Thinking of applying to WGU RN - BSN program

Students Western Governors

Published

Hey I'm thinking of applying to RN - BSN program but I need some input on how the program is? How long it will take etc. Is it cheaper compare to other online schools?

Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

FunkyRN2b, I don't start the program until February so I can't answer firsthand on how the program is. I can tell you that I know a few people going through and they absolutely love it!! If you peruse through the boards here you'll find some very informative posts about . Good luck in your information seeking!

FunkyRN2b

70 Posts

Ok thank you

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Hey I'm thinking of applying to WGU RN - BSN program but I need some input on how the program is?

I've been enrolled in the program since May of this year. I've been enjoying my experience thoroughly.

How long it will take etc.
How long it will take is entirely up to how quickly or slowly you complete the required credits. Some ultra motivated students have been able to complete the program in less than six months, whereas a few outliers take three six-month terms to finish. The average student earns the BSN degree in about two six-month terms.

Is it cheaper compare to other online schools?
As long as you complete your credits in two terms or less, will be cheaper than most other online programs. The cost savings somewhat disappear if you take more than three terms to complete the program.

Be mindful that, upon admission, most students are given an arbitrary completion time frame of 18 to 24 months (three to four six-month terms). Very few people move this slowly. Upon admission I had 34 credits to complete, with an arbitrary time frame of three six-month terms to complete them. However, I earned 27 credits during my first term, leaving me with only one more term and only 7 more credits to go.

I always mention our frequent poster, featherzRN, who completed 50 credits in less than four months. However, she was more motivated than the average student.

FunkyRN2b

70 Posts

Okay thank for the info. How does clinical time goes in terms of online work? Will I be able to work as a RN full time while I complete my RN - BSN program? How many classes is one allowed to take in the 6mnths period? I know some online Schools are like every 8 weeks so how will that be compared to the 6 mnth program?

FunkyRN2b

70 Posts

Also is it a pass/fail or GPA given. I want to get my MSN after?? Sorry for so many questions just want to make the right choice

SugarShellRN

19 Posts

Is college algebra required?

Also, many of my classes are from 10 years ago... (psychology, nutrition)... I've been a nurse for 8 years. Do they have a limit on how old your class can be?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
How does clinical time goes in terms of online work?
There's a 90 hour community health practicum that you arrange.

Will I be able to work as a RN full time while I complete my RN - BSN program?
For admission into the RN-to-BSN program, you must be working. Being employed is one of the requirements because it is a program designed for working adults. I work 36 to 48 hours per week and feel that the program is very doable.

How many classes is one allowed to take in the 6mnths period? I know some online Schools are like every 8 weeks so how will that be compared to the 6 mnth program?
You must complete a minimum of 12 credits per six-month term to remain in this program. You can complete as many classes in a six-month term as you can reasonably handle. Some people only complete the minimum, whereas some people can complete 50+ credit hours.

Also is it a pass/fail or GPA given.
Since this is a competency-based program, the coursework is graded on a pass/fail basis. For transferability purposes, your transcripts will indicate that you received a 3.0 GPA.
I want to get my MSN after??
Countless graduates of the BSN program have earned MSNs. The credits transferred without any problems.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Is college algebra required?
College algebra is not required. Otherwise, I would have found another program that did not require it.

Also, many of my classes are from 10 years ago... (psychology, nutrition)... I've been a nurse for 8 years. Do they have a limit on how old your class can be?
Your courses can be 30+ years old and their transcript evaluator will still accept them for transfer credit. The only course with a time limit is statistics. If you have not passed a statistics course in the last five years, will require you to take their introductory probability & statistics course.

I passed the statistics course last month, even with my weak math background. It is all concepts and theory, and virtually no math.

klone, MSN, RN

14,786 Posts

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

Just to tag onto what Commuter said...if you don't complete the minimum required 12 credits in a term, you don't get kicked out of the program or anything. It may affect financial aid eligibility, though.

FunkyRN2b

70 Posts

Thank you so much for the time you are such a blessing. I'm happy statistics is not mostly math I would have fainted math is definitely not my strong point. Is there any entrance exams required?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Is there any entrance exams required?

No, not anymore. When I enrolled earlier this spring, required that all prospective students take and pass an exam called the Readiness Assessment. People who failed the Readiness Assessment were not allowed to enroll and had to wait three months to reapply and retake the exam.

However, WGU stopped requiring licensed RNs to take this exam as of summer 2014.

+ Add a Comment