Aspen University's Nursing Program? Give me your advice.

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I am a student looking to get into a good nursing program. I do not currently hold a license. I really was interested in Aspen's nursing program because it offered me the option to get my BSN in about 2 years with all of my current credits transferred. Additionally, the cost wasn't as high as some other programs around me (I am living in the Phoenix area). They also had no waitlists, a hybrid program that allows all classes that do not require clinicals to be taken online, and an evening and weekends program.

I am hesitant though due to the fact that the school itself is only nationally and institutionally accredited. The nursing program is CCNE accredited. Ultimately, the goal is to complete my masters and become an NP in acute care. I did call around to some of the hospitals in my area and they have confirmed that they do hire new grads from aspen. I just don't like the fact they do not have a regional accreditation. I was assured by some recruiters that as long as I had my license then that was all they looked at. They partner with United States University for NP programs, but they require you to find your own preceptors. Chamberlain University also has an NP Program that looks appealing. Can someone please help shed some light on my dilemma? 

Also, I would go to Chamberlain if it wasn't much more expensive and further away. 

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Specializes in Disease management, nurse coaching.

Hello,

I finished the RN to BSN program in April 2019. I enjoyed the program in the fact that it allowed me to continue to work full time. I love the monthly payments. I liked the forums which allows students to somewhat interact with other students. I did not like writing papers each week but that comes along with the territory.

And then it comes down to accreditation. I had hesitations about their accreditation too. My old employer/supervisor told me that if I decided to work in our medical center (Houston) I would be overlooked because of my Aspen degree. I didn't care about that because I didn't want to work in the medical center. I work in disease management with insurance companies, in which I was hired with my Aspen degree without any problems. I'm considering going back for the MSN- admin and management program. I think the school is a great option. Just weigh your pros and cons. Call around as you have. (Assuming you have not applied yet-if so disregard all this?)...let me know what you have decided? 

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Hello, I just checked into this program also. Why would you be looked over do the degree limit you from working in hospitals or clinics I was confused.

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Specializes in oncology.

Frankly, I do not understand why CCNE would provide their "seal of approval" to a program without regional accreditation. I have lost all respect for CCNE. Regional accreditation does a deep dig through the finances of the college to determine if they are financial viable.

CCNE approves all the questionable (crappy) online programs; those that are good and those that take your $ and say "find your own preceptors". It's only use is to be able to take out loans. 

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Specializes in Disease management, nurse coaching.
17 hours ago, Aikena Kabore said:

Hello, I just checked into this program also. Why would you be looked over do the degree limit you from working in hospitals or clinics I was confused.

Hello! He explained that the medical center would prefer nurse candidates from universities with regional accreditation. I've read before that some employers overlook schools, like Aspen. 

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Specializes in oncology.
7 minutes ago, wenRN75 said:

t the medical center would prefer nurse candidates from universities with regional accreditation.

Regional accreditation does a deep dive into the full curriculum of  nursing students besides the nursing courses....It looks at  all faculty preparedness, credentials, continuing education, financial support, facilities (not in a strip mall) including student space to congregate, converse, exchange ideas, talk to faculty, spaces where faculty/staff can keep records safely etc. The regional accrediting bodies look at the likelihood for the college to continue and contribute to the graduates and the community.  Regional accreditation ensures the student that the school that is here today, will be here tomorrow and the next day. Having the school on your resume ensures YOU that your school's reputation cared about your education enough to have everything scrutinized. 

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Specializes in oncology.
Quote

All program locations are not currently accepting new applications. Aspen voluntarily surrendered its program approval with the Arizona Board of Nursing through a consent agreement with a two-year teach-out of Core component students: https://www.azbn.gov/education/nursing-programs-lists/programs-under-current-discipline. The Core component of the program is additionally being taught out in all locations.

from https://www.aspen.edu/nursing/BSN/

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