online education or not??

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Specializes in Long term care.

I am currently attending University of Phoenix and about 6 months out from my BSN. I chose this route for flexibility. My long term goal is either MSN or MBA and I wanted to know if anyone out there has chosen an online route for these degrees and do employers look down on them versus the traditional classroom? As I'm sure all of you are extremely busy too, and I can't see finding the time to attend a traditional classroom for years to come...What should I do? What have your experiences been with online degrees and employers?? Does it even matter anymore? Thanks in advance!!

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Specializes in oncology, telemetry, urology.

Last year, I finished my MSN/MHA degree with the UoP online program. I applied for a management position at a well-respected hospital while I was 2/3 into the program. I got the position and have been promoted twice so far. I know UoP doesn't have the reputation that some institutions have but at least I have my Masters degree. I finsished with a 3.98 GPA. I believe you get what you put into the program. I also believe that work habits and what you can do for your employer is more important than where you received your degree. I chose the online program for its convenience. Only 15% of students who start at UoP graduate, so you can't say that it's an easy program. It does take committment.

Writing numerous papers has made me very good at business writing. I can write proposals, newsletters, evaluations, etc and it comes easy to me. Others say I write well. WritePoint certainly helped my writing skills.

For a leadership position, UoP is fine. I wouldn't do this program for a CNS or NP program. I think you need more clinical and personal experience.

The only disappointment I had was that I had hoped to teach an online course after graduation to help pay off the student loans. UoP only hires faculty who have graduated over 2 years ago. So, here I sit and wait for another year. I am having difficulty finding a teaching position with other institutions and I have to wonder is it the UoP degree or just the market?

Good Luck!

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I don't think anyone looks down on U of P. I agree with the other poster that I wouldn't do it for a clinical job but the MSN/MBA should be fine. I couldn't attend because of the expense. I am doing a local university PT because it is waayyy cheaper than U of P and takes my deferred tuition plan through my employer. I also like being in a classroom at least once or twice during a semester. Good luck and keep us posted!

I am currently attending University of Phoenix and about 6 months out from my BSN. I chose this route for flexibility. My long term goal is either MSN or MBA and I wanted to know if anyone out there has chosen an online route for these degrees and do employers look down on them versus the traditional classroom? As I'm sure all of you are extremely busy too, and I can't see finding the time to attend a traditional classroom for years to come...What should I do? What have your experiences been with online degrees and employers?? Does it even matter anymore? Thanks in advance!!
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Specializes in OR/ER/MedSurg.
My long term goal is either MSN or MBA and I wanted to know if anyone out there has chosen an online route for these degrees and do employers look down on them versus the traditional classroom?

Chlori,

In response to your question, I have recently completed my MSN degree in Nursing Leadership and Management at Walden University. When I interviewed for my current position as Director of Emergent and Laboratory services, my interviewers appeared to be impressed with my choice of school. Many large Universities are moving to online courses. It is certainly the way of the future. If nothing else, you reveal that you are truly competent in communicating with other individuals and are able to perform tasks on your own with little or no help. The only individuals that have addressed concern are individuals that have not pursued advanced degrees. They are certainly looking for experience both didactic and clinical.

I certainly commend you for pursuing your degree and wish you luck in obtaining your future MSN degree.

James Garner,

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Don't know what's happened with UOP. Long-time ago, it was respected.

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This is an excellent thread. Thanks for all the great posts! I have been checking into UoP and was impressed by the information I'd found and the discussion I had with their enrollment specialist. I'm very excited to hear that others have utilized their program and had a good experience. I plan to start the BSN Completion program in the near future. My ultimate goal is to continue on with UoP for my MSN, though I am uncertain about whether I will concentrate on education or management.

Thanks again for the posts!

Amanda

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