Nursing BSN at WGU

featherzRN, MSN · Apr 22, 2015

I went to excelsior for ASN and WGU for BSN. They are very similar but WGU is much cheaper. NO HIDDEN COSTS.. no giant graduation cost like excelsior (when you graduate, you get a diploma and two transcripts, no extra cost).

The only fees other than the ones you pay at the beginning of the term would be if you don't pass a test after two tries -it's $60 for a third try, which I think is fair enough. Books are provided in e-book format (no extra cost).

IF you did excelsior's micro and a/p (no lab), wgu will make you re-take them with a lab. No worries, it's easy. And the lab kits they send you are also at no extra charge.

If you look at the pdf file on the wgu website for the RN to BSN program it will tell you which ones are 'performance assessment' and which ones have proctored exams.

If you liked excelsior's format, wgu is very similar for the bsn, whereas the excelsior BSN is completely different (and more expensive).

Looking into obtaining my BSN through WGU. Just completed an ASN program online with Excelsior so without a doubt I'm up for the challenge of independent schooling. I've spoke to an advisor who I honestly wasn't impressed with. Have a few questions hoping to get answers for before making a final decision and jumping in.
1. Other than the term cost what other costs are there? Have the application done. Any graduation costs or so forth?
2. Which classes have proctored exams and which don't? Advisor couldn't answer that...makes me wonder why they have them speak to prospective students.
Amy advice/suggestions or helpful information would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

ScudderRN31 · Apr 22, 2015

I went to excelsior for ASN and WGU for BSN. They are very similar but WGU is much cheaper. NO HIDDEN COSTS.. no giant graduation cost like excelsior (when you graduate, you get a diploma and two transcripts, no extra cost).
The only fees other than the ones you pay at the beginning of the term would be if you don't pass a test after two tries -it's $60 for a third try, which I think is fair enough. Books are provided in e-book format (no extra cost).
IF you did excelsior's micro and a/p (no lab), wgu will make you re-take them with a lab. No worries, it's easy. And the lab kits they send you are also at no extra charge.
If you look at the pdf file on the wgu website for the RN to BSN program it will tell you which ones are 'performance assessment' and which ones have proctored exams.
If you liked excelsior's format, wgu is very similar for the bsn, whereas the excelsior BSN is completely different (and more expensive).

Awesome, thanks! How long did it take you to complete the BSN?

featherzRN, MSN · Apr 22, 2015

Awesome, thanks! How long did it take you to complete the BSN?

My experience is not typical- I did nothing but school and work and got done in a little over three months. From anecdotal evidence only (from here and facebook), my guess is most people finish within 6-months to one year. Some go through a lot quicker, some longer - just depends on how much time you are able to give it.

ScudderRN31 · Apr 22, 2015

My experience is not typical- I did nothing but school and work and got done in a little over three months. From anecdotal evidence only (from here and facebook), my guess is most people finish within 6-months to one year. Some go through a lot quicker, some longer - just depends on how much time you are able to give it.

Want it done ASAP and once I jump in will be willing to go full force to make it through. Finished Excelsior's program from start to finish in 11 months which includes a 3 month wait for CPNE

viperblue72 · Apr 25, 2015

Same story here. I'm 39 credits down in 55 days at WGU. You learn a lot, get credit at an affordable rate for knowledge you have or pick up quickly. I LOVE it. The lab kits were actually pretty cool, so the labs aren't a big deal-most of it is somewhat hypothetical responses anyway.

ScorpioRN18 · Apr 27, 2015

I also did my ASN at Excelsior been an RN for 6months. Hoping to Finish this program in 6 months and apply for Frontier FNP program in Oct for Jan 2016 start. Yes I'm on the move.......

ScudderRN31 · Apr 27, 2015

I also did my ASN at Excelsior been an RN for 6months. Hoping to Finish this program in 6 months and apply for Frontier FNP program in Oct for Jan 2016 start. Yes I'm on the move.......

My plan is 6 months too..taking a little break though. Let me know how it goes! Best wishes

Sade Murphy · May 6, 2015

My experience is not typical- I did nothing but school and work and got done in a little over three months. From anecdotal evidence only (from here and facebook), my guess is most people finish within 6-months to one year. Some go through a lot quicker, some longer - just depends on how much time you are able to give it.

How many courses in a edition to the core did you need there?

Nurse.Gina · May 16, 2015

How did you get everything like the Capstone done in 3 months? Help a sister out! :)

viperblue72 · May 18, 2015

How did you get everything like the Capstone done in 3 months? Help a sister out! :)

Heres a response I sent to another student, I also posted some detailed stuff on another post a few weeks ago.

Each class is a bit different but your mentor may provide extra guidance or help through extra docs or docs that are no longer available publicly-mine did this for some. For instance, while biochem can be a bit complicated, they jut took down the most helpful videos, so my mentor save them for future students. Do the reading. My best suggestions were in the post, but each class has different approaches and once you know some of your first classes, I can maybe give you a bit more advice. If you have access to two monitors that can be a huge help. I didn't but wished I did. Microsoft one note is great for copy/paste note taking on the fly. Use a speedtest to check your wireless speed as some things are slow to download or upload but might be quicker through an Ethernet connection. Just can save time to have that ready ahead of time if applicable. If you have the classes with labs, order them before you start ANY class. Also do the asynchronous cohorts, better than waiting on "class" discussions.