Help...looking for advice on RN to BSN online programs

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Mar 28, 2017

My first choice for BSN was Western Governors University because of the cost (around $3500 per 6-month block back then), and the ability to complete the entire program in just one block if you have the motivation and determination. But my A&P did not have a lab component; so I would have had to complete that portion of the sciences. Knowing this was not going to happen for me, I complete Excelsior College's RN-BSN program. It was more pricey that WGU, but this is where I completed my ASN. So, I said what the heck, might as well keep it moving with Excelsior instead to wasting time searching and hoping someone would accept my sciences as is.

JCon · Mar 29, 2017

Thank you for your response! I have had many people tell me about Western Governors University, but I am not able to do that program since they are on a pass/fail grading system and I plan to get my DNP after this. The dnp programs do not accept transcripts from a school with a pass/fail grading system rather than a letter grade. Did you enjoy Excelsior's RN-BSN program, and have you had any issues getting a job with a degree from that college? (I only ask that questions because I have had many people tell me it is hard to get a job with a degree from an online school, but I find that hard to believe with how advanced and common online programs are now).

DeLynn, RN · Mar 31, 2017

I received my ADN from Excelsior and never had any issues with getting a job from that. I am currently in the Capella Flex Path RN-BSN. Like the previous poster I did not have labs for A&P or Micro so I would have had to take them over again with WGU. Also, at the time WGU was not accepting NC residents so that left me out. I will be done with Capella within a year. If you can manage it in 48 weeks it will cost $10,000 total. (Four 12 week sessions). If you have a prior degree you will most likely only need the 11 Nursing courses, which is totally doable in 48 weeks.

AlTennRN · Mar 31, 2017

Univ of alabama

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Apr 5, 2017

Lot of schools to choose from, some well priced and some way out there,lol I attended Grand Canyon University (GCU) and thought it was fine. I think the program was around $17000 in ttl, yes many cheaper options out there and many more $$$ as well. I went with GCU as it was all online, the advisors did not hound me (some schools called/emailed over and over) and they looked over my transcripts very quickly. And al lthe classes pretty much followed the same format:

5 week classes (capstone is now 10 weeks)

2 discussion questions (DQs) due each week. 1 due Wed at midnight, the other Fridsay at midnight. Very easy to do....As wel lyou had to respons to so many of the other students DQs.....

Each week 1 had a paper due by Sunday at Midnight. Every now and then u might have 2 papers due at the end of the week. Avergae paper length I would say was around 1200 words. Sometimes as short as 700, and th elongest Ithink was 2000 (not including Capstone)

Most classes do have a group project (CLC) group size was normally 4-6. And project was usually due in week 4 or 5.

Online classroom was well laid out. Online Library and librarians great as well. 1 could email or during business hours live chat with a librarians for research assisstance.

I think GCU provided 1 with al lthe tools to succeed. I found most of the profs were fine, no real issues with any of them. I believe most of the RN to BSN programs are very similar..all centered on the ability to write papers, and then write a few more papers and for fun group projects.

Just donned on me..I htink there wads 1 class..community health that required some going into the community and doing some research...but not certain about that as I did not have to do that class. I'm sure if u spend some time here on allnurses you will come across some great suggestions for schools. Good luck

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Apr 5, 2017

Thank you for your response! I have had many people tell me about Western Governors University, but I am not able to do that program since they are on a pass/fail grading system and I plan to get my DNP after this. The DNP programs do not accept transcripts from a school with a pass/fail grading system rather than a letter grade. Did you enjoy Excelsior's RN-BSN program, and have you had any issues getting a job with a degree from that college? (I only ask that questions because I have had many people tell me it is hard to get a job with a degree from an online school, but I find that hard to believe with how advanced and common online programs are now).

Incorrect. I have a BSN and MSN from WGU and was accepted in to two dnp programs and a post-MSN CNS program. Go to their website and see the HUNDREDS of schools which have accepted WGU grads for advanced degrees- including CRNA, and NP programs.

Also- no required discussion posts, and NO GROUP PROJECTS! NLN Center of Excellence