Online RN to BSN Programs Legitimacy - Help Needed

scarykarrey · Sep 23, 2013

I'm currently enrolled in the RN-BSN program at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and I think it's great! It's all online, except for a Community Health Practicum that takes place locally to you, and I have classmates from California (along with many other states). The tuition rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state, and it actually ended up being cheaper than my local state university's tuition. It's also a year-long program (3 semesters, including summer). It's going to take me an extra semester because I didn't pay attention to class periodicity when I signed up for classes this spring, but that's my own fault.

U2BCool · Sep 23, 2013

I am almost finished with the Western Governors RN to BSN program. We were moving and I knew I could not start a program when I might not be in town to finish it. It was one of the most cost effective programs out there. I do feel it is a quality program and a lot of work. I am going to start my MSN program this Spring. I am considering WGU, but I do miss being in a classroom environment. I feel you make so many good contacts when you are in a face to face setting.

I know some WGU students have made it into CRNA programs. I would contact CRNA programs ,before enrolling in WGU to see if they would except a degree from WGU. They are fully accredited, but do not issue grades (it's pass or fail). Some schools have a problem with competency based programs. There are some good threads in the college section under WGU.

Good Luck

rninme · Sep 23, 2013

I finished my BSN online through Ohio University. Had absolutely no problem being accepted into my first choice MSN program. Good luck - check with the CA BON for a list of approved programs.

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Nov 5, 2013

I finished my BSN online through Ohio University. Had absolutely no problem being accepted into my first choice MSN program. Good luck - check with the CA BON for a list of approved programs.

How did you like the BSN program through Ohio University? I'm considering them for my BSN and then onto the MSN.

ohgirn1 · Nov 24, 2013

How did you like the BSN program through Ohio University? I'm considering them for my BSN and then onto the MSN.

I also completed my BSN at OU. There were some challenges while the school changed from quarters to semesters, but overall, I felt that it was a good program, and I really learned a lot. The nursing classes are 5 weeks long, so the time goes fast.

I applied to 3 grad programs, and was accepted to all.

jeli42 · Nov 24, 2013

I finished my BSN online through Ohio University. Had absolutely no problem being accepted into my first choice MSN program. Good luck - check with the CA BON for a list of approved programs.

Just looked at their website and you need to be a resident of specific states to be considered for their program :/ California is not one of them.

jeli42 · Nov 24, 2013

Hello everyone-
I am a California resident, currently work as a critical care RN. I have an associates degree in nursing, previously to this I obtained a Biology and Public Health B.S. I am now interested in completing an RN to BSN program because of the options it will allow me to have for graduate school. I am interested in the UC Davis FNP/PA program as well as UCSF, UCLA NP programs. CRNA school has also browsed my mind, so obtaining a BSN is something I want to have to not be limited in options when applying to graduate school.
Which online programs that you know of or have done are fully accredited and wont give me any issues when applying to graduate school programs? There are many online programs out there, but my main issue is which one is worth doing when it comes to legitimacy and accreditation.
I have looked at the University of Texas at Arlington, that one seems to be a good choice. I also would like to do a program that can give me the option to be finished in a year or less, as many of such programs are longer than a year. Also, which of these programs offer same tuition for out of state students?
I have researched a lot this website, but still cant find the exact answer to my question, so I thought that posting in this forum will help me as it deals with graduate school.
Thanks in advance,
Eddie

I'm in the same situation as you. I'm currently in an ADN program and have a previous Bachelors in Biology and am eventually looking into NP school. The problem with University of Arlington Texas is that I do not see a pathophysiology class in their curriculum and I know that plenty of NP schools require this. You might want to check the NP schools you're interested in just to be sure.

Kuriin, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2013

I know UCSF has an RN-MSN program...if that is a route you would be interested in.

jeli42 · Nov 25, 2013

I know UCSF has an RN-MSN program...if that is a route you would be interested in.

This is great only you cannot hold a Bachelors degree or higher for this program (that's what the website says) and the OP and myself already have Bachelor degrees :/ But this is great info for people who are looking into these type of programs

UVA Grad Nursing · Nov 26, 2013

I'd encourage you to take a look at the admissions requirements for the NP or CRNA programs as well. For example, the APRN programs at my University require an academic letter of reference (ideally from an instructor in your BSN program). Some of the applicants who graduated from fully online RN-BSN programs were either unable to obtain an academic letter, or the reference letters submitted were often general, non-specific, and short.

We have many more applications than we have spaces in our APRN programs (165 applications for 60 spaces in Fall 2014), and the lack of an academic letter of recommendation makes a candidate less competitive. A strong academic LOR is important to faculty who are making the admissions decisions.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Jul 11, 2014

@Jeli42

i tried to private message but cant becuase its said your inbox is too full. please empty it lol :)