Not qualified for University Program

Is it possible to take a single graduate course as a non-matriculated student? That way you could bump up your GPA as well as get one course "out of the way"...

I got my masters (leadership track) through WGU a couple of years ago and had no problem getting a teaching job in my state with multiple places expressing interest. The nice thing about WGU is that you can go at your own pace as long as you meet the minimum number of required hours per term. You pay by the term, not the course, so if you are able to finish all the courses in one term, then you are only paying for one term. For me, I took the full 2 years to complete my masters because I wanted to absorb the material and still be able to have a life outside of work and school. I found it to be a very positive experience overall. 

Jedrnurse:  I think that would have been a good idea 10 years ago. I have a spouse wanting to retire and I really have backed myself into a corner time wise. As for Checkers08, two Nurse Managers were hired into positions, with the understanding they were to complete their masters and both used WGU. 

I want to move to academia, so I wasn't sure if there would be some upturned noses at those schools, but I am sure I will run into that. If I get going I could probably start by April depending on which online school I decide. WGU is high on the list, but I am considering one that has an accredited DNP that I could possibly push towards once I finish my MSN. My kids will just be graduation high school and neither at the moment are college bound. 

Possible junior college which I could easily afford, but I could focus on my education then. 

Jedrnurse:  I think that would have been a good idea 10 years ago. I have a spouse wanting to retire and I really have backed myself into a corner time wise. As for Checkers08, two Nurse Managers were hired into positions, with the understanding they were to complete their masters and both used WGU. 

I want to move to academia, so I wasn't sure if there would be some upturned noses at those schools, but I am sure I will run into that. If I get going I could probably start by April depending on which online school I decide. WGU is high on the list, but I am considering one that has an accredited DNP that I could possibly push towards once I finish my MSN. My kids will just be graduation high school and neither at the moment are college bound. 

Possible junior college which I could easily afford, but I could focus on my education then. 

On 1/17/2022 at 12:53 PM, Jedrnurse said:

Is it possible to take a single graduate course as a non-matriculated student? That way you could bump up your GPA as well as get one course "out of the way"...

It takes a lot of courses to elevate the GPA.  Most programs that I know of look at the degree GPA and do not consider post-bachelor's courses into that GPA. 

@jax18_mco Have you looked at the US News & World Report rankings for Best Online Master's in Nursing programs and looked further down the list?  Programs 30-50 places down are still great programs. 

There is a faculty shortage, so depending on the type of academic setting there may be less concern about where your degree is from.  You want to be competent in the academic role, so look for a respected regional school as opposed to a national powerhouse.  Also, there is nothing wrong with coming into a program on probation.  Grab it if the program is a good fit for you. 

Last, look closely at the clinical preceptorships to be sure you will have enough time and practice to develop educator competencies in order to have a easier transition to the academic role (the workload is hefty).

Just graduated with MSN ED with Capella in April and am currently interviewing for four positions, I don't think most places care where you get your MSN.