Finished my MSN this morning - ask me anything!

Nursing Students Western Governors

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I completed the final oral defense for my MSN through this morning. I also have my BSN from WGU.

Completed RN-to-BSN in one, six month term, and the MSN in 11 months and five days (not that I'm counting!)

Two degrees for under $10K out of pocket, including books. (I received a total of $2K in scholarships)

So----- I'm going to put myself out there and if you would like info about either program from a recent grad -hit me up!

Specializes in Psychiatry.

I have been searching through these message boards, looking for the right online school for RN-BSN or RN-MSN and have gained so much insight and knowledge from reading about other's experiences and trials. It's just incredible to be able to get and compare inside info before making a commitment!

I have finally narrowed it down to and ULL.

WGU has such different approach but since they don't offer credit hours, it leads me to wonder of any of their courses are transferable to other colleges should it become necessary. Does anyone know ?

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

GWU has such different approach but since they don't offer credit hours, it leads me to wonder of any of their courses are transferable to other colleges should it become necessary. Does anyone know ?

Not sure what you mean by this? offers credit hours. Each class is a certain number of credits, generally anywhere from 2 to 5, depending upon how difficult the subject matter is and how many tasks are required for completion.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Thanks for the feedback and I'm really glad to hear that . Maybe I misinterpreted the info I read on the website that their courses are considered "competencies" rather than credit courses. So this made me wonder if that made it complicated to transfer the courses. Thanks for clarifying.

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Specializes in CCM.

Hi featherzRN, BSN. It's good to talk to you again. As you know from being a graduate of it's a great school. No if's and but's about it. If you really need an MBA for your work then you can't go wrong with WGU MBA HC track. But if you were looking to stand out as an MBA in it's world of rankings it won't be a program for that. As you may be aware MBA world is good ole boys and girls club. If you don't graduate from so-called "top 10" or "top 20" MBa programs from very expensive business schools the value of it as a stand-alone degree is minimal. One of the biggest perks in those big B-schools is networking which you'll come in contact while in school. You are basically paying for the access to powers that be in that world. I don't think WGU will be on par with those schools, but not in terms of education itself, but in terms of ability to network for post-MBA world. But if you wanted to expand your knowledge base, or to have that "MBA box" checked off it's perfectly legit and cost-effective option. I still think that I'll meet some folks even via online and we'll be able to network further. But circling back to my original intent to get BSN from WGU is more of a priority to me than MBA would be. B/C I was under impression that it's insurmountable hurdle to produce my stupid foreign diploma from over 25 years ago I thought BSN/MSN route was closed to me. I hope you are right, and I'll be willing to take again any undergrad courses to just "plug that hole" and always have my records available here in the future. But my initial contact with WGU admission counselor lead me to believe that it's a big deal, and she sounded like it won't fly. Therefore I opted out for the next logical thing on my list which was MBA in Health care. Thank You for advice. I'll probably have to finish this term in MBA, and if they allow I'll switch to BSN, and may be will re-visit MBA later. If you have time and energy just go for it. I quite frankly have neither, that's why I have to pick my "battles" in life wisely LOL.

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Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.
Thanks for the feedback and I'm really glad to hear that . Maybe I misinterpreted the info I read on the website that their courses are considered "competencies" rather than credit courses. So this made me wonder if that made it complicated to transfer the courses. Thanks for clarifying.

Yep, has normal credit hours. And I am sure general ed classes would be transferable - nursing classes (as with all colleges) are iffy when it comes to transfers no matter where you go. Just depends on if the class matches up with something on the other end. :)

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How do they count your hours? Are they contacting people or are you having something signed?

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Did contact your Capstone Preceptor or did you just have to complete the Preceptor agreement?

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I am starting my rn-bsn soon. I would like to finish earlier then they have scheduled. I'm nervous also because I havn't been to school in ten years. Any advice since you completed so fast? Congrats btw.

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How did you complete your bsn in a six month term I would love to do it. Did you take more then one course at a time? I just finished my first class and will take micro biology next. Any advice to help me would be helpful.

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I am very seriously considering this school right now. I am trying to decide if its even woirth the bother to get the BSN. Ive got a BS in another field and dont see how it could help me at all in my career. I am thinking of going straight for the RN-MSN. Any advice?

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Specializes in tele, med/surg, step down.
I am very seriously considering this school right now. I am trying to decide if its even woirth the bother to get the BSN. Ive got a BS in another field and dont see how it could help me at all in my career. I am thinking of going straight for the RN-MSN. Any advice?

This is what I am doing. I have a prior BS in another field and was able to complete an accelerated ADN program because I had a degree already. I am going to start in the fall and try to complete the RN to MSN program as quickly as possible.

A BSN was never in the cards for me. I don't see myself settling after I get an MSN anyways so I figured this bridge programs are the best bet for me.

I remember the first semester of nursing school my instructor said she did university of phoenix's online RN to MSN program and she said "If anyone tells you 'you need a BSN' they're lying. I am walking proof that you do not need a BSN."

I hope to be able to say the same !!

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I remember the first semester of nursing school my instructor said she did university of phoenix's online RN to MSN program and she said "If anyone tells you 'you need a BSN' they're lying. I am walking proof that you do not need a BSN."

Well, sure, if you have an MSN. But between an ADN and a BSN, yeah, you need the BSN.

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