Ohio University RN-to-BSN Program

Nursing Students Ohio University

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Since it seems that there's quite a bit of interest, I'm attempting to start a new thread devoted exclusively to the OU on-line RN-BSN program that will hopefully build on the comments on assorted previous threads.

I'd like to ask nevergonnagiveup, mtsteelhorse and babynurse73 - all of whom (I think) are either already in the program or have applied for admission - to post about their experiences. I just sent in my application and plan to post periodically about relevant issues. If we can populate the thread with good material, it could become a very useful resource for both those considering the OU program and students already in it. Once that happens, I'd hope we could prevail upon the forum moderators to make it a sticky thread.

As indicated, I've only recently applied to the program. So far, I'm happy with the support and information I've gotten. I've been contacted by an OU "enrollment specialist" who was somewhat helpful (I suspect that they have dual roles, one being to provide basic information to prospective students and the other to follow-up with the prospects and help to fill the roster for the program). This person e-mailed me, followed up with a phone call and was able to provide some useful, if basic, information about the program. I also sent a lengthy e-mail to OU with quite a number of specific, detailed questions. This too resulted in both an e-mail and telephone response, this time from an academic advisor in the OU School of Nursing. Again I received some useful and quite helpful information. All in all, my early experience has been pretty positive.

As indicated above, I plan to post about relevant issues that come up as I work my way through the admission and evaluation process. I'd very much like to hear from others about their experience with OU and I'm sure that there will be a lot of interest by others in our collective experience with the program.

hi! I'm interested in going to doing my BSN online w/ Ohio University. I am currently in California and have taken online classes with National University. How does it compare? How are the quizzes and papers? Are the papers like at least 10 pages? I am on the fence on where to pursue my BSN. any input would be appreciated

Hi Joe V,

I was wondering if u have started the RN to Bsn program at OU Yet ?? I am considering

Applying myself and was looking for any input u might have thanks

Hi Lucy100

I see that u did your RN to BSN online program at OU , and I was looking for some insight into their program. I would appreciate anything you could offer

Thanks , trio825

Hi there, im not lucy but im currently in the program. I just finished the 3rd class and finally have the hang of it that it is somewhat easy now. Its pretty much the same week to week and class to class. As long as you have APA format down (you will learn what to do in first class) you will do good on papers. I took one class each 5 weeks but i think im going to start to do 2 classes now.

Hi Trio825,

I finished the OU online BSN program a year ago so I don't know if anything has drastically changed ( I doubt it). I spent so much time researching online programs before finally making a school selection and getting started. I don't regret picking the OU online program! I especially loved the 5 week format for all nursing classes. If you are motivated you can finish pretty fast, the cost per credit was better than most programs, and there is a strong student support system on facebook. Getting back into the APA formatting was stressful at first but I recommend the software program PERRLA for APA. I would join the online facebook group to get up to date insight on their program. I agree with sillylilly05 that most of the classes have similar requirements (discussion boards and papers). Ultimately I picked OU because I wanted a real brick and mortar school, affordable cost, generous credit transfers, ability to finish in less than 2 years, and a program that fit my work schedule.

Hi Trio825,

I finished the OU online BSN program a year ago so I don't know if anything has drastically changed ( I doubt it). I spent so much time researching online programs before finally making a school selection and getting started. I don't regret picking the OU online program! I especially loved the 5 week format for all nursing classes. If you are motivated you can finish pretty fast, the cost per credit was better than most programs, and there is a strong student support system on facebook. Getting back into the APA formatting was stressful at first but I recommend the software program PERRLA for APA. I would join the online facebook group to get up to date insight on their program. I agree with sillylilly05 that most of the classes have similar requirements (discussion boards and papers). Ultimately I picked OU because I wanted a real brick and mortar school, affordable cost, generous credit transfers, ability to finish in less than 2 years, and a program that fit my work schedule.

Hi lucy100,

Approximately how long did it take you to complete the program? And how many classes did you take at once? I am very interested in the program and I would pick it for all the same reasons you did.

It took me 1 year. I started in June and graduated the following summer. I only took one class every 5 weeks (many students took 2 classes together every 5 weeks). I have a previous non-nursing BS degree and OU was generous with credit transfers. I only needed the required 9 nursing classes and 1 elective (total of 10 classes). Depending on how many classes you need to complete and how many classes you decide to take at once will determine how fast you graduate. One student I knew who also had a non-nursing degree (only needed 10 classes) , took 2 classes every 5 weeks and finished in 9 months!

Were you working while also doing your BSN? Was it difficult if so?

It took me 1 year. I started in June and graduated the following summer. I only took one class every 5 weeks (many students took 2 classes together every 5 weeks). I have a previous non-nursing BS degree and OU was generous with credit transfers. I only needed the required 9 nursing classes and 1 elective (total of 10 classes). Depending on how many classes you need to complete and how many classes you decide to take at once will determine how fast you graduate. One student I knew who also had a non-nursing degree (only needed 10 classes) , took 2 classes every 5 weeks and finished in 9 months!

Were you working while also doing your BSN? Was it difficult if so?

Hi everyone,

I am planning to start OU RN-BSN program, and was wondering what is the best way to plan the program if I am going to take 2 classes at the same time. Are there harder classes that will require more effort than others and it is advised to take them individually? Which classes need to be taken first? If there is no strict requirement, what would be a good idea to take first?

Thank you!

On 12/14/2018 at 11:55 PM, okurilen said:

Hi everyone,

I am planning to start OU RN-BSN program, and was wondering what is the best way to plan the program if I am going to take 2 classes at the same time. Are there harder classes that will require more effort than others and it is advised to take them individually? Which classes need to be taken first? If there is no strict requirement, what would be a good idea to take first?

Thank you!

Hello Okurilen,

What are your thoughts on the program? Are you close to finishing it and how many classes have you been able to manage doing?

On 7/8/2019 at 8:58 AM, LearningLifeLongRN said:

Hello Okurilen,

What are your thoughts on the program? Are you close to finishing it and how many classes have you been able to manage doing?

Hi LearningLifeLongRN,

I like the program and the pace at which I am going. I started in May and already getting close to completing 4 nursing classes. I take 2 nursing classes per 5-week session. It certainly keeps me busy most of the days. If I was working full-time, then I would certainly think twice before taking 2 nursing courses concurrently. It can be a bit time consuming, especially if you are starting out.

They allow you to work ahead. I usually try to stay one week ahead of the schedule. The last week of each session is shorter than the rest, so they really encourage you to complete work ahead of time. If you can afford to take 2 classes each session, you can finish the program very quickly even if you are taking additional classes required to graduate. I found that I my local college offers some of the classes over summer break, so I am taking them online there.

As with all the classes, there are those that require more work than others. NRSE 4510 and NRSE 4570 required a lot of my time, considering I was still getting used to APA format and online classes. Once you get the process, it becomes much easier. I use Perla for APA format, and it has helped me tremendously to speed up the editing process. Once I have the paper written and typed, it takes me around 15 minutes to format it.

They are pretty strict on APA format, and not so much on what you write. TAs are helpful, and respond quickly to your questions. My program advisor is also very quick to respond to my questions and requests.

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