Members are discussing their experiences with Capella University's FlexPath program for nursing degrees, including BSN and MSN. They are sharing insights on the program structure, workload, flexibility, and cost, as well as comparing it to traditional paths. Some users highlight the self-motivated nature of the program, while others mention challenges with grading consistency and instructor familiarity with course materials. Overall, there is a mix of positive and negative feedback, with some users recommending Capella and others suggesting alternative online programs like Western Governors University.
Hi everyone, I am an RN ready to pursue my BSN (and possibly MSN), and I just discovered Capella University's online flexpath program. The way it's designed seems so perfect for me and I really want to do it. I read all the previous threads about this, but I have more questions!
If there is anyone out there who is enrolled in this program, your input would be very much appreciated, even more so if you've successfully graduated and are now using your degree!
My main concern is the very shady things I've read online about Capella not letting people graduate at the last minute, ripping people off, pulling a "bait and switch" with programs, and overall being a total criminal scam (none of these claims were about the Nursing program, most were Psychology). Normally I'd walk away, but I'm so intrigued by the equal amount of wonderful reviews I've been reading, and I really WANT to believe that this program exists the way the school describes it. I'm just concerned (and perhaps paranoid) that maybe all the great "reviews" are somehow paid for by Capella.
So, for the real people out there who have done it: what is the catch? do books cost more than usual to make up for the cheap flat rate tuition? do employers take a degree from this place seriously? is the program rigorous enough so that you feel prepared for the next career step? Any feedback would be so wonderful!
Thanks for your response! I ended up doing the flexpath program and finished December 2019. I totally agree with everything you said, and I'm so glad I did it! It did sound too good to be true when I first heard of it but its totally legit. Congratulations and good luck in your career!
Yes, I only needed the 8 BSN courses as 8 had 2 previous A.A.S. degrees. No discussion posts. Papers, simple activities, powerpoints, and a few voiceovers.
I am looking for a good on-line RN to BSN program. Please I need some recommendations
I had a good experience in the Capella flexpath program. You need to be 100% self motivated but if you are very driven you can get it done fast and learn a lot!
First of all, let's be clear, RN to BSN is just some hoop that you have to jump through and not a step of your nursing career that anyone cares about too much aside from the fact that you did it.
anyway, my experience at Capella is that the course materials, assessment, requirements, etc. are put together by the school and the instructors aren't all super familiar with the resources provided and some of them have grading expectations that are much higher than the sample paper and grading rubric suggest making it very difficult to know what is expected of you.
I would contrast this with Western governors, who has people other than the professors, grading papers, and sticking strictly to the rubric for grading, making it much easier to write a paper that matches the expectations of the course. Strongly recommend WGU > Capella.
Hello. I am a flexpath RN-BSN graduate (June 30, 2017) it truly is an amazing program. ! It is an accredited university so financial aide covers it and job prospects will acknowledge your degree. So what you do is you pay by the term rather than the course. Each term is $2500 and 12 weeks long. During that term you take as many classes as you can. Average is 3 but I took 4 first term, 6 the second term and only 2 the third term because I only had two courses left to finish the program. The most cost effective way to do flexpath is to do as many classes as you possibly can in each term. My BSN only cost me 7500. Which is nothing compared to some of those other programs.
Another perk- absolutely no discussion boards whatsoever. All you do is write papers. Each class has 4-6 papers to write. You have three chances to correct your paper for a final grade. You do all the research yourself and the way you learn is through research. The fastest I ever finished a class was literally in 6 days. There are some papers you can write because you know all of the criteria. Other papers you write you have to research the criteria and learn it before you can write the paper.
I have always been a competitive over-achiever. I made it my goal to finish the program in 12 months- I beat that! I completed the program in 7 months! I am currently taking a month off but will be enrolling in their MSN program for nursing education and hope to finish that by the middle of 2018 (and hope to make a record for myself with that too).
If I can be of any help please feel free to contact me. I truly am a testimony of a great program and can guide you on how to complete the program successfully as well.
Hi. Can you update on the MSN program? Do you have required field experiences to document? What is the MSN preceptorship requirements?
I'm not sure what you were asking in the first question. Can you clarify what you were asking? As for the MSN Capstone and Practicum, the Practicum site must have an Affiliation Agreement with Capella University, the MSN preceptor must have held their MSN degree for a least 1 year, and the current number of Practicum hours are 100 (200 hours for Nursing Informatics). This number will increase to 500 in October.
Hi. Can you update on the MSN program? Do you have required field experiences to document? What is the MSN preceptorship requirements?
Hi Merritt007,
If I understand your question, the MSN Practicum was orignally only 100 hours (80 direct and 20 for research). The hours increased to 500 in October 2024. I completed my hours with a nurse Educator that was employed at my workplace aka practicum site which made the process a whole lot easier. From what I gathered, the 500 hours are divided over a number of MSN courses. As far as the completion process, I cannot answer that. Sorry I couldn't provide more information.
Dione "Kamilah" Coney MSN-ED, BSN, RN Adjunct Professor
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Thanks for your response! I ended up doing the flexpath program and finished December 2019. I totally agree with everything you said, and I'm so glad I did it! It did sound too good to be true when I first heard of it but its totally legit. Congratulations and good luck in your career!