Need Help choosing online BSN program

[Windynurse]

I am struggling with choosing an online RN to BSN program. I prefer a short term, self guided, inexpensive program. I have another Bachelor's degree. I am hoping not to have to take extra courses if not necessary. Any input would be much appreciated!

[777RN, BSN, RN]

Congrats on taking the plunge and getting conditionally accepted, Windynurse!

I do not personally know anyone who has gone through the Granite State or Ohio University RN-BSN program, though many nurses on this site have gone through Ohio U's program. I believe Granite State is brand new, so I haven't seen any posts on it yet.

As far as Granite State's program is concerned, from what I've read, those with a previous bachelor's or master's degree are required to take only nursing courses. However, I am counting 7 of them:

NUR 602 (under early course group), NUR 603, NUR 604, NUR 607, NUR 608, NUR 606, and NUR 650. Five would be even better!

Nevertheless, despite the one-size-fits-all GPA, I keep getting pulled to WGU, due to the lure of the low price and work-as-fast-as-you-want pace. I also really liked the Notre Dame College program, based on what's on the website. However, I did find a discrepancy between what's posted on the Web and what the school emailed me directly. Unfortunately, not all the requirements and details are listed on the Web, so I find that a bit misleading. For example, 9 nursing courses are listed as required, but there's no mention of a nursing elective, theology course, or 36 credits in residence requirement.

Anyway, good luck to you and please keep us posted!

[Windynurse]

Thanks again Wendyyvonne!

I think you are right about Granite State being 7 classes. I was reading that I might get credit for my NCC certification, but now I see that it is probably just a General Elective credit. All the same, it still seems like a good program. They state that they waive ALL other prerequisites for a second Bachelor's degree. Ohio U is not an option for me because I guess they aren't taking applications from California at this time.

I agree with you about WGU. It sounds so intriguing to just jump in and get it done. One of my co-workers went there and she highly recommends it. I just have a thing about a brick and mortar institution with a real GPA.

This is such a difficult decision to make. When I called WGU and Grand Canyon, they didn't seem to be that well informed about what I would really need. Same with UTA, although that one is still appealing. I looked at Notre Dame, but there seem to be ALOT of prerequisites if you read between the lines.

Please keep me posted on what you find out and if you decide on a program.

For now, in case I follow through with Granite State, I got a book, "Psych Statistics for Dummies," lol, to help me prepare for their research class. I also found a few online free lectures through UC Berkley and U of Michigan. Granite State does not require you to take Statistics if you have another Bachelor's. It can't hurt, even if I do end up taking Statistics somewhere else.

That's it for now.

Windynurse

[777RN, BSN, RN]

Hi again!

For what it's worth, Grand Canyon University is a for-profit institution, which completely rules it out for me. While I understand the draw to for-profit institutions, as they often don't make students jump through as many hoops their non-profit counterparts, they tend to be exorbitantly overpriced and are often not looked favorably upon by the workplace or academia. Plus, a bunch of them are in big trouble right now.

Anyway, Against All Odds: Inside Statistics is a fabulous video series on statistics, which I took for my first bachelor's and just recently in my master's program. I hope you find it as informative as I did.

Best,

Wendy

[Windynurse]

Thanks!

Great info! So much to consider! The search is not over!

Windynurse

[Raviepoo]

University of Texas at Arlington. The largest nursing school in the nation. Part of the public University of Texas system. Online RN to BSN consists of 8 nursing courses, 35 hours at $257 per credit hour for a total of $8995.00. Classes are 5 weeks long, with rolling admissions every 6 weeks. It takes 9 months to finish. CCNE and regional accreditation in place. I might have found a winner.

[Windynurse]

Hi Raviepoo.

I may be gravitating toward that one (UTA) too! I was hesitant because of the extra classes they require, but compared to the other programs, it does seem to be a front runner. Granite State was looking good, but after closer review, each class is a whole semester long, and a minimum of 4 credits. There is a strict sequence to taking each class. It would actually take longer to complete. It may be a scratch after all.

Still searching.......

The second time I called UTA, I spoke with Miesha. She was very helpful and reviewed all of my previous coursework with me on the phone. I will get credit for my RNC certification which counts as one nursing class. She offered me conditional acceptance to begin the Professional Nursing class (6 CR) while waiting for my transcripts to arrive and be evaluated.

I'm still considering WGU, but UTA definitely has a good reputation, GPA, and a brick & mortar presence.

Let me know what you decide and why. It is so stressful being in limbo!

Windynurse

[armezaRN, ADN, BSN]

I have been looking at Colorado Mesa University but can't seem to find any extra info here on the website. I called and it seems completely doable, affordable, and not many extra classes. I would be done in about 14 months. Anyone else have any experience with them? I too was gravitating towards WGU but something tells me I really want my own unique GPA.

[Raviepoo]

I applied to UT Arlington a few days ago. I haven't requested all my transcripts and I don't have an answer about what I need to take. I'll keep y'all posted.