to face education, because they could not do it. One hint, do the program with another colleague, or friend. Its easier to be more motivated if you have someone else to push and help you.

Good luck

Gonzaga is also VERY expensive-when I looked at them when I lived out West I almost passed out($$$$).

otessa

I have one more week of class then I will graduate from Walden. The road has been challenging, but well worth the effort. I will have my MSN with a specialization in education. Am currently working as a clinical educator with the local university; and they respect Walden graduates. While attending Walden, I continued to work full time, raise a son, who is a senior this year, and be a wife. If I had went to a brick and mortar institution, this would have not been possible. Online programs, if accredited, are respected.