Considering starting RN-BSN

featherzRN, MSN · Jan 30, 2014

HI Susie! An enrollment counselor would probably be better to ask, but I will give it a shot. :)

WGU is competency-based, meaning you just need to complete an assessment of some type to pass the class. There is a course of study that you follow, including any books you might need in e-format, then when you are ready you would either take a final exam or what they call a 'performance assessment', which usually means a paper or a series of papers. There are no 'classes', per-se, but there are webinars, study guides, etc. In some classes you can join up with 'bootcamps' or 'cohorts' if you are having difficulties.

It is self-paced, and all classes can be done on your own time at your convenience - and as quickly as you can get through them. Or you can take it easy and just do the 12 units per semester. It's a flat rate per 6 month semester, so anything you can get through in that semester you pay the same rate with no extra charges. There is no 'clinical', but there is a 90-hour practicum that you do in your local community.

I managed to get my units done in about 1/2 of a term, so it definitely was the most affordable option for me.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jan 30, 2014

I will add this: Each course has ample resources for you to study before demonstrating competency. In addition to the ebooks and extensive library, each course has a course mentor- a real, live flesh-and-blood person who is a subject matter expert in that particular course. WGUs nursing course mentors hold either an MSN (rare) or doctorate in nursing and are available to you either via email or phone.

In addition, each student is assigned a student mentor- think of it as your own personal guide and coach. Mine was named Annette- and we have acutally become close friends since my graduation. (I got lucky and had Annette for both my BSN and MSN programs!) Student mentors hold- at minimum- an MSN. You have weekly contact with your student mentor, who sets up your classes, unlocks the various resources and just generally holds you accountable and gives you the push you need to succeed.

I was very leery going in to my BSN program. I was 55 years old and technology was NOT my friend. The school also has tech resources that are just a phone call away.

As featherz said above, there are two ways to demonstrate competency.

'Objective' assessments are exams. You can either take them at a testing center OR WGU provides you with a webcam you can use to take them at home. Your choice.

The other way to demonstrate competency is by means of 'performance' assessments. These are typically papers. The great part is that you are provided the grading rubric before you write your paper, and you can revise if your paper does not meet criteria. There is also a group of specialized mentors who do nothing but help students with scholarly writing.

Here's how much I think of the program- I now work for WGU as a clinical instructor in their pre-licensure program.

momof3lv · Jan 31, 2014

Your speech was wonderful. So inspiring . I am so excited to be starting this journey with WGU in the next few months.

maksim02 · Mar 4, 2014

Did anyone take a World and US History class at WGU? Is it hard? Is essay really proctored? or you just submitted essays as all others papers? How long it's take to finish this class? Please respond. Thanks

ctersi01 · Mar 8, 2014

No, essays are not proctored.

maksim02 · Mar 14, 2014

Really? This is what I see on Website. Is anyone took it? Is it was proctored essay or not? Thanks

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD] Themes in U.S. and World History

Proctored, essay

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] Applications in U.S. and World History

Performance assessment

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]