Start Date August 1st, 2014 - BSN vs. MSN

Nursing Students Western Governors

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Hello students/alumni,

I will be starting the RN-BSN program on August 1st, just curious if there is anyone else that will be starting at that time. I'm just looking for someone that I could possibly connect with throughout the program:) a person to stay motivated with!

I'm very excited to start, just a little anxious as I don't know what to expect! My enrollment counselor will be opening the education without boundaries course next week, as I just submitted my background check and received clearance yesterday (7/18/14).

Lastly, I have been in great debate about staying with the BSN program or just going on and completing the MSN portion. My hesitation is that currently, I am working in a position that I don't need a BSN to hold - and I absolutely love it! However, I am government funded so that is always a little scary as my position could be cut or changed at any time. That is why I feel as though I need to complete at least the BSN, so that if changes/cuts happen I will hopefully find another position similar to what I have now. However, in this long debate, I have been considering to just go forth and complete the MSN portion as long as I am pursing a higher degree because of the bridge program. Is it even worth it to add MSN knowing that the changes are taking place for pursing education for NP's (which would be the future goal, if I were to pursue the MSN). Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance:yes:!!!

That's What I was afraid of. I pray the new changes are better,Keep me posted. I am a little afraid of the additional OA's. I have a terrible test anxiety but really want to get started and finished ASAP. I am wanting to transition away from bedside nursing. I currently work at the VA Hospital in inpatient Mental Health and really need a change. I figured the MBA will allow me to use my clinical background and advance my career.

That's What I was afraid of. I pray the new changes are better,Keep me posted. I am a little afraid of the additional OA's. I have a terrible test anxiety but really want to get started and finished ASAP. I am wanting to transition away from bedside nursing. I currently work at the VA Hospital in inpatient Mental Health and really need a change. I figured the MBA will allow me to use my clinical background and advance my career.

The MBA in healthcare management at has no exams-only performance assessments (papers, projects, etc.). The new MSN has fewer exams than the old MSN, but they are still there. The class that gave the students the most difficulty, Translational Research, is no longer an exam. It's now a paper. I think most people will be very happy with the changes.

DisneyRNMSN are you sure about the new MBA ? When I look at the new curriculum it has 6 OA's. This is the format I am told.

Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

The new MBA is almost 1/2 exams. It changes as of Sep 1. The new curriculum is on the website and in the PDF file for the MBA.

The new MBA is almost 1/2 exams. It changes as of Sep 1. The new curriculum is on the website and in the PDF file for the MBA.

Actually it was July 1st. I forgot they did a major program change to all the programs. You're right; some courses have both a PA and an OA, others just an OA.

DisneyRNMSN are you sure about the new MBA ? When I look at the new curriculum it has 6 OA's. This is the format I am told.

You are correct! They did a major program change and relaunch on July 1st. They did have all Performance Assessments, but now I see they have added exams back. In fact, some course have BOTH an exam and a performance assessment! Yikes!

Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

It is true that it changed on Jul 1, but talking to the healthcare management peeps they were supposed to actually start in August, but it got pushed to september. There's one guy who started in August that is petitioning to change to the new program over on the forums. I was kinda HOPING it started in July, but apparently they didn't move anyone in to it yet. I purposely waited until I could get in - I much prefer OA classes. :) I hope being the guinea pig will work out.

It is true that it changed on Jul 1, but talking to the healthcare management peeps they were supposed to actually start in August, but it got pushed to september. There's one guy who started in August that is petitioning to change to the new program over on the wgu forums. I was kinda HOPING it started in July, but apparently they didn't move anyone in to it yet. I purposely waited until I could get in - I much prefer OA classes. :) I hope being the guinea pig will work out.

That's awesome; please keep us posted and let us know how you like the program. I'm seriously considering the program as well because I really don't know what doctorate I want to get, so I thought "why not get another Masters in the meantime"? I could get it done pretty quickly at and it would be very reasonable cost-wise. Good luck!

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