Utica College online RN-BSN

woodsyny, MSN · Sep 25, 2015

My co-worker did this program a couple of years ago and HATED it. Out of a class of 28, only 8 graduated. She said it was so disorganized it wasn't funny. Many of my co-workers are in Chamberlain and Capella online. I did Ohio university online BSN, but they are no longer taking NY students. I am in Chamberlain online now for my MSN and LOVE this school!

medsurg4ever · Sep 25, 2015

Thanks for your feedback. That's what I'm worried about, enrolling in a program that's going to be disorganized and frustrating. I wonder if it's any better now? Utica 's online program is only in its 6th year from what I understand. Anyone currently enrolled? I also like the Chamberlain program but it's significantly more expensive: 590.00/ credit hour vs Utica's 395.00

woodsyny, MSN · Sep 25, 2015

I have not heard good things about this program, and my co-worker rarely complains about anything. Look at Delhi or Excelsior. They are online. My hospital has an articulation with Chamberlain so we get a 15% tuition reduction. Some of my co-workers are doing Capella and another one is doing Delhi for their BSN and all have reasonable tuition. I did Ohio University, and it was $242/credit when I took it

GatezRN · Sep 25, 2015

I graduated from the online RN-BSN program last December. I really like the program. I had started at UMASS Boston's online program and transferred out after 2 semesters because it was so unorganized. I thought the program at Utica was a good fit for me. I did not find it unorganized at all. The registration process each session was easy. And... I liked the fact that each semester has two sessions. That worked because I could take two classes at one time, but a total of four per semester. I work full-time, plus per diem and have two kids. I found it to be manageable and my success coach was awesome. She always responded to my emails of phone calls quickly. Any online program is going to involve tons of writing and a group project here and there. Group work for online courses is difficult, but it can work. Good luck with whatever you decide!

medsurg4ever · Sep 25, 2015

I graduated from the online RN-BSN program last December. I really like the program. I had started at UMASS Boston's online program and transferred out after 2 semesters because it was so unorganized. I thought the program at Utica was a good fit for me. I did not find it unorganized at all. The registration process each session was easy. And... I liked the fact that each semester has two sessions. That worked because I could take two classes at one time, but a total of four per semester. I work full-time, plus per diem and have two kids. I found it to be manageable and my
success coach was awesome. She always responded to my emails of phone calls quickly. Any online program is going to involve tons of writing and a group project here and there. Group work for online courses is difficult, but it can work. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Thanks for sharing? So what exactly is the "practice experience" Did you have to go onsite somewhere, or can it be done from the hospital where your work?

GatezRN · Sep 28, 2015

I did my practice experience at the hospital where I was working. You have to ask someone to be your mentor and they have to sign a statement that they agree to do it. I did not have to do any outside clinical work. There was a project I think and I had to review the steps with my mentor and have her sign off. It wasn't too bad.

medsurg4ever · Sep 29, 2015

Thanks, that is good to know

Nurse.T_lovesNursing · Nov 13, 2015

Hello Woodsyny, this is off topic here, but I read where you recommend to take stat with Professor S. Is that his first name or last? There are two teaching the class both with s. One is the 1st name the other is the last name. lol. I want to get into the MSN education track but need stat.

rifat05, BSN · Nov 24, 2015

Hello I will be starting Uticas program in January, would you mind telling me what to expect and advice on how to excel in their online classes.

GatezRN · Nov 25, 2015

Hi Rifat05,

The program is manageable even while working and taking care of a family. However, keep in mind that just because a program is offered "online" doesn't mean it will be a breeze. Because the courses through Utica are 8 weeks only, a full semester's work is condensed into that timeframe. There is a ton of reading and at least one paper to write, often more, for each course. Most courses have discussion boards that are graded on number of initial posts, responses, and the content of those discussions. Don't try to skip the reading, but do pace yourself and don't leave it until the last day the discussion posts are due. An online program takes a bit of self-discipline. You do have the option of taking several courses each 8 week session. I mostly took two at a time to finish up, one time I took three and it was overwhelming. I would suggest taking the Human Genetics course by itself. Use your success coach! They can help you choose classes to take together. They know which classes are "writing intensive" and those that have a 29 page syllabus. The program at Utica really was a good fit for me. I actually transferred from the online program at UMASS Boston to Utica because I was not happy. Best of luck to you!!

BenJoe · Nov 10, 2016

Please can you tell me, are ALL the exams ONLINE? and are they "proctored" or "timed" ???