On-Line RN-BSN Programs: Which would u chose?

Saifudin · Nov 29, 2008

I don't know if I can help but perhaps I can offer some of my experiences going through the same question.

I searched for several years, off and on. I'm working overseas so that was one issue. I think I have seen most programs on-line but every once in a while when you keep digging something new pops up besides that ever-annoying grouping of Phoenix, Kaplan, et al...ad nauseum!

I settled on a masters in health adm. and although I am just at the mid-point, I would like to be doing an MSN. I need a bridge and could not find that 'magical', need no stats, grants experience, minus community health, etc. The main problem is the practicum components. I didn't think that I could find a place to do practicals but in hindsight it may have been possible. Well, I have put in five semesters and $6000 out of pocket so I'll finish. I'm hoping my 30 years, NP certification and BS along the MS will be worth something, especially when I return to the States.

Online works quite well but at the moment I am finishing a course in Theory Based Research. Very tough for me online. I can't teach myself about linear regression..it needs a classroom, other than that the other courses have worked out well.

I found Phoenix costly and I don't know how much you can learn if you do an accelerated program with courses only 6 weeks. My courses are 12 weeks and does offer a good bit of info, but with online, your basically 'self-taught'. deal. Also, with them you work in cohort with other students. That's not for me..my way, my time.

The thing that really bothers about the push for BSN/MSN is that one can get an accredited degree by blowing through 6 week courses (and loads of cash) or go through a slower online or brick and mortar school and wind up with the same result; being now called "qualified" because of the accredited degree not the quality of the program. At this point in my career it seems a bit hypocritical.

Online or classroom depends on your schedule and responsibilities. Online takes discipline. I was one who hated deadlines but online study has made me very disciplined and I now can handle the stress of staying on track. That's been very good. Also, if you want more clinical skills go brick and mortar, but if your in nursing for some years and want the degree for more opportunities, look online.

I hope that offers some insight.

saifudin

Saifudin · Nov 29, 2008

Additional note: just saw your age; seems relatively new in nursing...go for a good solid education and continue to the MSN if you can.

Saifudin

xEdgexRNx · Nov 29, 2008

Thanks for the info! So u think an online program may not be the best way to go? There is a RN-BSN 1 yr program at a brick-and-mortar school nearby... do u think that might be a better option, considering I AM new to nursing? Or would the online Kaplan or Chamberlain programs suffice?

Saifudin · Nov 30, 2008

The benefit of the classroom is face-to-face discussion, validation of what you think you understood, real time correction if your understanding is not on the mark and experiences from other students.

Given that your just starting out in nursing, so I assume your time is more-or-less your own, (i.e. not raising children, taking care of home, etc., and please correct me if I'm wrong) and still fresh from the classroom environment, I would recommend you do the classroom. I believe things learned in a '3-D' environment will stay with you and be more meaningful.

So, yes, I would suggest the 'brick and mortar'.

I hope this helps

Saifudin

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2008

I too am trying to choose a good RN-BSN program. I ended up choosing Chatham University. While all the classes are on-line, it's a local university for me, so I can easily meet with instructors, have access to the campus library and other student aids, if I so desire. Might be something to look into, a local school with an on-line program. :)

xEdgexRNx · Nov 30, 2008

I totally agree with ur reasons for a brick-and-mortar school... however, I like the idea of the flexibility that an online school holds. I work full-time, have my own apartment, and while I have no kids, I do have furry-kids to care for. :-) The local school does not have an online RN-BSN program... it's only classroom. I need my BSN asap, for the new job I landed promised a promotion as soon as I get my BSN (plus an additional certification. It's a school nurse position). So, time is of the essense!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2008

Here's an ongoing discussion I don't know if you've found yet. https://allnurses.com/forums/f125/rn-bsn-online-105380.html

I did an all online program through Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences. It's NLN approved and I worked full time while getting it. The online way of learning worked very well with my lifestyle at the time, since I was on night shift.

Good luck!

Saifudin · Nov 30, 2008

Seems you like the idea of on-line; in that case start researching. I contacted the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences and their program looks fine. This is an example of a school that does not pop-up on every click unlike the usual group of online schools. There are many schools to choose from.

One thing that turns me off quickly from an online school is difficulty accessing info from their site like tuition costs. Phoenix for example makes you contact them for further information. I find that really annoying. For me, a good program has everything available up front with easy navigation.

Next step for you would be to find the programs that suit your needs then evaluate their syllabus. See which ones interest you the most. Also, length of time for completion since that seems to be a major requirement for you. An important factor for me when choosing was online material but since I am overseas at the moment, cost of books plus shipping added quite a bit to the overall cost and I'm paying out-of-pocket. But being in the states its easy to get materials.

Happy searching

dria · Dec 2, 2008

i'm presently enrolled @ fhchs. so far, so good. it is really important to consider what you want from your educational experience and use that to narrow your search.

i also wanted to participate in the collaborative learning experience, so i sought out a program that offers that. i meet for class once a week just like the on-site rn-bsn programs do. the only disadvantage that i've found so far is listening to everyone in fl talk about their lovely weather when i am enduring another chicago winter...

xEdgexRNx · Dec 3, 2008

Dria--

I'm from the Chicago area too. So u are enrolled at FHCHS as well as attend on-site classes? Im not sure I follow.... ?

It seems like a lot of people are doing the online program at FHCHS. I havent seen many people enrolled at Chamberlain, and no one at Kaplan. Why do u think this is? I thought they were good programs.

Do employers "look down upon" online programs? Would they rather see a brick-and-mortar school?

dria · Dec 3, 2008

i would likely be in a much better mood flying to fl on a weekly basis!! however, i'm not independently wealthy, and i do have a job....we "meet" online.

i work with a gal that just finished @ lewis (on site) and another who is @ jacksonville (online.) we've talked about it, and i really see no major difference in the nursing-related coursework. more a matter of required gen-eds and such. and most of the on-site programs are accelerated as well.

i think the line between the online program and the brick and mortar is blurring. many "traditional" colleges also offer an online program. i know uic does, as does isu. it's the same degree, anyway...no * noting that it was earned online.

i chose fhchs for a number of reasons, one of them being that tweety gave such a good review of his experience. i suspect that he should be put on the payroll as a recruiter...