If you went to WGU and then on to NP school, where?

dfwbsndude · Jun 6, 2013

I would also like to know this. I've asked before and no one really responded. I'd be curious if any WGU BSN grads have gone into any of the Dallas area NP programs like UTA's. Hopefully someone will chime in this time. I've been told to just call the programs I'm interested in and see how they look on the WGU grades. The accreditation should be accepted anywhere, it's more of the competitive aspect of your undergrad GPA. Though I think there are other ways of being competitive too, like years on the job, letters of recommendation and also consider that WGU only has their nursing courses online, whereas science prerequisites need to be taken before. So you could carry a 4.0 science GPA which would look really good to a grad program. Just some thoughts, but I'd still like to hear from an actual grad that went into a NP program.

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Jun 6, 2013

Agreed that nobody really seems to answer this question- most say "I've gotten accepted into 3 programs" but never say which. I do have a 4.0 science GPA and with mostly 4.0 in all my nursing classes (got a 3.5 the semester I lost my home to the flood) and have been with my current employer 13 yrs, part of that time as a supervisor...so I do have other things going for me.

Please, those of you that have gotten accepted, share the info- you'll be my hero! :inlove:

Trenata · Jun 6, 2013

I think your best bet would be to call the particular NP programs you are interested in and ask if they accept WGU's BSN which only gives you a 3.0 on your transcript. I wish I knew the answer too, because that is my ultimate intention many years down the road.

klone, MSN, RN · Jun 6, 2013

https://allnurses.com/western-governors-university/bsn-wgu-crna-800502.html

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jun 6, 2013

WGU has an program where you can ask to speak to an alum. If the person there cannot hook you up- suggest that they email all the nursing mentors and see if they know of someone. I KNOW people have gotten in, but I cannot say exactly where.

However, the BEST thing you can do- in my opinion- is work directly with the school you're considering. For example, I have a BSN and MSN from WGU, and the DNP program I'm looking at is more than willing to consider me - despite the 3.0. WGU's nursing program faculty have been willing to speak with the DNP program Dean- and they looked extensively at my capstone to see the quality of work that was required of me.

dfwbsndude · Jun 6, 2013

Couple other things to consider about WGU: they are a longer program than others, 2 1/2 years, and they seem to be more competitive to get into. For Dallas they only take 12 people per each cohort. Some of the other programs accept quite a few more people. The costs are the same for the most part. Also, their clinical rotations are not very flexible. I've asked for clarification about this in another thread, but the admissions rep said you are at the mercy of partnering hospital and you need to be available at any time during the week, day, night and weekends. My current job is a M-F 9-5 type so it would be really difficult for me to work my clinicals during the day.

So while I like some of WGU's structure, I'm kinda leaning towards not doing their program since I absolutely know I want to get into a NP program. I'm sure there are programs I could get into, but I like to be as qualified as possible -- that extra bump from a good GPA is critical to me.

dfwbsndude · Jun 6, 2013

Oh, I also read somewhere too that WGU has a forum for its students that has posts about NP schools students have gotten in with their degree. It would be nice to see that info.

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Jun 6, 2013

I'm actually already a working RN with a degree, so it will take me a lot less time than that. It will be a lot less expensive than other programs for me, too, provided I do it quickly, which I intend to.

I agree, though, that this is good info for non-RN candidates applying to their RN program.

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Jun 6, 2013

So, MMJ, would you mind sharing which school you are doing your DNP at? I have already contacted at least 6 schools about accepting WGU and am waiting to hear back from them. You got both your BSN and MSN through WGU...which MSN degree did you pursue? I have thought about that option, too, but want to be sure to be able to find either an online or local NP program that will accept it- I'm fairly flexible about whether I go from MSN at WGU to DNP or BSN at WGU to MSN-FNP elsewhere.

In the end, I just want to be a competent NP, and I want to start school ASAP, but nobody is willing to give up the goods when it comes to schools that actually definitely have accepted WGU or definitely have not.

Thanks so much for the info and I do hope you will share a little more.

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Jun 6, 2013

Finally found a post that refers to UTA accepting the MSN from WGU into their FNP program:

christy78 said:
Yes, still in it! I am finishing up BSN portion this month and will start on MSN stuff. That’s a BSN in 4 months. I am not going to lie; it’s hard work and requires determination but anyone can do it if they want to. the grades are pass or fail and on the official transcript it states at the top all “pass” grades are equivalent to a traditional “B” all credits are issues as stated.
I will be transferring to UTA for their post master’s FNP program and have checked with them multiple times and it will transfer just like any other MSN. I also have spoken to 2 other students that have already transferred to a FNP program and did not have any issues either.
Hope that helps.

This was written in 2011.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jun 6, 2013

I have the MSN-Education Specialist degree from WGU. I am not enrolled in USI yet, and the DNP does NOT lead to NP status. I did not make that clear. They have a rather unique DNP program- it's a completion model for anyone with any type of MSN. BUT they do have an online NP program (MSN) as well. So you might investigate.