Deciding between Capella and Grand Canyon U

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Hi All! I am an RN, BSN with 5 years of experience. I am currently living in Spain and have been out of practice for a few years. I plan on moving back to the states relatively soon and would like to begin an online MSN program. After much research I have to decide between Capella and Grand Canyon Universities. If any graduates could share their experience of either school I would greatly appreciate it! I am interested in the Leadership track. Thanks all and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Hello,

I can't speak to Capella, but there is a GCU/BSN thread that has a few MSN students pop in every now and then. We are all very happy with GCU and the education that GCU offers. :) GO LOPES!

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Thanks so much for your reply. Did you find the courseload manageable at GCU? I am a working mom and we are planning to have another child. I am pretty organized and disciplined but wanted to get your view on the course load.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Yes, it was busy but manageable. We spend roughly 15-20 hours on homework per week. Others are quick at paper writing and probably spend a bit less. I have many children, work full time (over 40 hours a week), and did ok. :)

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Walden University! I am currently attending their MSN program and I absolutely love it! The professors are wonderful, the work is manageable with a full time working schedule, and the classes are only 6 weeks long. It is taking me 19 months to bridge from my ADN to my MSN but i am sure it would be less time if you already have your BSN. I can not say enough good things about this school. The professors are very helpful and answer any questions or concerns that you have in just a matter of a few hours. They are very interactive in the work. They send personal emails telling you to please contact them anytime throughout the program if you cover a topic that we talked about in their class and they are willing to help you. A lot of them have even said to email them if you go to their town to visit and they will meet you for coffee, show you around, etc. If you accidently do an assignment wrong they will give you a chance to correct it with no points deducted. They have just surpassed my expectations for online learning. I am so happy that I chose Walden. There are a lot of negative reviews but it is not in regards to the nursing program. The people who wrote negative reviews I think wanted to be spoon fed but online learning can not be spoon fed! You should check out their program. Good luck to you!

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Thanks for your reply! I looked into Walden- the enrollment counselor told me that each course length is 12 weeks long. He said that the MSN degree would roughly cost $23,000 but could be entitled to a 20% discount (international student). I thought that the Price was still very high though. I am going to call again on Monday to clarify that course length as you are saying that it is only 6 weeks each course. Are you taking 1 course at a time or 2? Do you have to write long papers?

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Thanks so much Tokmom! I appreciate your feedback! Did you take 1 course at a time or did you double up?

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Not sure if it's the same with MSN, but GCU doesn't allow doubling until after the fourth class. Some will double once but don't it make a habit because it's crazy busy!

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

And no. I did one at a time, but went back to back. Some people take a week or two between classes.

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