Finished my MSN this morning - ask me anything!

Nursing Students Western Governors

Updated:   Published

I completed the final oral defense for my MSN through this morning. I also have my BSN from WGU.

Completed RN-to-BSN in one, six month term, and the MSN in 11 months and five days (not that I'm counting!)

Two degrees for under $10K out of pocket, including books. (I received a total of $2K in scholarships)

So----- I'm going to put myself out there and if you would like info about either program from a recent grad -hit me up!

Specializes in Developmental disability, Psychiatry.

WOW!!!! congrats to you.

I was just researching that school, because i'm almost done with my BSN ( grad date June 2015), and I wanted to get my MSN at somewhere affordable.

My question is how is their school format like, because i'm still confuse by it all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

My question is how is their school format like, because i'm still confuse by it all.

Each term is six months long. Tuition is a flat rate per term ($3250ish). You are required to complete a minimum number of credits per term (8 for the MSN program, which is typically about 3 classes). You can complete as many credits/classes beyond that as you want in each term, which is why people are able to accelerate through the program and finish it quickly.

Each class has a number of tasks that you must do - typically 2-4 tasks. A task might be a paper, a powerpoint presentation, or sometimes a proctored exam. Once you've completed the tasks, and they are deemed acceptable by the graders, then you've completed the class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi I will be starting RN-MSN education in September. So excited but nervous too. Please PM me if you are currently enrolled or have completed this program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This is what I am doing. I have a prior BS in another field and was able to complete an accelerated ADN program because I had a degree already. I am going to start WGU in the fall and try to complete the RN to MSN program as quickly as possible.

A BSN was never in the cards for me. I don't see myself settling after I get an MSN anyways so I figured this bridge programs are the best bet for me.

I remember the first semester of nursing school my instructor said she did university of phoenix's online RN to MSN program and she said "If anyone tells you 'you need a BSN' they're lying. I am walking proof that you do not need a BSN."

I hope to be able to say the same !!

Just saw your response! Thank you for your advice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well, sure, if you have an MSN. But between an ADN and a BSN, yeah, you need the BSN.

Honestly where I work there is zero incentive or push for a BSN. Or an MSN really but I want to do it for myself. I enjoy my job, but wish they encouraged personal development a little more.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hi - im curious - did you already have a bachelors before you applied for the rn to bsn? is that why you were able to finish so fast?

also how is your online degree received by the field when you are looking for jobs? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

My online MSN through (not done yet, but will be done within a month) has been very well received. I have encountered NO stigma attached to completing an online program. In fact, the large corporation that owns the hospital at which I am currently in the interviewing process for a director-level position actually has a partnership with WGU for their nursing staff.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
My online MSN through WGU (not done yet, but will be done within a month) has been very well received. I have encountered NO stigma attached to completing an online program. In fact, the large corporation that owns the hospital at which I am currently in the interviewing process for a director-level position actually has a partnership with WGU for their nursing staff.

So how long did it take for your to complete the MSN?"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
Each term is six months long. Tuition is a flat rate per term ($3250ish). You are required to complete a minimum number of credits per term (8 for the MSN program, which is typically about 3 classes). You can complete as many credits/classes beyond that as you want in each term, which is why people are able to accelerate through the program and finish it quickly.

Each class has a number of tasks that you must do - typically 2-4 tasks. A task might be a paper, a powerpoint presentation, or sometimes a proctored exam. Once you've completed the tasks, and they are deemed acceptable by the graders, then you've completed the class.

How long will it take to complete the RN to MSN? I have an associates but a bachelors in another area. I work 3 days per week. How far along are you in the program?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I'm about two weeks away from completing the MSN. I did it in stages: RN-BSN, then the MSN separate.

It took me 18 months to do the BSN, and 26 months to do the MSN. If I had not procrastinated, I could have easily done the BSN in 12 months and the MSN in 18.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care,rapid response.

I'm working on the ADN-MSN bridge program. The video proctoring is no big-deal, really. They have you turn the camera around 360 degrees to see the environment. Anything with writing needs covered up, so I keep a small linen cloth draped over the side of my bulletin board that I tack up. They give you a version of a "Do Not Disturb" card to put on your front door. I close my pets up in another room. Of course the phone needs to be quiet and out of sight. They provide you with a white board and pen for doing problems, writing things on,etc. You can see your proctor. Once you get permission to start, it's not like this constant eagle eye on you -- they're sitting at a desk also. I just send out a group text to anyone I think may be contacting me or stopping by and let them know I'm about to embark on a test .

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know that this is an old post, but I have a few questions. I am looking into the MSN education program, I currently have a BSN. I work in pediatrics. Do they help you start your capstone project the first semester and keep following it along until your finish the last semester? Can your give me some ideas on how involved the capstone project is does it involve lots of stats and quantitative/qualitative research. I want to finish all the other courses so I can focus on this theses/capstone. How do you defend it. Who is involved in the final meeting for the defensive. Trying to decide how much time I need for this project and what time of year would be best to start. Can you finish the program in less than a year if you work hard at it? Thanks for all your input.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment