University of Phoenix- RN to BSN- Good Idea?

Nursing Students School Programs

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Hi!

I am wanting your advice about getting my BSN from UOP. I can't find a FT job anywhere and I figured since I have all this time on my hands I should go back to school. I like that fact that it is online since I do have a seasonal job. The cost will be paid for since I have military background. So money is not a problem.

I keep seeing negative things about UOP, but there has to be some good experiences with them. I would LOVE the hear from people that got their BSN from UOP and anyone else that has went there!

Is this a smart choice for me?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Sub Acute/Rehab; LTC.

Hi,

I graduated from UOP with both by BSN and MSN/Ed. I had a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it. I am not sure what kind of negative feedback you recieved, but it you let me know, perhaps I can help. I attened both ground school and on-line. If I choose to pursue furthur education, I would certainly continue with on-line.

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I would look into your state university system before making the decision to go with UOP.

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Specializes in Family Practice.

I went to UOP for the LPN to BSN program. They call it online, but I had weekend classes quite often on campus, and occasionally they threw in some night classes. I thought it was a very good program. The only problem was they tried to set up a lot of my clinicals during my workday, so I either had to take off work, or set up different clinicals myself. I hear they've since fixed the clinical issues. You might want to talk to a counselor there and make sure any questions you have about the program are answered before signing up for anything. Good luck!

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Thanks everyone! I have a list of questions to ask UOP. They said since I have had clinical hours from my ADN I will be doing research clinicals (75 hours worth that I know of) that wont mean me having to go anywhere.

I hear people say that UOP is considered a diploma mill. Do you guys think that is true?

I dont want to get my degree and than have no one honor it because they dont consider UOP a "real" school.

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Specializes in Family Practice.

I wouldn't say it's a diploma mill; they don't just pass everyone. Quite a few people in my class didn't make it. We started with 40 some people and ended with 23. The program was very challenging! The others I graduated with had no trouble finding jobs, and neither did I. I have heard all the negative things about UOP as well, I wouldn't believe it.:twocents:

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

speaking of clinical issues --- my facility is in a small town. We get calls from students of online programs wanting to do clinicals here instead of driving to the big cities. We refuse because a) we do not know the student or the program b) we have no affiliation agreement with the school c) the school gets tuition and we get nothing d) we have a risk with the student just being in the building. Students do not fully comprehend our issues and I have disappointed a few, but our Risk Mgt will not allow them here. So buyer beware.

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speaking of clinical issues --- my facility is in a small town. We get calls from students of online programs wanting to do clinicals here instead of driving to the big cities. We refuse because a) we do not know the student or the program b) we have no affiliation agreement with the school c) the school gets tuition and we get nothing d) we have a risk with the student just being in the building. Students do not fully comprehend our issues and I have disappointed a few, but our Risk Mgt will not allow them here. So buyer beware.

The RN to BSN has no clinical hours that need to be done anywhere. It is all research clinicals. All the "real" nursing hours have been done in the ADN program.

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Specializes in Sub Acute/Rehab; LTC.

I agree, UOP is hardly a diploma mill. The program is very challenging and the student MUST be self-disciplined or he/she will not make it. Many students in my classes either failed or dropped out because they though it would be the "easy degree". They were sadly mistaken. Those who criticize the program or believe it is easy and an "diploma mill" or "mail order degree" do not know about the experience. After I recieved by MSN/Ed from UOP, I am able to teach clinical at a major University as I would any other MSN.. My Degree was not questioned. UOP is an accredited University with all the same benefits as a ground school.

The RN-BSN program does not have clinical hours because the ADN hours are credited. I cannot speak for the LPN - RN degree. I would imagine getting the 900 clinical hours (no way around it) would be a challenge. I would get a committment from a sponsoring facility before entertaining UOP for that degree. Just my opinion.

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Got into UNLV masters program with no problem. UOP is an excellent way to get your BSN and is a very challenging program. I recommend it to anyone looking to further their education.

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I am going there and it is difficult and takes discipline but I do not think its a diploma mill. Feel free to ask me any questoins you have! (They focus a lot on theory)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, ER, Peds ER-CPEN.

Our hospital DON has her MSN from UOP she is currently moving up to clinical education to head up their department and get hours she needs towards or PhD in clincal nursing, she's always quick to recommend them to us when she hears a conversation about where to go back to school

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