New WGU MSN curriculum

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Hello!

I'm contemplating whether or not I should do NP through a local brick and mortar school or go through WGU's MSN program and then go through a post masters NP program. The brick and mortar route is three years part time and costs 36k. I was hoping I would be able to finish WGUs MSN in 2-3 terms, which would save me

Both money and time since since the post masters programs that I'm looking into are 8-16k, and one year in length. Going to WGU first would also let me take the time to figure out if I want to do FNP or PMHNP. Both interest me, and I could see myself doing either one.

The question is...is finishing the new MSN curriculum in 2-3 terms doable? I've only read bad things about the new curriculum, which kind of makes me wary. For the cost and potential short length of the program, WGU is a steal.

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I'm doing the RN-BSN at WGU now, but have also talked to my mentor about the MSN. The one's who are writing "bad things" about the program, probably only want the MSN. If you plan to do the FNP, ACNP or any other clinical master's, you will need these new courses. The courses are advanced patho, assessment, and pharm. These changes were made by WGU because the ANCC will soon require all MSN programs, clinical or non-clinical, to take these courses. So, if you want a post masters certificate, you will not have to repeat these courses. This will in turn make the FNP shorter and less expensive. Hope this helped out.

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Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

The "bad things' actually are that several of the new classes have low pass rates and appear to be rather poorly associated with the study texts. Also, the new field experience has not been outlined to anyone yet so no one is sure what has to be done. And there's been a few issues with capstone mentors quitting unexpectedly, etc. HOWEVER, I am a WGU fangirl and I am sure these issues will be worked out very soon - WGU is a great school and I had no complaints about the BSN. :) They DO listen to problems and things DO get fixed when needed.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how it goes for other people as they progress in the program

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I disagree that the patho and pharm classes at WGU will be accepted by potential NP programs. At least one I applied to said that these types of courses are not rigorous enough to be accepted into a NP program and would need to be repeated at their school.

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I disagree that the patho and pharm classes at WGU will be accepted by potential NP programs. At least one I applied to said that these types of courses are not rigorous enough to be accepted into a NP program and would need to be repeated at their school.

I had the opposite experience when inquiring to DNP programs in my area. Like anything else, it depends on the specific school.

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Nursenightowl, do you mind telling me what schools you applied for? I am currently attending WGU and considering doing a post masters cert. Thanks.

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Hi nightowl

How do you like WGU? What does the fieldwork and final project entail? Thanks.

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