MSN Reputation: WGU vs. West Coast

[lrobinson5]

I apologize in advance if this has already been addressed (when I searched for this particular topic all that came up was BSN programs).

I've been a nurse for 5 years and have been looking at different programs to obtain my MSN. I want to become an FNP, and there are many ways to get there. I would appreciate any info or opinions on the matter, and writing this out also helps me work through my own thoughts on different programs.

A lot of people have glowing reviews of WGU, and I have coworkers that also had great experiences with this school. I believe they have a pretty good reputation (or at the very least I'm not aware of it having a negative rep.). If I were to go to WGU I would probably enter the MSN- education program and from there get a post-masters certificate for FNP.

West Coast University offers an MSN-FNP program, but I am not sure of the reputation of their graduate programs. I know the BSN program has very mixed opinions, not necessarily because of the quality of nurses they put out, but the fact that they charge the students so much money for their undergraduate degree it is seen as them taking advantage of their students. I was actually surprised that the MSN program is in line with what other schools are charging, but I am worried about the potential stigma.

So if anyone can provide feedback to the above or following questions, I would appreciate it!

1.) If I go with WGU for an MSN in Education, will it be difficult to get a post-master's FNP? (I have read concerns about the 3.0 GPA, but 3 different schools in my area say they accept MSN degrees from WGU)

2.) Are West Coast grads looked down upon? (Either being employed as an FNP or in academia?)

3.) Are WGU grads respected in academia? (MSN in Education)

Thanks for reading ?

[caliotter3]

From what I have heard, West Coast grads are generally looked down upon and some employers discriminate in hiring. I would have to have a pretty compelling reason to choose WCU over WGU.

[lrobinson5]

I think I'm more worried about that than I am with the difficulty of getting into a post master's after WGU.

[featherzRN, MSN]

Have never heard of a problem getting into anything post WGU - however, if you decide to go elsewhere, not a fan of West Coast - they charge an insane amount and don't have a great rep at all. There are TONS of schools out there so look around if WGU is not for you.

[Mursemills]

I will let you know that I am a BSN Grad from WCU. It is a lot of money but there are great staff there that truly care of the quality of Nurse that come from there school. They get a bad rep from what type of nurse they produce because as I learned they believe that all the students just by their degrees. I tell everyone I have met please don't judge me from the WCU students you meet in the past because we know as nurses we are not all the same. I don't know what WGU is but I believe it's what you put into your work is what type of nurse you will be when your finish.

[BiscuitStripes, BSN, RN]

From what I have heard, West Coast grads are generally looked down upon and some employers discriminate in hiring. I would have to have a pretty compelling reason to choose WCU over WGU.

I know a west coast BSN grad who had to work for a while in a LTC/SNF before a hospital finally gave him an opportunity. Only thing we can blame it on is his BSN from West Coast University.

[lrobinson5]

I know a west coast BSN grad who had to work for a while in a LTC/SNF before a hospital finally gave him an opportunity. Only thing we can blame it on is his BSN from West Coast University.

I still am wondering if the MSN degree has a bad reputation. Most people have strong negative feelings about the BSN program that I think carries over to the MSN. I mean, it has regional and CCNE accreditation, it can't be that bad. On the other hand, I guess it doesn't matter what accreditation the school has if the people out there hiring think it isn't a good program.

[Mursemills]

I got a job fairly quick I work in a level 2 ER as a new grad so. The MSN is good and I am looking into it as well

[featherzRN, MSN]

OP, why are those the only two choices? You know WCU is expensive and has an iffy reputation. If you don't want to go to WGU there are TONS of other online MSN programs you can pick instead! :)

[lrobinson5]

OP, why are those the only two choices? You know WCU is expensive and has an iffy reputation. If you don't want to go to WGU there are TONS of other online MSN programs you can pick instead! :)

I really think I want to go to WGU.

As for why I'm not mentioning the many other programs in SoCal, West Coast has more start dates and the price isn't too high (convenience and timing play a large part in this, not really the online aspect). I didn't include this information before, but I am also trying to go to school with my husband at the same time who is just graduating with his BSN. This limits him on what programs are on the table.

Honestly, the more I talk about it the more I'm leaning towards WGU. We'll save money on the MSN and give him time and experience as an RN, which I think will benefit him more than entering any program at this point with no experience.

For a post master's after WGU I would consider a lot of other programs (APU, CBU, and LLU are all in my immediate area just off the to eat of my head).