Capella University vs. Walden

[freezebabyRN]

Hello all! I'm a BSN prepared nurse looking to get out of the hectic floor nursing and would rather teach at a college and take my summers off. Anyway, I was looking at Capella's program and Walden's program. I noticed that Capella is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). No accreditation in nursing. I was wondering if this was more important for the BSN level. Walden has the CCNE in addition to the other accreditation as Capella.

Any help is greatly appreciated! I wanted to start class in Jan. I was hoping to move more south in the winters and back up to the midwest over the summers.

Thanks in advance!

Staff Update

If interested in what others have to say about Capella University please take a look at our Best Nursing Universities | Peer Reviews.

[wunisonpace]

Hi V;

Honestly, you need to look at the crediblity of the school you choose to attend. Will it help you be what you want to become or not, and where you will be able to find a job. Just something to think about. Look at Capella

University and do a comparisson. I've worked with folks from Walden and they were poorly prepared to teach in the classroom.

W

[mathilda843]

W,

What about price of Capella & financial aid and/or scholarship opportunities?????

[wunisonpace]

Hi Mathilda843;

Capella University has EXCELLENT opportunities for scholarships and grants and they are very helpful in helping with financial aid. They are a one price, take as many courses as you wish. Initially they put you into your curriculum and courses but you can make changes, which I did. I took 1 course the first 10-week quarter to get the iGuide (Blackboard platform) down pat, and to get used to the routine of education again. Then, after that I took 3 courses, went to colloquium (residency) and it has taken me half the time....I'm in the PhD program and it is a little different than the MSN program, but I have had a great experience, responsive faculty that includes administration, advisors, librarians and just about every aspect of the University employees...and volunteers (for which I am one when needed. I feel and believe that my experience is well worth the price it has been so far, and wouldn't think of encouraging others to look into Capella if I didn't believe in the education. As for the cost, it is dependent on the program you are in, the educational level and how many credits they accept from other schools you may have been in; I can say this about the money....I'm spending less then I did on my Bachelors Degree, and I went to a private religious school! I will owe less when all is said and done. I encourage you to go to their web-site and ask to speak to someone. The recruiters are not pushy, they provide options and explain everything clearly and there are no secrets; they tell you things right up front. Give them a try, ask them your questions and you will get straight answers.

When I inquired with Walden, they provided me "discounts" but had to make a decision in a week otherwise they would not be applied. They pushed me and I don't like being pushed. At Phoenix, I had a similar experience, although I also knew I wouldn't go there because of their poor reputation among the nursing education world; that is a diploma mill and has no credibility. That is just what I have been told, and what I have seen in education. I looked into other on-line schools to accomodate my educational needs and bar-none, Capella was the least pushy and offered great opportunties and help throughout every aspect of my admission, and throughout the educational years. It has been an awesome experience.

Feel free to contact me if you want more information, or just give them a call or e-mail. Capella University responds quickly and efficiently.

W

[nursy111]

I chose Capella for my MSN in nurse education. Looking at the program I thought I would get a more rounded education to complete my goal of teaching online. I have been happy with the classes and the assistance that the college provides to "older" learners who have been away from college for many years. Capella has applied to be accredited by the CCNE and are just awaiting the decision. I have been very happy with my choice of colleges to continue my career.

[mathilda843]

W,

Thank you for your thoughtful replies. It was so well written that I called Capella. The admissions advisor seemed a tad pushy to me , which sort of surprised me.

I was also surprised to know that they have not yet been accredited by CCNE. They are currently awaiting the decision, so that was not exactly a confidence-building discovery. And - the education track does not have a practicum component. That was another surprise...

So, I'm still confused and "shopping" for the right place for me.

Thanks for your insights, and best of luck to you as you continue your education!

[EuroRN]

Capella University is the only one in the nation to have a Diabetes Nursing specialization! it costs 30K to go ADN-MSN! if you are ANA member, you get 10% off!

University of San Francisco only has a Clinical Nurse Leader specialization (mind you, pretty new discipline; it seems to not be under the Clinical Nurse specialist umbrella, which is one of the things some DNP/ NP programs ask for) and it costs 70k!

[luvlnd03]

Hey everyone looking for an rn-bsn, msn, phd in nursing........

Capella University has the only program for nursing professionals in education to earn a degree in nursing education and the research component is education and nursing, but not in clinical care, which as an educator, is important to me.

Nursing education is a specialized field within nursing. Understanding and learning in a supportive and open environment, paced just right and enjoyable in communication with others, including during colloquium (residency of only 3 1/2 days that usually doesn't interrupt work schedules. There is support from all over Capella and there is no badgering from the folks in admission. It also ended up cheaper...it sounds like a lot of money, but it is actually cheaper that my local university in-state tuition too! Walden has hidden costs and none of it made sense to me; and you only know it by asking for the breakdown. They were put off whereas Capella explained every penny and where it would be going to.

Having through about walden and Capella, I chose Capella because they didn't have admissions doing a hard sell. They also are accredited, they listen to their learners and have an excellent response times.

I'm in the phd program at Capella, and know several in the rn-bsn program and the msn program as well as the dnp program, and have made many friends who will be long lasting. Certainly, being in the phd program, there is a dissertation involved, and I have had nothing but wonderful support and help along the way. I'm nearly finished, and instead of the 5-years predicted, I'm in the beginning of my 3rd year....unprecedented! Not everyone earns an "a" either. My 4.0 is as rare as a diamond found in your own backyard.

I can't speak for any other profession than nursing, but if you are seeking a caring faculty with exceptional support systems, including the librarians, financial aid department, and even the president's office, capella university would and should be your choice. I don't regret my choice, but when I'm finished I'll miss it! But there are always way in which we can be a part of Capella, from being an adjunct or full-time faculty member to being involved in the alumni programs; and their support is forever, it doesn't end at graduation.

If you want to know more, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at "xuseme9 at yahoo dot com" I would love to tell you more, and answer your questions! Capella is my forever school and I will be active in the alumni programs, and i'm thankful to everyone who has made a difference in my life and in my education!

Make a good decision...............choose Capella University ...................

Sincerely, wendy unison

xuseme9 at yahoo dot com

:redbeathe :redbeathe

Hi Wendy,my start date for the RN-BSN is April 7th and I'm interested to know on the pace of the course, requirements , assignments , paper writing . I am new to online classes and need your feedback as to how I can maximize learning in between full time job and family . Also was wondering why Capella has 10 week classes on their nursing courses when typically almost all online programs I've checked has 5 weeks in length ? Thanks in advance!

Staff Update

If interested in what others have to say about Capella University please take a look at our Best Nursing Universities | Peer Reviews.

[sstammer]

I graduated from Walden University in 2014 with my Adult-Gerontology NP. The classes were fast paced and you had to be disciplined to do the work on time, but my clinical preceptors were impressed with the fact that the didactic training was done in the first quarters and the clinical were at the end. I was so well prepared that I started off seeing multiple patients in busy rural clinic the first day and I felt prepared. I liked the program so much that I am returning to do my DNP.

[HOPEforRNs, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I also respectfully disagree. I teach at one of the top 20 nursing programs in this country. I compared the rigor of my MSN at Capella to the rigor of the MSN where I teach and they are very comparable. The University where I work was more than pleased with my degree from Capella as well.