Kaplan RN to MSN Program?

[Bortaz]

I have a co-worker currently about halfway through this program, and she's been telling me about it. She makes it seem so attractive, d/t the fact that the program does not require all the common English, Lit, History, Government courses most programs require.

As I have very few of those "basic" courses done, not having to take them would be very appealing to me. Of course, Kaplan is VERY expensive...double or triple the cost of most other online programs (UT-Arlington, for example).

The program is regionally accredited, offers MSN in Admin and Education (and maybe Informatics...), has no tests, is 100% online. All very attractive.

So, I guess my question is: What's the catch? Besides the horrendous price tag, what are the other negatives for this program?

Do any of you have any real experience with Kaplan? Anything that I'm overlooking?

Thank you for any information you're willing to share.

[dotsewick]

Sorry...the clinical part is when you go out to various facilities with instructors...find out how many semesters. I did one with each class. Psych, MS, Maternal child, etc. That was 35 years ago, though.

[DNPpat]

Double check about the accreditation; what you want is not 'regional' accreditation or general accreditation. You want a program with national accreditation for nursing education. I believe their BSN programs are nationally accredited, but not sure about their MSN programs. Kaplan has had some very public accusations about misleading students about accreditation (not to say that is the case here, but double check prior to enrollment)

[OfeliaMSN]

Can you tell me anything about the DNP program? Test? Teachers?

[turbo23]

Hi,

I just finished the BSN part of it and in the MSN leadership now and i love it. Kaplan is not a diploma mill univesity. I work my butt and still get a B on my essays and assignments. I've read reviews before on how easy it is and it is not.

I was originally in the NP program but changed my mind to the leadership program. The more and more i interview NPs in the field, the less i want to become an NP.

I want to get out of bedside. I am a recovery room nurse and i love it for now. I have been doing that for over 15 years. I don't see myself doing more clinicals as an NP and seeing over 15 patients a day. I make more than an NP as a staff RN. Also fighting for autonomy and MDs giving you the patients they don't want is not where i want to go.

Good luck!

[travlin]

I would assume that since this post you have completed the informatics program. I am also considering that program. Would you please share your experience and outcomes.

Thanks.

[nurseljcst]

@tlc050505 I'm currently looking into Kaplan's NI program. I received my ASN and my BSN from Kaplan, no complaints here. How did the MSN/NI program work for you?

[nurseljcst]

I am currently in the 4th class of the MSN-Informatics program at Kaplan. I was very scared at first because I was unsure of the whole online thing. The staff at Kaplan are extremely friendly and care about you. The instructors interact on the discussion board and treat you like a person. I got my BSN from one of those "diploma mill" schools. I didn't know it at the time but now do now. That school is now out of business. Kaplan is about $1900 per course.... I am so happy that I chose Kaplan. I think you should try them. They have the 5 week committment where you can try the course for 5 weeks without any committment. You do not pay if you are not happy within those 5 weeks but I do believe you will be happy. Best of luck to everyone. If you have any questions you can contact me. I will gladly speak to you.

I don't think its $1900 per course.