Capella RN to MSN

[BenjaminsMom]

Hi all,

I started Capella University's online RN to MSN program 05/2016 and am focusing on nursing education for specialization. I thought I'd post in case anyone is looking for info about Capella's RN to MSN program. Before I enrolled I searched and wasn't able to find a whole lot to answer my questions.

Right now I am in the first of the four bridge classes (MSN5000) and really enjoying it. There are 2 discussion posts due each week and 3 written assignments for this class. I'll see how my other classes are but so far my professor has provided us grading rubrics that are very specific so it is not difficult to get A's on assignments if you follow the rubric. The classes are 10 weeks long and there are a total of 17 classes for the RN to MSN program. I think there are 13 (?) classes for an MSN if you already have a BSN degree. The first course they had me take by itself and next quarter I will be taking the remaining 3 bridge courses since I am currently off work for a few more months. After that I'll prob take 2 courses at a time and I think it'll be doable. The workload definitely is doable, you have to put work into it but if you do what is asked and put in the effort you can get A's. Also they provide TONS of assistance to help us succeed, which is nice. I was told that there is NO group work (HUGE plus!) throughout the program and I haven't heard differently from any of the other Capella students I've talked to.

I was nervous to go back to school since it had been years since I got my ADN and I was jumping right into graduate courses but I am totally impressed by Capella and feel really good about my choice to attend. I know it costs a bit more than some other schools (I'm paying about $22k for my RN to MSN). I like that I don't feel "alone" in front of a computer even though I can log in whenever I want LOL my instructor and fellow students stay in contact with each other through the courseroom which is nice.

Anywhooooo... if anyone has questions that I might be able to answer I'd be happy to. I'll try to keep updating this thread as I go along in my classes too. If anyone else is studying at Capella please chime in!

[Koroll]

I'm in the same boat. Except add WGU in that decision too. What did you decide and were you happy?

[tenosity]

How many hours per week did you devote to this program? And how many classes did you take?

[nurseljcst]

Hi, How many credit hours is each course?

[KAO]

I know this post was years ago but it’s the only one I can find on Capella's MSN care coordination program. I work as a coordinator now, can I use my current place of employment for practicum hours?

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

9 hours ago, KAO said:

I know this post was years ago but it’s the only one I can find on Capella's MSN care coordination program. I work as a coordinator now, can I use my current place of employment for practicum hours?

I just started with Capella on Friday. I plan to use my employer for the practicum. This is allowed as long as the preceptor as the same or higher degree that/than you’re seeking, and is not your supervisor. I changed my specialty from education to Care Coordination when I saw that my new employer has that program down the hall from my office.

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I made a thread in the Post Graduate section just yesterday.

[KAO]

13 hours ago, BSNbeDONE said:

I just started with Capella on Friday. I plan to use my employer for the practicum. This is allowed as long as the preceptor as the same or higher degree that/than you’re seeking, and is not your supervisor. I changed my specialty from education to Care Coordination when I saw that my new employer has that program down the hall from my office.

Thank you!

[Nurseroxieo]

Updated on your Capella experience?

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

42 minutes ago, Nurseroxieo said:

Updated on your Capella experience?

So far, as of today, I’m beginning my third class. I’ve completed one class per week. The turnaround on evaluating papers has been 24-48 hours. There are 3 assessments per class, with a 3-4 page paper per assessment, depending on other requirements. One assessment required a PowerPoint creation and a 1-page paper. Nothing too difficult at this point. I really haven’t found anything overly challenging...yet.

[Nurseroxieo]

Awesome!! Okay. How are the instructors?

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I haven't had a need to communicate with them. I'm doing the self-paced Flexpath option instead of the instructor-led GuidedPath option.

However, they are just an email or phone call away if you need to talk to them. There is a team of resource people at our disposal. That team includes the a coach, tutor, librarian, and instructor...all available to answer any questions that we may have.

[RaiRN, ADN]

Thank you for your posts! I am considering going to school for FNP. Do you have any suggestions? I am trying to decide if I should go to Grand Canyon, Chamberlain or Capella?