Is Capella University a good choice for masters in nursing education?

[LaborRN3]

I'm looking into getting my masters in nursing education and my hospital has a partnership with Capella making it the hands down most affordable option. I have some concerns though because it's an online for profit school and accepts nearly everyone. They are CCNE accredited, which I would think makes the degree and program legit, but I was hoping to hear from people who graduated from there and if their degree held up to those with degrees from traditional non profit schools. The person I talked with on the phone was very nice and explained the program to me without trying any sales pitches or pressure to start right away. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

[random_nurse12]

I would not recommend a for-profit for anyone. Don't think of only the short-term. Think long-term. If you want to teach you may not be able to in certain institutions. If you pursue a doctorate you may be locking yourself into attending another for-profit.

Do you receive tuition reimbursement? Why not a state university? Capella is expensive that even with a discount it is difficult for me to picture it as the most affordable option.

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

I have a slightly warped view of Capella from my time managing VA and GI Bill students. We found that the RN-BSN program had an abysmal completion rate.

When looking at online programs there are two types. The ones that are traditional but online that follow a semester and then the competency based programs. The competency based programs don't have the time constraints. You can push through as fast as you can get the job done which means if your motivated, you can do it fast and "cheap"

Like mentioned above, it's hard to recommend and for profit schools. It would have to be a huge discount like an MSN for $6-$7k complete before I'd recommend one. Keep in mind their primary function is to make money, not educate you.

That being said, you will get out of any program what you put into it. IF the hospital is paying for it, and your willing to commit to working off whatever commitment you'll entail, then go for it. At my age I don't want to commit to anything for very long. I'd look into one of the competency based programs like WGU and SNH.

[katiej84]

I got my MSN through Capella. I had a great experience and my MSN has opened a lot of doors for me. They were very supportive and I learned a great deal, and the flexibility of the program worked perfect for me and my busy schedule. I've also encountered more and more colleagues with degrees from Capella.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

^^ one time poster

[elkpark]

If you don't mind having a degree from a known "diploma mill," that is going to cause lots of people to roll their eyes and smirk over the remainder of your career, go for it! :)

[Buyer beware, BSN]

I got my MSN through Capella. I had a great experience and my MSN has opened a lot of doors for me. They were very supportive and I learned a great deal, and the flexibility of the program worked perfect for me and my busy schedule. I've also encountered more and more colleagues with degrees from Capella.

The above poster has an outlier opinion. Every organization has a right to one.

I offer this article for you to read about the rogues gallery of schools which might help you make a wise decision in selecting a school. As you have mentioned Capella is CCNE is accredited. This is just another example of the uselessness of evaluating a school by this single highly questionable standard of quality.

Colleges Sanctioned by Government Organizations

[wayemika]

As someone working on the RN to MSN program now and is on her last class I can say I have enjoyed my time at this school so far. The professors are consistent and how they grade in the nursing program and are clear of the expectations, if I have questions or need some sort of clarification I can get it from them. Now this is just for nursing and for the BSN and MSN programs. I don't know much about the PhD program as of yet because I don't start until April. I have herd from other students that the PhD programs at Capella are tough and time consuming. Although this makes me a little nervous I understand that it's not something that is supposed to be easy. I think that's why so many people start online school and then leave.

[Bumex, DNP, NP]

As stated before, I would avoid for profit schools. If you want to be in academia, the for profit status can follow up around. I've gotten more classes to teach over another faculty member (MSN for me and a PhD from a for profit for her). She has been passed over time and time again for promotions, lecture classes, and other desired spots due to a multitude of reasons- one that has been mentioned is her PhD and MSN were both from for profits. Just something to think about.

[wayemika]

I will just say it depends on the place you are applying to. If it's a place that feels online degrees and for profit schools are bad then the person in charge of hiring you could pass you up. But also keep in mind the stigma behind the online and for profit schools is going away. More and more places are looking at what you can bring to the table as a team player and looking at all the credentials you hold.

[txbootsy]

That sounds like a personal problem over an educational institution problem. The people over you are snooty and pompous and judgmental. I attend Capella, and it is NOT easy, and we put in many hours per week to write our papers, complete projects, take quizzes, and post discussions.

I feel that if your BSN was from a top school, graduate degrees are just from effort.

[txbootsy]

Also remember if a university is NOT a state school, it is for profit, including Ivy league schools. FYI