Current Walden University Students

I am thinking about changing BSN programs. I am currently in the online BSN program at Indiana Wesleyan and am finding it way too time intensive. I spoke with one of the instructors who also teaches at Chamberlain and she said that Indiana Wesleyan's program is considerably more time intensive than Chamberlain. (Alot mor papers) The course is just draining me....stress plus. I get up at 6am and do work until noon and then get ready for work....often I am back at midnite working. I am very dedicated and take pride in my work, but this is beyond......they say 6 hours a week...it is 6 plus hours a day!

How is Walden University as far as being time intensive?

How is Kaplan as far as being time intensive?

Any other suggestions?

I can't answer for Walden but I love Kaplan. It all depends on the class. I spent a ton of time daily on the stats class but on some I barely spent a few hours a week. It all depends on your own strengths and weaknesses. I find most classes have averaged 4-5 hours a week. The nursing research class has been a bit more. I take 2 classes each term, have heavy volunteer responsibilities and commitments and work 60 hours a week. I feel stressed but not overwhelmed (yet).

I am enrolled in Walden. I have one year left. I have found in manageable. Some weeks more work than others. Weekly discussion postings, writing papers a few times a course (courses are 8 weeks long). I teach fulltime and am a pastors wife. I have no little kids, but am busy prepping for the courses I teach. I find the classes at Walden user friendly. I highly recommend it. I checked into Kaplan, but they would not take all my past credits.


Lepew

I have two more core classes then I start the education specialization classes. How were your specialization classes?

Shari

Greetings, I am a Walden University graduate. I was in the first class to graduate their program in December 2006. I completed the track in education. The program has served me well. I was promoted to Assistant Professor at a College of Nursing immediately after completing the degree. I have received numerous job offers for teaching across the country. Currently, I am enrolled in a PhD in Nursing program online. I would state the only issue encountered with the education specialization is not having a clinical focus such as Adult Health etc. Some colleges prefer faculty with a clinical specialization. However, with the shortage of faculty you should not have any problems. Good luck.

I am also thinking of getting my degree ( education) from Walden University. My current intructor thinks that I would be more marketable as an NP instead of specializing in education, which is what I want to do. What do you all think? Do you feel it is more of an advantage to be an NP rather than specialzing in for instane education. Thanks for your thoughts.

If becoming an NP is your desire than you should certainly go that route. This track would open more doors than just the education track. Remember, with the NP you are able to practice as an NP and an educator. Nursing programs highly desire faculty with a clinical specialization often over the education track. NP practice with alot of autonomy and are highly desired especially in Ohio where I live. After completing the NP track you could always return and complete the post Master's track in education, the track is usualy about three or 4 courses. Just one thought, I would be sure the NP route is the program you wish to work on, there is usually lots of clinical to complete with the track. If you are insterested in the NP track online there are several programs. The University of South Alabama and the Univesity of Southern Indiana are two that immediately come to mind. Walden University certainly is a rigorus program and will provide a quality education. Good luck with your decision.
In my opinion you should chose a program that offers you the most options such as Nursing Administration or a clinical track. If I had the opportunity to do it over I would have chosen a duel degree such as the MSN/MHA or the MSN/MBA. These degree programs would have offered more flexiability with teaching online, and more options than just teaching. Keep in mind that teaching requires a full committment. In the faculty role you will work longer hours for less pay than clinical practice. Yes, teaching can be very rewarding, but you should be aware of what comes with this role. Lately, be prepared to return for a doctoral degree if your goal is teaching in a large university such as The Ohio State University or Case Western, etc. Most of these research universities will only hire a Master's prepared nurse for clinical. If you desire a tenure track position you will need a Phd.

Thanks for your insights. I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. My interest are in the education track, but I do see your point about the dual degree. I am going to do some research into the two dual degree options you mentioned, also the online programs mentioned. Again thanks for your insights.