Getting MSN Online

oMerMero · Jul 10, 2007

Online masters degrees are becoming more and more popular. I don't know for sure, but I would think as long as it is an accreditted school, you would be ok. Have you looked into the online degree option for Metro State University in St. Paul?

jennieojala · Jul 10, 2007

yes, but Metro requires the GRE and I don't want to have to study for that.

oMerMero · Jul 10, 2007

ah, I know how that goes!

allnurses Guide · Jul 14, 2007

UNM dropped the GRE req the semester after I got in, argghh. They don't treat the online courses any differently than the classroom ones, plus when it comes to the practical part, they help arrange for you to do your clinical hours in a local setting. In my case, for NursingEd., I can do student teaching with the local community college.

I love doing it online, because I work nights, and can do my work when ever I am ready. Rarely we have live chats in class, but most discussion are on message boards. Most of my posts go on well after midnight.

:mortarboard::mortarboard::mortarboard: 2009!

lepew · Jul 14, 2007

I am planning on enrolling in Walden University Sept. 4. THey have an RN to MSN program. I can specialize in ed also.

Has anyone taken any classes from Walden?

Shari

permalink
I have a BSN and I would like to get my MSN and teach nin a 2 year college. I am debating between doing it online (South University) and a local school here in Minnesota.
I am afraid that any future employer would not take a online MSN degree as seriously as a brick and morter institution (although South Universiy also has on campus degrees).
What has been you experience? Do employers care?
Jennie

ann945n, RN · Jul 14, 2007

I know a lot of online degrees will not state its a online degree in your records/diploma ect if the school is actually a real school and you are living in the same state as the school. At least that is how it is working for me.

KimmbaFNP, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 16, 2007

I agree with the last post - many brick-and-mortar schools offer online degrees and there is nothing to indicate whether it was earned online or in a live classroom. HOWEVER, some do make a distinction, such as your degree will say eMBA vs MBA, for example (I use MBA as an example because I obtained mine online through Marylhurst University in Oregon.)

I will say that I have worked for hospitals/departments that frown upon University of Phoenix - not openly or obviously, but they do look at those with U of P degrees less favorably. That's the only one I've ever really known to have a negative impact on an applicant. (Most recently this was at a department at Stanford Hospital, so the Ivy league reputation of the facility may be part of it...)

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Jul 17, 2007

I am planning on enrolling in Walden University Sept. 4. THey have an RN to MSN program. I can specialize in ed also.
Has anyone taken any classes from Walden?
Shari

Hi Shari - I am attending Walden University and find the program to be rigorous and approrpiate for Master's level work. The e-forum is excellent and I think given their research base (because of their doctoral programs) Walden is an excellent choice. Their program is very scholarly and for one that is majoring in Nursing Education - I think it can't be beat. Just my humble opinion. :) Good luck

Trauma Columnist · Jul 17, 2007

I did the University of Phoenix BSN and MSN programs and have had absolutely no issue getting them accepted. I think that the Ivy League schools probably look down their noses at any instituation EXCEPT other Ivy League schools - lol.

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Jul 17, 2007

I did the University of Phoenix BSN and MSN programs and have had absolutely no issue getting them accepted. I think that the Ivy League schools probably look down their noses at any instituation EXCEPT other Ivy League schools - lol.

Hi Judy and congrats on your CNS!!!!

Like you - I graduated from UoP with my BSN and I have never had any issue with getting the job that I wanted. I had no problem getting into graduate school either. I think you are correct in that Ivy League Schools tend to look down to anyone other than their own.

I think online education has afforded a certain class of people the opportunity to go to school sooner than they normally would have. For me as a single father raising three little kids by myself and having the desire to go to school - online provided me with a great opportunity. One that I have been and will continue to be thankful for!

My kids are all now late teenagers and in fact my daughter will graduate from high school this next year. Her and I will actually graduate almost at the same time - she will have her High School diploma and I will have my Master's degree. My kids would not know how to act if dad was not in school - that is all they have seen growing up. Thus - I hope I have instilled how important education needs to be to them all. :)

round2 · Sep 5, 2007

Try looking for a bricks and mortar school that offers online degrees as well. That way no one will know it was an online degree. Places like Penn State, Drexel, and Walden do online degrees...