Ohio University RN-to-BSN Program

[chuckster]

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.

[hollierncrrn]

I am really looking foreward to following this thread!!! I have applied and am planning on starting in June. I have been somewhat disappointed with recieving conflicting information from the enrollment specialist (I probably would have started earlier), but I am really looking foreward to getting my BSN.

I would like to hear from someone in the program on how manageable the program is for someone who works full time with two small children. Also I recieved my ADN almost ten years ago, and have only taken a couple of classes since. Can anyone identify some additional steps I can take to help prepare me for this journey?

[VinoLover2030]

i just got accepted in and am just piecing everything together.i am starting in may but i was plannng on taking a few prereqs that i know i already need.i do work full time and am excited about starting but i must say the : hurry up an wait" gets on my nerves. im sure it will be worth it in the end.the price and timing are right on point

[mtsteelhorse]

Hi all, I start in just 10 days. I'm starting with Nrse 300 solo to test the waters. I'll let you know how it is. I don't want to be bogged down during the summer so will start with one course at a time. The 5 week format sounds good to me. I registered today and ordered my text. I'll keep you posted. I also work FT and have two kids. It's worth a shot! Good luck to everyone.

[sandpiper1]

I am in the OU RN to BSN program. I am currently 2 courses away from completion.

I have my first BS from OU, so I had all the required core courses (They took everything, even though I graduated from OU the first time in 1989!!).

My recommendations are as follows.

Take any pre-requisites through a community college.

They do offer some of them online, but you may need to find a local college to take proctored exams, as was the case with one of my co-workers when taking her nutrition course.

You can take the first and last course with another class.

I have taken 2 courses at a time (I did that three occasions)I do not recommend doing so if you are working full-time. Taking a BSN class and a pre-req. is something many of my co-workers have done.

There are no outside clinical requirements. A bonus for this program.

You have to be highly motivated and self directed. The nature of any online program.

There are a few classes that are more challenging than some. That said-this is an accelerated program. It uses a combination of exams, written assignments, 3-5 page papers and discussion posts. The discussion posts do require reading, thought and research!

Expect to put in the amount of work and time you would for a traditional 10 week course for most classes. It isn't easy, but I will have completed this program in approximately 14 months. A more reasonable time frame, when considering your BSN. I believe every program has positive and negative qualities. I have never had an issue contacting the school nor have I had any issue e-mailing professors. You do have the option of "testing out" of one course-NRSE 310/Health Appraisal. I did so in less than 2 days. It required taking and passing 3 exams and writing a 10 pt. case study. Get the text, review the course content, once loaded and dig in. If you fail that process, you continue taking the course in the traditional manner. It is overwhelming, however, once completed-huge relief. I passed all of the exams with an 80% or better. My only "B" in the program.

Follow all directions for assignments. Read and take notes. This program was not meant to be an easy BSN. It is challenging and not for those who are looking for an easy way out. I preferred the challenge and the higher expectations of this program, as I feel I have progressed greatly in expanding my knowledge base and I feel better prepared to advance to the rigors of a quality MSN program.

[Sugarcoma, RN]

I was also very disappointed with the results of my DARs report and realized after analyzing it, it would take much longer than I anticipated to get my BSN through OU. I did feel like my counselor Nina was extremely helpful and easy to get a hold of throughout the process. They also offered me a pretty generous financial aid package of loans. In the end though I really wanted to earn my BSN within a year so I chose to attend the University of Wyoming's RN-BSN program. Were it not for the additional classes OU would have required, I would definitely have went with them.

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Thank you sandpiper1 for this concise summary. It's good to hear what the program is really like, especially given that one of the replies on this thread recounted that a co-worker stated that she dropped out of the OU program because it was "too easy."

As I've posted elsewhere in this thread, I applied some time ago and am a bit disappointed by the lack of communication by OU: To date (over a month later) I still don't have confirmation that my application, much less my transcripts, have been received. It would be nice to get some feedback about what stage of the process you're in. This is very different than my experience with my application to UT-A. In that case, I've received both snail and e-mail communications letting me know that my application was received (I applied about 2 weeks after I sent my application to OU) and giving me access to my account on the UT-A student computer system. Today I got a snail mail telling my that they had not yet received all of my transcipts and providing me with directions on how to access the page in my UT-A student account that will track the transcripts as they are recieved by the University. Much different than OU.

I'm also very anxious to see what my evaluation looks like. My own analysis leads me to believe that I have covered all of the science/math prereqs including statistics, calc, chem, nutrition and micro as well as the other social sciences, fine arts and humanities requirements (I started college an Anthro major and left with a BA in communications, so I've got lots of those kind of classes). Like I said, I'm very interested to see what the OU eval looks like.

Though I'm leaning toward OU, the eval will be the discriminator in choosing between the 2 programs.

[mtsteelhorse]

Well, due to circumstances I am holding off on starting OU this month. Once my DARS report was FINALLY completed things starting clipping along. I find it difficult to navigate their website and find what I truly need at times. Anyhow, everyone keep me informed on what's happening with your process. I've certainly been reading some good things about WGU but again, no GPA so not accepted by all schools for graduate programs. Chuckster, I hope you get some solid answers soon!

[babynurse73]

msteelhorse,

check out sacred heart university's rn to msn programs. Im taking chemistry on-line now and finding it all good so far. The only thing is the cost is much higher than OU or WGU but not as high as Chamberlain or UOP. SHU has been very organized and prompt. Sometimes you get what you pay for, so to speak. I still have my application and transcripts at OU, but haven't heard a thing so far. I sent the application fee in about 3 weeks ago and I don't think the check has been cashed. I looked into WGU as well, but didn't care for the fact that their "credits" are not transferrable. Sacred Heart may be a viable candidate for you. Check them out and best of luck to you!

[VinoLover2030]

I applied 2/4/2011. I did get my DAR and welcome packet today. Im def not happy with the initial report. I think it woul just be simple to say this is what you have taken and this is what you need. They dont make it clear cut. The codes they are usiing are not popping up the right grades for me like saying i repeated a class for a grade when I know I never have had to repeat a course. This is just a bit messed up for me. I am due to start May 8 so we shall see. I just wish it was a bit easier to navigate. My job does the outreach program so we shall see

[mtsteelhorse]

Thanks babynurse73. I came out okay with OU credits...but not initially so don't panic guys! I ended up needed the cross cultural thing (stupid requirement if you already have a BS IMO) but oh well...and of course the 12 nursing courses. I just need to delay starting and will consider other programs. I'm always open to options. Thanks again!

[VinoLover2030]

Mtsteelhorse: OK thats good to hear because I was really starting to panic/ Im hoping I dont need much.I dont mind talking a few langauge classes

[mtsteelhorse]

Have you had most of the general ed. classes? Initially I couldn't believe my DARS report...then they finalized it and it looked MUCH better. I'm still trying to grasp the degree of difficulty/time this curriculum requires. I'm not looking for a slide program but quite frankly I don't want to live and breathe school either. I guess we'll see. I'm slated for Fall now after all this. But that's okay. Let me know how it goes for you!