Do any WGU graduates have jobs?

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Lots of in-school threads, but anyone here a graduate of the program with an actual nursing job because of the degree they obtained at WGU? I know someone who is thinking of doing the bridging program, and I'm just wondering if a well-known, prestigious hospital is going to question a degree from this school.

Thanks.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
That's great for you, and I am glad you had such a good experience.

That being said, I am surprised you find it surprising that people are wary. I don't hire people, but I have heard anecdotally of people not being able to get jobs or paying exorbitant amounts of money to get a degree they can't use. As nurses, it would be unwise to not have some corroboration or evidence when making a decision about furthering one's education, which is why I checked in here.

I seem to have struck a nerve, and that was not my intention, but let's be honest, some online programs ARE looked down upon, weather or not they deserve to be... hiring managers make that decision, not the person who went through the program.

But thanks for your insight and congrats on your publications.

You really should do your own research instead of making judgements about something you 'heard anecdotally'.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I know you didn't mean to offend, Mindy, but yes, you did strike a nerve with many of us.

Some online programs are shady and have a bad rep for being a diploma mill. WGU is not one of them. Many of us grow weary of defending our alma mater.

It's good that you're doing your research.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
I know you didn't mean to offend, Mindy, but yes, you did strike a nerve with many of us.

Some online programs are shady and have a bad rep for being a diploma mill. WGU is not one of them. Many of us grow weary of defending our alma mater.

It's good that you're doing your research.

Yeah, that's what you have to do on AN, is defend your school. Frustrating, isn't it?:sniff:

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Yep, got a job! Just graduated from their prelicensure program and had absolutely no problem finding a job. In fact, my interviewers were WGU alumni (small world). I chose WGU not just because it was online because I liked their model. It wasn't just cheaper and more flexible. The education was better! I can compare that because I was in a traditional program before and did not complete it due to family obligations, but I can assure you I am a far better nurse than I would have been in any other program. WGU focused on the real skills, not the skills that sound important, but the ones that really are important. Their focus was on critical thinking, research, patient care, and prioritization. I could not be more proud to be a WGU alumni and I had absolutely no problem finding employment nor have most of my classmates.

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Specializes in Management, Med/Surg, Clinical Trainer.

Another WGU graduate here...and no regrets. The program is solid and the support is very good. I chose the school because I liked how the program allowed so much flexibility.

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A person who is at the point of obtaining an MSN, should be astute enough to distinguish the reputable online programs from the "paper mills". If not, then they probably deserve any problems they might encounter in the job market.

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Specializes in hospice.
A person who is at the point of obtaining an MSN, should be astute enough to distinguish the reputable online programs from the "paper mills". If not, then they probably deserve any problems they might encounter in the job market.

Ouch. Pretty sure that was both barrels.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I don't disagree with Caliotter.

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I'm another happily employed WGU graduate!

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I think it's funny to come here and ask that kind of question when you have your mind already set. There are some NP programs out there that are online as well and from very prestigious universities so in your eyes those May be considered "wary". I don't get why someone that got their BSN at WGU has to be question about the kind of job they can do, Aren't they nurses? I'm not a WGU student but I'm a future one and I did my research but I find this very offensive, there are plenty of LPN workings on LTC, it might be more acceptable if someone who's trying to belittle WGU asked about being able to work on ICU but LTC, really? This is Mind blowing.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Most employers in my area only care about the letters (BSN, MSN etc.) not the name of the school.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Another happily and very lucratively employed WGU grad here.

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