Any WGU students in Hawaii?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jan 14, 2015

Why do you think your degree would not be 'recognized'? There are thousands of WGU nursing grads in the US - all 50 states. I assume you're already an RN and are in the RN-to-BSN program, right?

Love2Sleep, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2015

Thanks for the reply! I'm just asking because I've seen a few threads about how California won't accept WGU, so I was concerned that i would spend time and money on a degree that would limit where i would be able to work.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jan 15, 2015

I think you're mistaken about California. WGU has a pre-licensure program there and we have many, many RN-to-BSN students there as well. They have slightly different requirements esp. for Community Health- but that's all.

Perhaps you're mixing up WGU with Indiana State (LPN-to-RN) or Excelsior?

ShondaJ · Jan 16, 2015

Thanks for the reply! I'm just asking because I've seen a few threads about how California won't accept WGU, so I was concerned that i would spend time and money on a degree that would limit where i would be able to work.

Like meanmaryjean says WGU is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses. They have a pre-licensing program that I am going to be attending in October.

Their programs include

B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN online)

B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure)

B.S. Health Informatics

And Masters Degrees include

M.S. Nursingâ€”Education (for RNs with BSNs)

M.S. Nursingâ€”Leadership and Management (for RNs with BSNs)

M.S. Nursingâ€”Education (RN to MSN Option)

M.S. Nursingâ€”Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option)

MBA Healthcare Management (from the College of Business)

They are very accepted in California.

The only school California has made it known they do not accept is Excelsior.

With WGU, you will not be limited where you work because you will be a licensed nurse.

You can always contact a WGU Enrollment Counselor at (855) 948-8496

Love2Sleep, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

Thanks! My goal is to move back to Hawaii with my BSN, so I'm wanting to make sure my application won't be discriminated against. I wasn't sure if WGU was well known there.

ShondaJ · Jan 16, 2015

It is very well known in California. They have top hospitals as their clinical sites and there are thousands of students in their programs.

caliotter3 · Jan 16, 2015

You have to be mixing up WGU with WCU or Excelsior. Some employers will not accept WCU grads and the Excelsior problem is well known and even documented on the BRN website. With WGU, you have no problem in CA. If you want to know the acceptance of a WGU degree in Hawaii, you might want to contact their Board or even cold call a few prominent employers, but keep in mind this is most likely worry for nothing. During my entire career, no employer has ever shown an interest in where I went to school. They have always shown an interest in the clear status of my license and my paid experience in nursing. You will do fine with WGU.

Love2Sleep, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2015

Thanks for the comments and advice. I spoke with an HR representative at the hospitals where i plan to move, and they all said that it doesn't matter; as long as it's accredited. I think it's a go for WGU. I'm excited to get the process going!