Help....walden or rhode island university

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 26, 2016

I know that the online RN to BSN program at URI is new but the traditional, campus-based RN to BSN program has been in existence for some time and has been well established. I looked into Walden University briefly when I was reviewing graduate school programs but I wasn't sure how its perceived reputation would affect my future ability to secure a position as a faculty member in an academic nursing program.

Just to make it clear, I have no problem with Walden University. I have friends/colleagues who have graduated from Walden and they are great educators/clinicians but unfortunately in some circles it has a reputation as "just one of those for-profit online schools/degree mills". For this reason, I would go with the University of Rhode Island (URI) but I also live in RI and so that contributes to my decision. What part of the country do you live in by the way?

Best of luck with your decision!

!Chris :specs:

rainyrave · Apr 26, 2016

Oh they are both 100% online....I am based in new york. I want to get into the CRNA program in the future, so I am really worried about the school I chose to get my BSN. I don't want any hindrances when I am transferring credits later on down the road. That's another reason why I can't make a final decision.

rainyrave · Apr 26, 2016

Thanks for the reply though. Please check my response belowí ½í±‡

niccikatie · Apr 26, 2016

You should check out how your grades will transfer if you choose the Walden route. I don't know much about their program, but I think it is competency based which usually means transferring at a 3.0. You'll need a higher GPA than that to get into CRNA school. I'm a URI alumni and have no issues with the education I received through their traditional BS program.

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 27, 2016

Oh they are both 100% online....I am based in new york. I want to get into the CRNA program in the future, so I am really worried about the school I chose to get my BSN. I don't want any hindrances when I am transferring credits later on down the road. That's another reason why I can't make a final decision.

I know that they are both 100% online (the URI online RN-to-BSN program is new for them) but URI may have a reputation that is better perceived by some employers/institutions because they actually have a traditional, campus-based program in addition to the online program.

!Chris :specs:

rainyrave · Apr 27, 2016

Thanks. I was thought about that. Is Grand Canyon University Competency based as well, if u don't mind me asking????

rainyrave · Apr 27, 2016

That's the kind of school I am looking for. So it's similar to Stonybrook. Have campus-based program as well as online. Thanks. That really helps

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Apr 27, 2016

Thanks. I was thought about that. Is Grand Canyon University Competency based as well, if u don't mind me asking????[/quote
GCU..nope not competency based....fully accredited and it too has a "real" campus that has a traditional on campus nursing program as well as online......

mrphil79 · Jun 13, 2016

If I have a choice between a public college/university and a for-profit corporation from which to earn a degree - 200% of the time I'd go with the public college: 100% for myself - the other 100% for the energy I'd put in to trying to convince other people to avoid the for-profit option as well.

Wouldn't even put the for-profit school (company) in the line up for consideration.

But that's just me.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Sep 23, 2016

You've probably decided already but I recommend URI..I started the online program 3 weeks ago.

Ruby819 · Feb 5, 2017

Since you are about 5 months into the URI online RN to BSN program, can you tell me what you think about it? Is it difficult to complete classes in 7 weeks? Is the online platform user friendly? Thank you for anything you would like to share!