I already have a BA and an LPN, is WGU right for me?

Published

I already have a BA and an LPN and I'm wondering if WGU might be an option for me. If so, how long will it take me? I've seen people post their BSN took 6 months, I'm assuming this is an RN-BSN??

Thanks for any help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

The pre-licensure BSN program (which you sound like a perfect candidate for) is only available in five states, California, Florida, Utah, Texas and Indiana. I am a faculty member in this program and would be happy to answer any questions you might have

You do NOT have to live in one of these states, but you DO have to travel there approximately four times/ year for clinical intensives. I have had students in Indiana from Pennsylvania, Michigan and Tennessee. Not really easy- but it can be done. And the program takes 2.5 years. ALL content is delivered online, the price is amazing, and all books are supplied as e=books- included in the tuition.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Why does it take so long if I already have a BA and LPN?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Because you progress with a cohort. There is a single, six month pre-clinical term. You could (conceivably) complete all the work required in this term in just a few weeks. At the end of this term, you begin the clinical component. So, for example, first is CASAL I (med-surg). You complete all the didactic portion (6 weeks if I'm not mistaken) then spend two days in sim lab, then you have a two week long clinical intensive where you work 6, 12-hour shifts 1:1 with a practicing RN in the clinical facility. One CASAL I is complete, you begin this process again for CASAL II. There are a total of eight clinical intensives to be completed over four, six month long terms.

MANY of my students hold down full time jobs during this program.

AGAIN didactic is all online- you could complete this portion as quickly as you like.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Fun fact: WGU has just been named an NLN Center of Excellence for Nursing Education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Look at it this way, an ABSN will cost you easily twice that much (the popular local program here in Indy is $60K!), but take about half as long. The trade-off is that very, very few people can WORK while doing that type of program. Like I said, many- if not most- of my students maintain full-time employment during the program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't afford daycare on an LPN salary which is why I'm looking for something I can finish quickly. Working isnt an option at this point :( there is no way to finish the program faster?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.
I can't afford daycare on an LPN salary which is why I'm looking for something I can finish quickly. Working isnt an option at this point :( there is no way to finish the program faster?

Most likely no. Fastest opion would be an ABSN but it will be costly and you probably won't be able to work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Will any of my BA or LPN courses transfer? Could that shorten the program? Or is the 2.5 yrs after my transfer credits?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

The pre-licensure program is five, six month terms. LPN courses do not transfer. You would likely get credit for some pre-requisite work from your BA (what is your BA in?)- but you still would need to complete that pre-clinical term with your cohort. That's just how the program is set up.

I think your bigger issue right now is being able to work as an LPN. If you 'cannot afford daycare' on LPN pay- that is HUGE. Is there no way around this? Family? Friends? Night shift work?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nope. My husband is a soldier so I'm not near family/friends and he comes and goes so he can't help with the kids. LPN pay is close to minimum wage and day care is 1000-2500/ month depending on where we are stationed.

Why do I need daycare for this program if it's online?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Why don't you look into Excelsior College instead?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion