Capella University vs. Walden

[freezebabyRN]

Hello all! I'm a BSN prepared nurse looking to get out of the hectic floor nursing and would rather teach at a college and take my summers off. Anyway, I was looking at Capella's program and Walden's program. I noticed that Capella is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). No accreditation in nursing. I was wondering if this was more important for the BSN level. Walden has the CCNE in addition to the other accreditation as Capella.

Any help is greatly appreciated! I wanted to start class in Jan. I was hoping to move more south in the winters and back up to the midwest over the summers.

Thanks in advance!

Staff Update

If interested in what others have to say about Capella University please take a look at our Best Nursing Universities | Peer Reviews.

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

I think you raise some very good questions here. Attending an accredited program is very important as you move up the educational ranks. Accreditation speaks to the quality of the program and also demonstrates the commitment of the university to scholarship and to adherence to a set of acceptable standards.

Both universities you have listed here are great. I am an alumni of Walden University. I earned my MSN at WaldenU. I am currently a DNP student at Capella. Capella University is working on their CCNE accreditation for the DNP program right now.

Take your time selecting the program you want and make sure the University is a good fit for yourself. Are you looking for a Masters program in Nursing or Doctorate?

Best Wishes! Patrick

[freezebabyRN]

Thank you for your response! I did check w/some local colleges & both said Capella & Walden are excellant schools. I decided to apply to Walden as the cost in the end would be cheaper. I want to do their nurse education track & eventually move south & come back to the midwest for the summers. Good luck on your jouney w/the DNP program. :)

[BMORE-CSU-RN]

I picked Walden U strictly for the reason that it was accredited. I start their MSN Nursing Leadership and Management Spec/Track in Jan 2011. Most positions requiring a MSN degree also mention perferring it from an accredited program. I wish you much luck and success with your choice.

[freezebabyRN]

I start Jan 3 w/their education program. We might have some if the same classes at the same time.

[lkwashington]

I also start in Jan 3 studying their education track. We all might have some classes together.

[BMORE-CSU-RN]

I start Jan 3 w/their education program. We might have some if the same classes at the same time.

- OK GREAT!!! It would be nice to have some others enrolled in Walden Univ Jan 3rd (like me) to check in on from time to time...I am going to start a thread (if there isnt one already)

[freezebabyRN]

Did you start a thread for the Jan 3rd eduction track? It would be a great resource for all of us!

[lepew]

Congrats on your decision to pursue an advance degree. I will be graduating from Walden in 8 weeks! It has been an amazing journey. I found the classes rewarding, and manageable. I teach ful time in a vocational nursing program, so I am pretty busy with work, school and family. If I had to do it over again I would choose Walden. I will probably not go on for my DNP as I am already 50 and do not think it really would benefit me in the long run....

good luck and the time will fly by!

[freezebabyRN]

lepew....which track did you do through Walden? CONGRATS at seeing the end very soon!

[lepew]

I did the nursing education track.....It has been a great experience-but I am so glad I mam about done..:)

[freezebabyRN]

Hats oiff to you!!!!!