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.
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.?

Specializes in M/S.

I don't think that is true. I am in the Flex Path MSN program doing my capstone now, I only have one paper to go, and I have gotten numerous requests to join both Capella and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. I just haven't responded. So if you are to get an invitation it will come to you via email. Good Luck with your MSN program. I am almost at the finish line too.

26 minutes ago, BSNbeDONE said:

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.?

Nice! Good to know that they are still recognized by Honors programs. Good luck in your last hurrah before retirement!

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. 

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

Nice! Good to know that they are still recognized by Honors programs. Good luck in your last hurrah before retirement!

Thank you!?

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

This is good information to those who are interested in such things. I never have been. I prefer the behind-the-scenes, unsung-hero scenario myself. My trophies are internal.?

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?

On 1/13/2021 at 8:52 PM, Lonnie48 said:

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?

Just heard from my advisor who said this was from one transcript that had come in.  Still waiting for two more.   Whew, I was starting to get worried!

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.

MALR said:

Which MSN program did you complete? I'm interested in completing the MSN informatics pathway. Any information/experience with Capella is greatly appreciated!

Did you end up choosing either program for MSN informatics? I completed my BSN at WGU and now I'm torn between these two schools for my MSN.

Specializes in ICU/PCU.

I'm debating WGU vs Capella's RN to MSN Education programs because WGU requires many clinical hours (I've heard). I have just spent the last three years away from my family and my life for nursing school and I can't stand to do it any longer than I have to. This is an old thread, but can anyone help me compare the two programs in 2023? I get a limited tuition reimbursement either way and have a previous Bachelor of Science, so I have many transfer credits to leverage as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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