Capella University vs Western Governors University (WGU)

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing their experiences with Capella University's BSN-MSN program, including the number of courses required, the flexibility of the program, and the translation of points into traditional GPA. They also share advice on choosing specializations, arranging preceptorships, and asking questions about remote practicum experiences. Some users express concerns about changing specializations mid-program and the impact on GPA translation for future educational or employment purposes.

I'm wondering if anyone can give some updated light on which school (Capella vs WGU) would be better to attend. Are there discussion boards, group projects, and how many papers for each class?

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
1 hour ago, Lonnie48 said:

Wow, this is certainly encouraging!  How many courses do you have to take for BSN-MSN?

There are 13 total courses, including the Practicum. This includes a mix of 7 MSN and NHS core courses, 5 specialty courses, and the practicum.

Just to let you know, I have no other obligations at the end of my workday, which makes it easier for me to hit the books hard and fast. Pandemic or not, I've always been a homebody, so I'm not distracted by the thought of missing out on anything. I'm really motivated to complete this degree before life as we knew it returns...then I will breathe again.?

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
3 hours ago, Lonnie48 said:

Hey, checking in one more time, how is Capella going? It sounds like you were able to knock out a chunk of classes in record time.  I have a phone meeting with an advisor tomorrow.  Nervous about taking the plunge but also know its time. Any other feedback or suggestions?

I have completed ALL of the courses on 12/29/20...except the capstone. I’m working on arranging my preceptorship now so I can finally turn the page.

Word of advice: make sure you know what you want to do before signing on the dotted line. I changed my specialization BEFORE my first class got started and listening to the advice I was given got me inadvertently thrown out of the university in early October and I had to threaten legal action to get this corrected. My academic coach was clueless in how to make the change and the system discarded me like yesterday’s trash.

Other than that issue which subsequently affected my financial aid {which they are STILL trying to correct (since October)}, the program has gone beautifully!

And today, I found out that I can do the capstone remotely because of the pandemic once my site and preceptor are approved. 

A couple of things to know: you need to ASK for a listing of sites that have worked with Capella before and you need to ASK if you can do the program remotely. They don’t volunteer ANY bit of information. These two questions were just random ideas that I figured would be rejected. I was shocked when they emailed me forms for remote practicum experiences in response to my inquiry.

Wow, how scary! I'm glad you were able to work it out.  Now.... to get that financial aid secured!

So, If I'm understanding correctly, don't change your specialty once you start the program? I believe I'm set but this makes me pause to contemplate my decision. 

Its also great advice about asking for a listing of sites and the ability to work remotely.

I've looked at so many programs but Capella seems to make the most sense since they offer Flexpath.

I appreciate all your advice and feedback.  I continue to wish you great success as you wrap up the capstone!

On 8/13/2020 at 3:04 PM, NurseSparkly said:

I currently enrolled in Capella's RN to BSN as well and so far its not bad. I chose Capella over WGU for GPA reasons.

Can you explain what the GPA difference is here? I had the understanding that both programs operated on a pass/fail system....or maybe that they could possibly transfer as a 3.0 GPA??? I've been a little confused. I had a 4.0 GPA in ADN school that I worked extremely hard for. I love the idea of flexible programs like WGU or Capella, but given that they don't use the traditional grading system, I pretty much disregarded them, feeling like it would basically make all my hard work of keeping my 4.0 worthless.

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Capella uses a point system but will translate those points into the traditional GPA assignment for those who require it for employment or future educational purposes.

Capella recently had to check my GPA status for their own purposes after their “hiccup” inadvertently affected my enrollment status. The evaluator reported the 4.0 status to me, as if I wasn’t aware of it already. Like you, I’m proud of the hard work I’ve done to earn that GPA and I want it reflected as such on my transcripts; and was told that it would be. 

1 minute ago, BSNbeDONE said:

Capella uses a point system but will translate those points into the traditional GPA assignment for those who require it for employment or future educational purposes.

Capella recently had to check my GPA status for their own purposes after their “hiccup” inadvertently affected my enrollment status. The evaluator reported the 4.0 status to me, as if I wasn’t aware of it already. Like you, I’m proud of the hard work I’ve done to earn that GPA and I want it reflected as such on my transcripts; and was told that it would be. 

I actually just went over to their website and they had a nice little chat feature that I don't remember from the last time I was on there. Anyway, I asked about this and the rep told me that they do the transcript "translation" in order to explain to other schools/employers what their grading system means in the more traditional sense, but that it's only an "unofficial" transcript and any "official" transcript will still show their grading scale. However, he was unable to tell me if this could affect the ability to transfer their credits anywhere. 

1 hour ago, imblest11 said:

Can you explain what the GPA difference is here? I had the understanding that both programs operated on a pass/fail system....or maybe that they could possibly transfer as a 3.0 GPA??? I've been a little confused. I had a 4.0 GPA in ADN school that I worked extremely hard for. I love the idea of flexible programs like WGU or Capella, but given that they don't use the traditional grading system, I pretty much disregarded them, feeling like it would basically make all my hard work of keeping my 4.0 worthless.

Hello. I graduated with a 4.0. Their Flexpath program is competency based but there are two transcripts they offer. One that is competency based showing pass/fail. Or you can have your transcript translated.. Each assignment you compete with Capella gets a numerical grade, which is how they are able to compute an actual GPA for you. With WGU, you can only graduate with a 3.0. Nothing more... I graduated from capella this past October. 

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
20 hours ago, imblest11 said:

I actually just went over to their website and they had a nice little chat feature that I don't remember from the last time I was on there. Anyway, I asked about this and the rep told me that they do the transcript "translation" in order to explain to other schools/employers what their grading system means in the more traditional sense, but that it's only an "unofficial" transcript and any "official" transcript will still show their grading scale. However, he was unable to tell me if this could affect the ability to transfer their credits anywhere. 

I am not surprised. My coursework has proceeded like clockwork. However, anything administratively should include feedback from more than one source, in my opinion. A colleague of mine who is beginning her BSN with Capella was reading the FLexPath rules when she said that I would never be allowed into any type of honors program as a FlexPath learner. I told her not to believe that, but she persisted with what "they" said...until I took pictures of the the Honors Invitation card and two follow-up letters from Capella requesting to know my intentions and reminding me of the deadlines for accepting these invitations and sent them to her.

Now, I don't know if what she says pertains to the BSN program or all Capella programs or not, since I received my BSN 6-7 years ago. Honestly, I don't even care. I'm currently in the capstone area of the MSN program and, for the record, I have no interest in participating in any type of prestigious program......maybe if I was younger. But now at my age, my goal is to make myself more marketable for telework positions and solidify my income for retirement in the next very-few years...and hopefully make somewhat of a difference in the lives of care coordination recipients along the way.?

Graduating with honors and being invited to an honor society are two different things. Flexpath learners cannot graduate with honors such as Magna Cum Laude, etc., which is typically mentioned on your diploma.... Honor society invitations such as the Success and leadership and Sigma Theta are merits for your academic achievements. 

8 minutes ago, NurseSparkly said:

Graduating with honors and being invited to an honor society are two different things. Flexpath learners cannot graduate with honors such as Magna Cum Laude, etc., which is typically mentioned on your diploma.... Honor society invitations such as the Success and leadership and Sigma Theta are merits for your academic achievements. 

Good point! Thank you for the clarification!

I graduated Suma Cum Laude with the Academic Excellent Award for graduating top of my cohort in my ADN program. I'm hoping to be able to continue my streak. I don't know if it will actually lead to anything in the end, but so far it has helped me land a job in a competitive critical care residency program in my area. I figure it certainly can't hurt my prospects if I can continue on the path of honors as I get my BSN. I know most people say it doesn't matter as long as you have that BSN behind your name and that experience is what matters most, and in most situations that's probably true, but I just never know what kind of situation I could end up in the future or who I may be compared to when applying to a job.

So since I'm just at the beginning of my nursing career, I want to give myself every advantage I can in case I need it in the future. 

Hi Guys, Just recently applied to Capella, RN-BSN FP.  I'm still in the process of finding out what credits will apply. They sent over a sheet earlier that looks like 46.00 credits are possibly eligible.  (haven't spoken with my advisor yet) This seems low but I am new to all of this.  What are your thoughts?  Also, my future goal is to attain my masters. If I decide not to use Capella for this, will my BSN be recognized by other institutions?

Any updates on the differences between these two programs? I’m about to commit. Capella just needs the Core classes, while WGU need the Core pulse Stats and Pathophysiology.

Thanks, in advance, for your insight.

+ Join the Discussion