Disadvantages of WGU?

designer-mommy, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2013

Main disadvantage--you have to be working as an RN to even get your foot in the door, yet most employers don't even give you a chance if you don't have your BSN. Other than that it seems awesome, which is why I'm so upset about the fact that I can't get in. If you're considering getting your MSN you might have trouble at some schools since WGU will only give you a 3.0 GPA. If you're trying to get in a school that has a very competitive admission process you might fall short because of that.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Oct 13, 2013

I have both my BSN and MSN from WGU- and the so-called disadvantage of getting into other MSN programs is falling by the wayside. WGU BSN grads are being accepted into lots of MSN/ NP programs. I personally know of grads accepted into Gonzaga, USI Evansville and others.

Online BSN programs are so common now- don't worry about it.

boogalina, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN · Oct 13, 2013

Just got word that a former coworker, who earned her BSN and MSN from WGU, has been accepted into an NP program. Doesn't look like WGU hurt her, and probably helped her, since she was able to earn these degrees while working full time in acute care!

Boox · Oct 16, 2013

Thanks for the help. The answers were exactly what I was looking for. I spoke with a WGU representative today and she told me I can apply for their BSN program as long as I have an "active R.N. license." She said I can apply as soon as I get my NCLEX result, but I got an email from a WGU counselor that I'd have to be working as an R.N.

I guess I'll have to get a job first.

designer-mommy, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2013

Awww man, I got excited when I first started reading your post and saw the part about an "active RN license," but then I saw that another person said you'd have to get a job first. Bummer.

Good luck with the NCLEX! Have you taken it yet?

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2013

Just apply

Murse901, MSN, RN · Oct 25, 2013

The trend these days, at least in my region, is that RN-to-BSN programs are most often online. When looking at furthering your education, I think that experience will weigh more than where or how you got your BSN, so long as your BSN is accredited.

I graduated with my BSN from WGU in May. I am currently enrolled in my local university's FNP program. I was accepted into the program before I even graduated. I think that my experience played a bigger role in my acceptance than the fact that I simply had a BSN. A colleague of mine graduated with honors from a well-known local health sciences college, but her application was denied for two years straight. She was finally accepted this fall. I was accepted on my first go around, likely because I had six years of nursing under my belt (both as an RN and an LPN) and four years experience as an EMT.

allnurses Guide · Oct 27, 2013

I don't know ANYONE who is doing RN to BSN in a brick and mortar situation. Literally every single person I know is doing it online.

MatrixRn · Nov 4, 2013

Same here. Everyone I know is doing ADN to BS online. It is a much better way to go.

And to answer the original question --- A BSN from WGU is equal to degrees at other schools. They are accredited by CCNE, just like other schools.

Guest757854 · Dec 21, 2013

I don't know ANYONE who is doing RN to BSN in a brick and mortar situation. Literally every single person I know is doing it online.

I totally agree!!!

PatMac10,RN, RN · Dec 22, 2013

I also know no one doing a campus based RN to BSN program. Only one university near even offers an on campus option, almost every other school in the state has switched to either solely online, or at least have an online option, both public and private schools.