Ohio University RN-to-BSN Program

Nursing Students Ohio University

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Since it seems that there's quite a bit of interest, I'm attempting to start a new thread devoted exclusively to the OU on-line RN-BSN program that will hopefully build on the comments on assorted previous threads.

I'd like to ask nevergonnagiveup, mtsteelhorse and babynurse73 - all of whom (I think) are either already in the program or have applied for admission - to post about their experiences. I just sent in my application and plan to post periodically about relevant issues. If we can populate the thread with good material, it could become a very useful resource for both those considering the OU program and students already in it. Once that happens, I'd hope we could prevail upon the forum moderators to make it a sticky thread.

As indicated, I've only recently applied to the program. So far, I'm happy with the support and information I've gotten. I've been contacted by an OU "enrollment specialist" who was somewhat helpful (I suspect that they have dual roles, one being to provide basic information to prospective students and the other to follow-up with the prospects and help to fill the roster for the program). This person e-mailed me, followed up with a phone call and was able to provide some useful, if basic, information about the program. I also sent a lengthy e-mail to OU with quite a number of specific, detailed questions. This too resulted in both an e-mail and telephone response, this time from an academic advisor in the OU School of Nursing. Again I received some useful and quite helpful information. All in all, my early experience has been pretty positive.

As indicated above, I plan to post about relevant issues that come up as I work my way through the admission and evaluation process. I'd very much like to hear from others about their experience with OU and I'm sure that there will be a lot of interest by others in our collective experience with the program.

I will be finishing up with EC LPN-RN program and plan on starting my RN-BSN immediately. Why are people choosing OU program over EC's program? :confused:

Any tips?

I will be finishing up with EC LPN-RN program and plan on starting my RN-BSN immediately. Why are people choosing OU program over EC's program? :confused:

Any tips?

Sorry..But what is EC program??

Excelsior College LPN-RN online program;)...

I will be finishing up with EC LPN-RN program and plan on starting my RN-BSN immediately. Why are people choosing OU program over EC's program? :confused:
My reasons (in descending order of importance):

* OU is both regionally and nationally accredited - also true of EC and one the more important criteria for me since it has a real impact if you plan on graduate school.

* Cost - OU is among the least expensive schools.

* Traditional classroom and on-line programs - OU is a brick-and-mortar institution and offers the RN-BSN in both formats. Your degree/diploma from OU via either route is identical. There is a tendency among some prospective employers to view on-line degree programs as less desirable so this takes that off the table. Again, not a knock on EC but your only alternative there is on-line.

* Reputation - OU is well-known and generally well-regarded. Not suggesting that EC is unknown and poorly regarded, just that Ohio University has been around for more than 200 years, has achieved some modicum of success as an educational institution and is a true university offering all levels of education.

* As an OU student and a Temple U alum, I have the option of sitting on either side of the stadium during the annual football game and root for either the Bobcats or the Owls to win the MAC title.

Specializes in nursing.

Very informative...where did you get all this information??

Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

I just have to make a comment.. just my 2cents worth...Any school that you go to that is online comes with a diploma that is like Brick and mortar schools and it is becoming common knowledge the online schools tend to be harder. That said, explain to me who an employer is not going to "GUESS" that you went online if you are working in say FL and graduating from Ohio University for example.

I hardly think any employer is going to fall for the "long commute" story.

Really please just decide what school suits you and I believe most will go by price but really has any employer ever reallly gotten bummed when they see you went to Alpha CC instead of Beta CC.. Of course not. Your degree once you actually get to go to classes and finish will be your degree and you will work your butt off for it.. There is so much to consider, don't make this issue one more big thing.!!!

Thank you for indulging me.

just have to make a comment.. just my 2cents worth...Any school that you go to that is online comes with a diploma that is like Brick and mortar schools and it is becoming common knowledge the online schools tend to be harder.

I have to disagree with this. There are any number of on-line schools that exist only virtually - decidedly unlike brick-and-mortar schools. This distinction may be unimportant, nonetheless, it is a real difference. You cannot walk with your graduating class at Kaplan or Capella but you can at OU, IU, FHSU, Penn State, Jacksonville and any number of "hybrid" schools.

I would also challenge that it is "common knowlege" that the on-line only schools "tend to be harder". This is an opinion and may well be correct but frankly there are no data to support it - just as there are also no data to support my opinon that prospective employers make a distinction between on-line and brick-and-mortar schools. I have however seen seen that particular prejudice in action, so since I have a choice (and can save money in the process), my selection is the staid brick-and-mortar institution that happens to also offer their program on-line.

None of this is meant to be judgemental and I'm not saying that OU - or any brick-and-mortar school - is somehow "better" than EC (or Kaplan for that matter).

Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

Okay, I regress, I never checked out Kaplan (Kaplan has brick and mortar locations in FL, not nursing I think) or Capella. Every one I did check had a commencement even if no brick and mortar. Probably because I am older, commencement was not something I really looked for . And I know there is no documentation that either way is harder, having done both with honors, I worked harder online. As my post stated this is just my :twocents:.

My point is 5 yrs after you get your BSN or MSN, I do not think where you got it is really going to matter much. Think of IVY league schools..lots of $$$, and first job or two out it will matter, later YOU not the paper will make the difference.

I think anyone who can get further education, anyhow anyway, anywhere that makes them happy is the greatest.

Gosh if everyone wanted one school..look at the mess that would be. :yeah:

Specializes in lots of specialties.

yeah you need to keep your book from Transitions as it is in other courses.It was the only class I have seen so far that asked you not to sell your book YOU WILL NEED IT LATER.

Im buying a planner tomorrow as well as starting to know out my Statistic course. Im excited.nervous and glad I stuck around to see what this school was all about.

yeah you need to keep your book from Transitions as it is in other courses.It was the only class I have seen so far that asked you not to sell your book YOU WILL NEED IT LATER.

Im buying a planner tomorrow as well as starting to know out my Statistic course. Im excited.nervous and glad I stuck around to see what this school was all about.

Glad I kept it now. Just got done with Statistic Psy 120 last Friday. He gave us the syllabus like 10 days before class started to get a jump start. So thankful he did. Good luck with stats!!!

Specializes in lots of specialties.
I will be finishing up with EC LPN-RN program and plan on starting my RN-BSN immediately. Why are people choosing OU program over EC's program? :confused:

Any tips?

I was not impressed with EC's program and their lack of clinicals throughout the program. At the time I was looking into them they had 2 days of " show us what you have learned taking test" clinicals. Seeing now how different the LPn and RN programs were I decided on na brick and mortar school for my ASN. Bachelors degree is a whole nother piece of pie.I am already a practicing RN and there may still be some to learn but I have done online course work and programs. I enjoyed it. For what I needed I actually had a better time with online than in class. OU works for ME.

I say to each there own. If you dont like something then move on and find what you do.

Its not always about the money but it can make a big difference if it is coming out of your pockets/you have to pay it back.

There are tons of schools out there to choose from and each offers its own unique blend of how to get your degree.

That is why I am glad Chuckster made this thread. It is meant to offer up more info about this program and help folks decide if this is a school they want to go to along with tips and pointers to help the rest make it through.

Its a great and helpful thread

Specializes in lots of specialties.
Really please just decide what school suits you and I believe most will go by price but really has any employer ever reallly gotten bummed when they see you went to Alpha CC instead of Beta CC.. Of course not. Your degree once you actually get to go to classes and finish will be your degree and you will work your butt off for it.. There is so much to consider, don't make this issue one more big thing.!!!.

Ill tell you I think the cost of a program does play a big part, but there have been schools in the past that have been an utter waste of time and were way to expensive. Then again alot of schools are making you pay for the convenience of being online. I like the shortness of OU's courses and the cost of the program. Accreditation is a given. I would not be attending if they were not another step in the grand scheme of what I want to pursue degree wise. I want to go to graduate school to get my masters and I will take what ever I need to.

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