Aspen University Online RN to BSN

LMLYNN · Feb 16, 2015

I don't know anyone who is doing the MSN program, but there seems to be quite a few on the discussion board with positive comments.

McNabK9, BSN, RN, APN · May 23, 2015

I know it can be unsettling to return to school after many years away. I am in the RN to MSN program at Aspen. Please know that the administration, leadership, and instructors really want you to succeed. I hope that hearing that makes you feel better. I started an ADN to MSN at Sonoma State University while in my 3rd semester of nursing school. After graduation, I continued the program. Then in 2008 all bets were off. Due to the recession, the school no longer had the funds to offer the program I wanted. They were only going to offer the FNP. So now I had purchased my ticket, so to speak, but I was standing at the gate and there was only one choice. I did not want to be an FNP but I had to move forward. I did one semester of the FNP grad program and then had to drop because the school and my employer would not accommodate the schedule I needed to go on rounds with physicians. The reason I bring this up is because I spent a year away from school and ultimately went to Aspen because they were so liberal transferring all the bridge work I had already done and paid for. At one point, I became frustrated because I was repeating the Health Assessment course, I had already taken at the grad level. I told my advisor that I really was frustrated because I was taking Health Assessment again, at the undergrad level, and did not want to be treated like it was my first rodeo in regards to feedback. You have to understand I was deeply frustrated and saddened when I had done all the coursework already at another SSU, had a 4.0 and then hit a wall because of what I deemed lack of interest from my employer. So I was not the most diplomatic when dealing with the Aspen administration. They were very accommodating to me, had the dean of nursing call me, and "talked me off the ledge" so to speak. They really want you to succeed. So being worried is very valid. At the same time, it may be a waste of energy because as long as you do your part, Aspen will be there to meet you. The best advice I can give you is always get the instructors cell number in the beginning of the new course term. Many of them work and it can be difficult to communicate when something is urgent. Look on your course site on the Aspen class platform where you turn in your homework. There is a list of who is enrolled. You may find someone from your geographical area you can strike up a conversation with and establish a friendship for support. I am not a fan of some of the instructors only because I feel they are not as good as others and it shows. But the whole package of Aspen is a VERY viable way to get your degrees. Aspen makes it a point to keep any financial aid loans at a minimum as they pride themselves on graduates that are not financially wiped out at graduation. If you hit a bump, ask for help as they do want to help and support you. It sounds like you will have no problem! You will have a BSN and MSN. Think about how great that will look next to your name after all your hard work. Good luck

jstar29 · Apr 5, 2016

Hi I would like to find out how everyone is doing so far in the program with aspen? I am starting in May and would love to connect with others regarding how this program is working out! TIA!

jstar29 · Apr 5, 2016

How's the program going so far? Would love to know how it's been for you? I am starting the program soon! TIA!

HeliRN · Aug 12, 2016

Hello everyone, I am considering my options and looking at schools for RN-BSN. Aspen sounds amazing so far, I can take any non nursing classes I want and they don't even make me take math.. my only concern is the accreditation. They are CCNE accredited but not ACEN accredited and also they are not regionally accredited so not every school will agree to accept me in case I want to do my MSN somewhere else. Anyone knows more about Aspen accreditation?

Thank you

McNabK9, BSN, RN, APN · Aug 12, 2016

You are correct about the accreditation. In CA, they will not accept any of my work at Aspen, but I knew that going in. I'm an older RN so I am not looking to set the world on fire career-wise. It is a very important point to consider in your planning, particularly if you are looking to do an MSN somewhere else as you mentioned.

ANurse12 · Apr 23, 2017

Hello everyone, I am considering my options and looking at schools for RN-BSN. Aspen sounds amazing so far, I can take any non nursing classes I want and they don't even make me take math.. my only concern is the accreditation. They are CCNE accredited but not ACEN accredited and also they are not regionally accredited so not every school will agree to accept me in case I want to do my MSN somewhere else. Anyone knows more about Aspen accreditation?
Thank you

I talk with many MSN program advisers. All of them told me they care only about CCNE accreditation.