This is my first post on allnurses, and I was hoping yall could answer this question, especially for those who have already experienced this. I've scoured over the WGU forum and have read hundreds of questions and responses from fellow pre nursing students, but I could not find a definite answer for this question. When applying for admissions to the pre-licensure program and considering viable candidates, what makes the admissions process so competitive? I read one comment that the acceptance rate is around 35%, is that due to weeding out of people who just think it's going to be a breeze and aren't committed to putting the time in every week, according to the enrollment counselor's pre-screening evaluation? Or is it because people don't have a high enough GPA or enough college experience to show academic potential?
I'm trying to gauge my potential for getting accepted, maybe I should share a little bit of my background information. I already have my bachelors degree in a health science related field (Exercise Science), my academic profile over the past 5 years of schooling has consistently been around B/B+, including classes such as organic chemistry. I don't have much work experience in the health care field, but I spent six months last year volunteering in the ER at my local hospital assisting the nurses anyway I could. I have had success in a past online course, I took an introductory sociology course and finished halfway through the semester with an A, so even though it's not the same difficulty level as upper level nursing courses, I still feel confident that I have the time management skills and discipline to complete an online degree. The pre-health advisor at my university said she was more than willing to write me a solid letter of recommendation, so is there something else I'm missing here? I've done a lot of soul searching and decided that pursuing a career in nursing makes the most sense to me and my family. I'm just trying to collect as much information as humanly possible before I dive in and apply for admissions. From what I've read, WGU seems like such a great school and ties in with my lifestyle/schedule perfectly! Any positive and/or constructive feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Hey lindberg! I know this post is older, but did you end up pursuing WGU's program? I saw your other post about applying to a few other programs around Utah. I also live north of Salt Lake, but by about an hour or so, likely moving closer south soon. I just applied to WGU because I had a free waiver code, but haven't talked to the counselor yet other than asking how often the Utah cohorts begin, to which she let me know every 6-9 months. I know they only accept 10-12 students per cohort, but they have had 100% NCLEX pass rates for the last 3 years, and a BSN in 2.5 years doesn't sound too bad either
Has anyone in this thread graduated yet from WGU? If so, did you pass the NCLEX on your first try? Do you feel prepared as an RN in your current position?
Hi there. I graduated in March, 2017, and passed NCLEX the first time with 75 questions in about two hours. I felt prepared for the test. WGU provided Hurst Review as part of the prelicensure program, and I also purchased U-World after graduation. I answered about 3,000 questions in U-World over a couple of weeks and I felt that was extremely helpful. Scheduling the test as soon as possible after graduating really motivated me as well.
If I could go back and start over, I'd take more initiative in lab and my clinicals and try to do more in building and improving skills. In my first job as an RN, I was behind my peers in time management and skills. My fear of making mistakes allowed opportunities to pass me by and I regret it. I recommend jumping in at every possible chance to perform hands-on skills and observe a procedure.
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Where did you attend WGU? I'm trying to decide on what area to apply since I currently reside in a state that doesn't have nursing curriculum.
Specializes in Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA).
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Where did you attend WGU? I'm trying to decide on what area to apply since I currently reside in a state that doesn't have nursing curriculum.
Southern California is the most competitive. Texas has the most programs which are starting basically every month. Other places only have a couple cohorts per year. Just something to keep in mind if you're relocating for WGU.
Specializes in Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA).
I am in Southern California and was in a cohort at Cedars Sinai.
How long did it take you after graduating to find a new grad job? Any problems finding a job? I was supposed to start April 2018 SoCal cohort but it was either cancelled or delayed, WGU doesn't know right now, so I'm just waiting twiddling my thumbs.
I found a new grad program right after obtaining my license, but the market for new grads is very competitive. Networking is the best way to get the position you really want.
joannavn
38 Posts
Did you move forward with WGU?