2nd thoughts about WGU

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So Ive been acccepted to the RN-BSN program at Western Governors University. Tentative start date March 1.

Now Im having second thoughts as to whether it is a respected degree or not. I know it depends on a lot of factors....at first I felt good about its accreditation. Now Im getting cold feet. If you were in HR and saw someone with a BSN from WGU, would you put them at the bottom of the pile?

It doesnt help that when I emailed my director to ask her about tuition reimbursement, her reply was, "Why there? Why not go to UT Arlington?"

Thoughts anyone????

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I work with "degree snobs" and as I posted to another, and they aren't getting anything different that you are from WGU. Who cares where it comes from as long as it fits your lifestyle and you are obtaining an accredited degree? I LOVE WGU, can't say enough good things about it, wouldn't go anywhere else (I researched programs for a full year before I started) and as I have said to others considering online degrees, you get out of it what you put into it. If you can't discipline yourself to study and get the needed information, you won't get anything out of it but a degree. I can tell you right now that it's no cakewalk and you have to work for the material.

On another note, one of the girls I work with just started her BSN program at a NC school (didn't want to have an online school on her resume) and she's taking the same Math (CourseCompass.com) and Nursing Tasks (Taskstream) that I do. Now what does THAT tell you? and she paid 130.00 a credit hour......hmmmm

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In all my years in nursing, no employer has been concerned with my education except in one situation. That situation was because they were happy to get an RN to be. They could have cared less about what school I was attending at the time. Otherwise, all they have cared about was that my license was clear and that I had experience.

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Hi,

Congrats on your admittance! I am hearing about all the degree snobs too. First, getting a seat (the most important for the time being), getting though clinicals and NCLEX is the next hurdle, once you finish, the last thing is getting the job. I feel that as you go through your clinicals build a relationship and get your referrals. Its up to you to make an impression on your employer. I have heard it is more merit based when choosing a candidate for a job position. The plus side is that it is a BSN program.

Socal.

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Socal....Ive already been an RN for 5 years. The program I am enrolled in is RN to BSN....however you are right for those that are still a nursing student. Building relationships and experience during your clinicals is an important aspect.

Kimberlee....what program are you enrolled in?

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Opps, Im sorry. I missed that u were already an RN.

Socal

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Specializes in neurology, cardiology, ED.

I'm thinking about going to WGU for my RN to BSN as well. Haven't heard much about it one way or another, but I do like the idea of working at my own pace. I'm planning on starting in september...

Did your employer agree to pay tuition reimbursement to them? That's my only concern, that my employer will say they'll only pay for a "brick and mortar" university.

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Specializes in Critical Care, staff education.

I'm currently the mentor for clinical faculty at WGU for the pre-licensure program. In my experience as a nurse manager (my master's degree is in nursing administration), I can tell you that your concerns about an on-line RN-BSN degree are unfounded. Most "brick and mortar" nursing schools conduct their RN-BSN classes almost exclusively on-line with a "live" practicum and community health program. So in that sense, WGU is no different than "traditional" nursing schools. The primary determinant of the quality of a nursing program (and your ability to transfer credits to another school) is its accreditation. WGU is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). What's great about WGU is that it is competency based - so things you've learned in clinical setting move you toward your degree more quickly. I'd suggest you also look into our RN-MSN program... you'll receive a BSN along the way but avoid duplication of content.

Best wishes as you extend your professional development!

Mary

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Hello, I am glad to have came upon this thread...I wanted to know how long does it take to complete the RN-MSN program at WGU?? Its great that the program starts each month ..for those that are Rns..any more info would be great ..thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care, staff education.

Check out our Web site at wgu.edu. There's no "set" time frame for completion of the RN-MSN. Since it's competency based, you move at your own pace. You can finish as quickly as you can move through the courses of study demonstrating competence as you go.

Mary

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can you please tell me if this program will transfer to other schools for NP? I really want to do the RN to MSN at WGU but I also want to be a NP and I do not want to have to repeat all my studies.

Check out our Web site at wgu.edu. There's no "set" time frame for completion of the RN-MSN. Since it's competency based, you move at your own pace. You can finish as quickly as you can move through the courses of study demonstrating competence as you go.

Mary

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