Choice among on-line RN-BSN programs

Nursing Students Online Learning

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I've been looking into the various on-line RN-BSN programs for a few weeks now. There are dozens of such programs but I've managed to narrow the candidates down to just two: Ohio Univer and UT-Arlington. These 2 schools make my shortlist because each is a brick & mortar school, their on-line programs are an extension of their traditional classroom programs, each school is generally recognized outside of their immediate geographical area and tuition at both is reasonable. I admit that these criteria are somewhat arbitrary but all of them are important to me for reasons that are a bit difficult to quantify (except of course for the last one).

I've read through lots of posts on this site about RN-BSN on-line programs and while there are a couple of threads about both OU and UT-A, I would have expected more. Is there are reason that these 2 programs are not more popular? Are there any current or former students out there with opinions and advice about them? Am I overlooking other schools that meet the criteria I've set out?

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

chuckster, keep us posted on your progress. I had 4 transcripts sent to OU and it's taking FOREVER. My anticipated start date is earlier than yours...next month in fact...I hope you get an answer quickly. It sounds like you're in a very good position with previous course work and degrees. I hope you receive a hasty reply. I think I'd better further peruse the UT-A program just in case. As I recall it was going to require even more courses for me. I wish you luck!

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Hi again guys!

As I was reading through the application process for OU, I discovered I need to provide an Academic Outreach Initiative Program number from my employer. It is my understanding that this number is required to get the low tuition offered at OU. Well, today is Sunday and Im unable to call the Education Dept. or Human Resources at my hospital to find out if they even participate in this program. What has been your experience with this?

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babynurse73 --

I phoned OU today and was told that there is no longer an Academic Outreach Initiative Program tuition discount. Apparently, the Ohio state legislature recently abolished it so now residents pay at the Ohio rate and everyone else pays the out of state rate, regardless of who their employer is. You still need to put your hospital code on the application - those not employed in nursing use code CC12345 in that spot.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

chuckster, is this for a nursing degree program other than RN-BSN online? Who are you talking with at OU? I would REALLY like some answers to my questions about the application process and why it's taking so long. No one has responded to the email I sent last week. Thanks.

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Is the tuition $155/per credit hour anyway? I'm really hoping so. Sorry that the application process is taking so long. The guy I talked to responded to my e-mail within 24 hours, but I haven't submitted anything at this point, just a query. I was looking into Liberty and Jacksonville University's RN to BSN program and OU's price is right so Im leaning toward them. I went through the entire application process for the BSN program at Sacred Heart University, but got cold feet. The tuition is $475/per credit hour! I really don't want a huge bill when I'm done. It's a huge undertaking and a little financially scary. SHU was a bit snobby for my taste, and told me if I didn't start the semester I enrolled in, I would be "disciplined." Oh please! I called to postpone 2 weeks before classes even started! So I guess Im just nervous and weighing the pros and cons of obtaining the elusive BSN! Will I still have a life if I do this, as I work full time and have a husband, 3 kids, and a menagerie of pets! I'd love any comments or feedback, this forum has been greatly appreciated!!:heartbeat

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

babynurse73, I know where you're coming from! Yes, tuition is $155/credit hour...very reasonable! I'm hoping it's not overwhelming but I haven't received much information on that front. I'm hoping the length of time involved in assessing my transcripts means I will have less classes to take. One can only hope! Good luck in your decision process. Cost was a consideration for me and OU is by far the most reasonable.

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mtsteelhorse, thank you for your input! I hope you will have less classes to take as well! Maybe we will be in a class together along the way. Yes, OU is definitely the winner among BSN programs in my opinion. Tuition is among the lowest out there, 5 week classes, Blackboard and Epic platforms (I've used Blackboard and it's pretty user friendly), and of course it is accredited by the appropriate organizations. OU gets my vote!

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I;ll just have to take the plunge and try it out. It's the only way! And I won't be out too much money if I decide going back to school just isn't for me.

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I've applied to OU and have recently sent in transcripts. However, my microbiology class that I took for my ADN did not have a lab component. Would OU accept taking the class after starting the nursing classes or do I need to take it prior? Does anyone know?

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mixmarsh --

I would phone your OU enrollment specialist - you should have gotten an e-mail from one to start the admission process. If he/she can't answer it directly, they should be able to refer you to someone who can.

Would you mind posting about this (your issue, who you contacted at OU [title, not name], the response - or lack of one - and an assessment overall of how you were treated) in the thread for "Ohio University RN-to-BSN Program"? I'm hoping that thread will become the repository for all things related to the OU program and that we can eventually get the forum moderators to make it a sticky so that others planning to attend OU will have a good source of info.

Chuckster

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I looked at UT-A's website for RN-BSN and it looks good because they say it's only 6K to get a BSN in 13 months. However, that must just be for the core nursing classes because it looks like they require an awful lot of general courses that were not taken in a ADN program. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

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Hi,

I know this thread is older, but I was wondering if anyone went thru OU's online RN-BSN program and how they liked it? I am currently looking into many programs (it's a bit overwhelming) and OU is currently toward the top of my list. Any feedback is much appreaciated. Thank you!

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