MSN-EL Western University of Health Sciences 2011 Students

summerslippers · Mar 24, 2011

Sadly I will be commuting everyday. It's a 43 minute drive

summerslippers · Mar 26, 2011

Do you guys know if we need a laptop? I kinda only want and can afford a netbook...

meeeshelllie · Mar 26, 2011

hello everyone! i'm michele and i was also accepted to Western. at this point, i've accepted the offer of admission but am still waiting to hear back from 3 other schools. if i attend, i'll be commuting from Rowland Heights, which is about a 15 minute or so drive.

summerslippers, why did you decide to choose western over CSULA? and i don't think you need a laptop necessarily. you can use a desktop as long as it meets the technological requirements required for the web-based portion of the program. you can find what your computer needs here:

http://prospective.westernu.edu/nursing-msn-entry/admitted.html?utm_source=welcome-n&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=stuplan

click on the link that says Computer Technical Standards.

summerslippers · Mar 26, 2011

Hi Michelle! Good thinking... I also deposited as soon as I found out I got accepted. Better safe than sorry right? I choose western u over csula because I found out that csula can't assure that you can get into the FNP prog. And also I guess I am a little biased because I feel more taken cared of in a private school. They answer my questions promptly and clearly. Also I didn't mind that it was more expensive because csula is only $30-40k cheaper. Did you get in csula?

Btw have you applied for fafsa yet? I dont get how stafford loans are connected to it

tweetychick510 · Apr 17, 2011

Hello everyone! I also got accepted into Western University. But I haven't accepted my offer yet because I'm still debating between Western University and Azusa Pacific University. I am concern with the cost of Western and their distance-based learning style. Can someone shed some light on the pros and cons of distance-based learning and why you all decided to go with this program? Any insight on this would definitely help me out soooo much!!! BTW, my name is also Michelle =)

ilnurse15 · Apr 17, 2011

How much more is western than Azuza? Would you have to commute more to one school over the other? How oftn do you use office hours or study sessions? These are some of the questions that I've been asking myself when thinking about western and other shools. I guess it's a preference thing. If you're really concerned about it call the admissions department at western and see if you can talk to someone that has started the distance learning portion and get they're perspective. I hope this helps and congrats on getting in. I'm still waiting.

tweetychick510 · Apr 18, 2011

Azusa is about 35-40K CHEAPER than Western, and Azusa is more highly ranked than Western. I won't have to commute because I will move closer to either campus, depending on which one i decide on going to. ilnurse, we talked in the other forum! =). how come you are so interested in Western? I really liked the simulation lab, but really dislike the distance learning. So what do you think of the distance learning?

ilnurse15 · Apr 18, 2011

I like a lot of things about Western: The simulation lab, the rotations, the MSNE-FNP combined track. In most other schools you have to reapply for post masters programs.

As for distance learning, it's a preference thing. I will say this the only classes that i have gotten a B in have been distance only. I like the idea of working full time and having seminars a couple of times a year, but I'm cautious about the idea of being completely on my own most of the time.

ilnurse15 · Apr 18, 2011

Plus the benefit of office hours and study sessions are off the table with complete distance. I almost forgot about that. I use those resources frequently, if you don't then it's not a big deal to not have them offered.

Bblue11 · Apr 18, 2011

You forgot to mention religion. Azusa is a Christian school whereas Western is not. So if you are not religious you'd have to be comfortable with it because Christianity will probably be incorporated into every aspect of learning at Azusa. Their motto is "God First Since 1899". On another note, I view Western's distance-based learning as a pro. I've taken several online classes and always done very well. I like the independence and communicating with others through technology. And since the classes are online I could potentially move anywhere in the country to finish my degree.

tweetychick510 · Apr 18, 2011

Thank you very much Bblue11 for responding to my question! Please refresh my memory, did you also commit to Western University and will be attending Fall2011? Yes, I've read on different forum sites that Azusa does incorporate religion in their teaching, that's why I am most concerned about going there. But Azusa does have a higher reputation and a higher ranking than Western and is MUCH MUCH cheaper. Do you think I should factor in the costs of the schools in making my decision? I've talked to a friend who recently got a job as an RN and he told me that only 10% of his class got a full time job and the rest are jobless with so much debt. He's worrying me a little and told me to go to the school with a higher reputation which costs lesser so that i dont have to be financially burdened later on when I graduate. So what do you think?

ilnurse15 · Apr 18, 2011

That's something you will have to decide, for me, I think going to a school where you can get a Master's degree and still have the post master program without having to reapply is key. Cost is less of a factor for me, I'm more worried about how difficult the program will be and if I think that it's the right fit for me. How long do you have to decide between the two? Are you in a position to deposit to both to buy you more time to think?