are online MSN programs respected?

jlcole45 · Oct 25, 2008

Lynswim,

You mentioned eastern TN. Is your CC driveable from Asheville NC area? I am looking for a full time teaching job - and will be hopefully interview for one soon in NC but the state CC system here is not well funded and in fact is making cuts. I already know that they don't pay for tuition for their teachers (even if its a hiring requirement) and they don't pay for CEU's to maintain licensure. Can you PM or email me more information about teaching in eastern TN?

Thanks!!

sunnyaria · Apr 28, 2009

I am considering Western Governor's University for an MSN. Does anyone have any thoughts about this school? It sounds good, and it is accredited.

LisaWantsBSN · Jun 22, 2009

Hi everyone,

I am really just starting out. I decided to change careers and get into nursing. I decided to take my prereqs at my community college and get the ADN RN. After which I would be able to do the RN to BSN bridge. I got a call from University of Phoenix telling me about a RN to MSN program that I would be able to do for 3 extra classes since I have a bachelor's, even though it's a BA. They said they won't pick it apart like lots of nursing schools have wanted to.

A couple questions were, do hospitals take the MSN online as seriously and from what I read on this thread, they do seem to.

Also, never heard of this. I would like to know what you can do with an MSN that doesn't specialize in anything. I am not interested in teaching nursing so the regular MSN sounded good since I could bypass the BSN since I have a BA and would be taking the master's classes.

Does any of that sound weird?? Does anyone know of things I could do with that degree??

Thanks for your help!

Lisa

bosnanurse · Jun 22, 2009

You could still work in the hospital or nursing homes in the administration. Some people do it and God bless them. As soon as you finish your ADN program and work a year or two with master in nursing you can do any job in that direction .

Otessa, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

I graduated from Walden University, MSN-Specialization in Education 4/07 . I received tuition reimbursement from my full-time job (hospital) without any problems- they only reimburse accredited schools. I obtained a clinical adjunct position in a BSN program, online curriculum development and teaching position with no problems. I recommend this program highly, but do caution that it is a lot of work,and requires self-discipline. It is a worthy program, and a professional, stimulating learning environment. I feel well-prepared to function as a nurse educator (curriculum development and teaching methods).

I have 3 more classes at Walden and will complete the program April 2010(taking November and December off). Tough program! You need to be self-sufficient-you are truly in control of your destiny. If you don't do the reading, writing, and work necessary, you will not succeed in this or any other online program.

otessa

NurseJimAZ · Sep 23, 2009

Update us! What did you decide to do?

BigBadInstructor · Sep 24, 2009

My state does not have a graduate nursing program that has a nurse educator option, therefore I had no choice but to go out of state, which means distance education. I think llg had excellent advice on what to look for, especially the reputation of the institution. I looked a long time, about a year, before I found an accredited, well respected school of nursing, that was also bricks and mortar. Nebraska Methodist College was the right fit for me, and I got an excellent education. Be sure that your MSN is of a good quality that you can transfer jobs without a problem. I have another colleague in another department that got a "caribbean PhD" and now cannot get another job anywhere, because of that degree.

Gonzaga University is called the "Ivy League of the West." It has a great reputation, great under-graduate and graduate nursing department. But they require your presence on their campus every other month. They may have changed that policy, so ask.

As other writers have stated, distance education means dedicated, every day, learning on your own. A lot of my classmates transferred to a face to face education, because they could not do it. One hint, do the program with another colleague, or friend. Its easier to be more motivated if you have someone else to push and help you.

Good luck

goingback · Oct 1, 2009

Well I did decide on and started with Cal State Dominguez Hills. Accredited, didn't require GRE. I have completed one year and am doing well. I really like doing it online. I have really expanded my computer skills. I totally live my a calendar to fit in studying around work and family. I only have to go down to campus 2 times for the adv assessment class. I'm glad I made the decision.

NurseJimAZ · Oct 2, 2009

Just keep plugging!

Otessa, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2009

My state does not have a graduate nursing program that has a nurse educator option, therefore I had no choice but to go out of state, which means distance education. I think llg had excellent advice on what to look for, especially the reputation of the institution. I looked a long time, about a year, before I found an accredited, well respected school of nursing, that was also bricks and mortar. Nebraska Methodist College was the right fit for me, and I got an excellent education. Be sure that your MSN is of a good quality that you can transfer jobs without a problem. I have another colleague in another department that got a "caribbean PhD" and now cannot get another job anywhere, because of that degree.
Gonzaga University is called the "Ivy League of the West." It has a great reputation, great under-graduate and graduate nursing department. But they require your presence on their campus every other month. They may have changed that policy, so ask.
As other writers have stated, distance education means dedicated, every day, learning on your own. A lot of my classmates transferred to a face to face education, because they could not do it. One hint, do the program with another colleague, or friend. Its easier to be more motivated if you have someone else to push and help you.
Good luck

Gonzaga is also VERY expensive-when I looked at them when I lived out West I almost passed out($$$$).

otessa

Otessa, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2009

Gonzaga is also VERY expensive-when I looked at them when I lived out West I almost passed out($$$$).
otessa

BTW current BSN to MSN per credit hour is currently $745/credit hour-------awesome school but there is no way I could have afforded this!

otessa

MissBrittanyRN · Oct 4, 2009

I am sorry if I repeat something that someone already has posted, but I don't want to read all 5 pages! I just wanted to say that a highly respected hospital that I worked for strongly supported at least a few, including Walden. They offered to the employees scholorships, grants, and cohorts, specifically in place for some of these programs. Many of the education staff at the hospital participated in the Walden program.