Finding an RN-BSN program may be difficult but it is possible. Many organizations require ADN's to obtain their RN-BSN within a certain time frame. For many, due to life circumstances, this may be difficult to nearly impossible to finish. This article serves to inform the community how I made my decision and what impacted my decision.
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Choosing an RN-BSN Program that Fits Your Lifestyle
Choosing the best RN-BSN program can be really tough to do. We have lives, children, work, and more outside of school. What if I told you that looking for programs that fit your lifestyles are not really all that hard? What if I told you that there are options?
Just like any school where you are investing the most of your money and time you need to be diligent in looking for a program. Some online programs may not be accredited in your state. Identify what is important to you in searching for a program. Make sure that the program is accredited in your state.
Program 1: Major University in the Milwaukee area. (Name not mentioned to protect privacy of school)
Pro: One program required self-study and to basically take multiple tests to pass the program. This program required you to sign up for your specific classes and you take them until you pass. The thing is if you signed up for 4 classes you were taking just those 4 classes and it would be simultaneously. Program was 2800 a semester and was NOT based on credit per hour. You chose your pace! PLUS PLUS PLUS!
Con: You sign up for multiple classes and if you don't complete them they go into the next semester causing you another 2800. The classes do not generate and if you finish those classes mid semester you have to pay another 2800 for the next semester. I have test taking anxiety. I hate tests, I get palpitations and sweats. I honestly would start crying for no reason because my emotions are so high. Getting in contact with this school academic department was HORRIBLE. I do not agree with this, you have someone interested in YOUR program willing to pay the money. I want my questions answered if I am going to invest in your school. Even though 2800 is not a lot compared to other schools it is still my money and I would like to have some type of communication. I left multiple voicemails trying to get in contact with someone and did not hear back for a week. Trust me I know busy is busy I work in the ER. I can understand. But I Just would like to know about your program. I did hear this about this program prior to looking into it; I just did not want to give in to the gossip because there are numerous reasons why someone may talk bad about a school. One experience may not be the same as others. So playing the devil's advocate take each review with a grain of salt because you never know, your experience may differ from someone else's. This is just my experience attempting to get into this program. Another thing is that the application process was absolutely viscous. Attempting to sign up for the school was just terrible guys. I just can't even continue with this just know this program was not for me.
Program 2: Capella University-Flex Path
Pro: Program is assignment based and is self-study. Just like program 1 there is no dedicated time to finish. You finish at your own pace. Realize the longer you take the more money you spend for the program. It is 2700 for the semester which is also not based on credit per hour. This program is assignment based. No testing, it is just assignments that you take. They are research assignments and are a mix of papers and power points. You choose your pace!
You do not have to sign up for all your classes that you want to finish in a semester. As you complete your assignments for your current class your next class would generate. This gives you a chance to focus on one class and still have the option to finish more classes. So if you're diligent with completing your assignments you have the potential to finish all your assignments in less than a year. Oh and they were super easy to get into contact with. I got a response right away and started the process right away. Their online system was easy to navigate and it allowed me to determine if this program was for me.
Con: RESEARCH!! Guys this program is great but it requires a lot of research which is very important as you advance your career. The most important thing is that you're familiar with researching information because it can become overwhelming at times.
My Choice
Of course I choose the Capella Program because it was the right program for me. I finished the program in 6 months. GUYS 6 MONTHS!! 12 classes in 6 months. It took time and dedication but I finished. My first semester in the program, I completed 3 classes because I did not know how the program would go, so I was trying to be cautious about my time. I was also thinking about how it would fit into my personal life. My second semester I was like GIRRRRLLLLLL you got this. I spent the weekends off just knocking out homework and researching. Yes, yes, yes, it was a mess. It took a lot of time but I did it and you can get your RN-BSN degree too.
Food For Thought
One thing to remember is that this is my personal experience with choosing schools. This may not be the same for everyone. So when searching for schools does your research!! Determine if it's not going to be a fit for you. Make sure the school in your area is going to be accredited because that is your license and your money.
Learning is different for everyone. Take all comments and reviews with a grain of salt, even my review because it's my personal experience. Understand that many reviews may be bias. Do not let reviews deter you from something that you're interested in. Just make sure to do your research about the program before applying.
