Online RN-BSN: Fitchburg State U vs. Anna Maria College

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

I've decided to take the plunge and apply to an Online RN-BSN program. Has anyone had any experience with either Fitchburg State U or Anna Maria College? I grew up in central MA, and I've actually taken a class at Fitchburg State, but I don't know either of their nursing programs. Both seem like good choices for a working RN, and both are cheaper than my (very expensive) state U, even for out-of-state students.

According to the research I've done, Fitchburg State has an optional clinical component, while Anna Maria is purely online. Has anyone outside MA tried to arrange a clinical experience nearby? I'm 3 hours from the nearest MA hospital, and I'd prefer a clinical component, but I'll settle for a degree without one.

[Farmer at heart RN]

I am a new nurse. Just hit my one year mark this month. I don't know much about Anna Maria, but I started out at FSU. I was accepted into their Nursing program right from high school. I absolutely hated it. I felt as though the teachers didn't really want to go the extra mile. I ended up dropping the program after the first year because I felt extremely inadequate. I did graduate from FSU, but with a degree in Accounting. Right from there I went back to school and for my RN. I'm not sure how different the RN to BSN program is compared to their regular program but If it were me, I would keep looking. I too am looking into RN to BSN programs and have looked into UMASS. Amherst, Dartmouth, and Boston all offer online programs. This is just my take on the school. But I hope it helps n

[june2009]

I'm going through Anna Maria College's RN-BSN program right now and I love it. I feel like the professors really get to know you and want you to succeed. I didn't want a clinical component so AMC was a good choice for me. The classes are 8 weeks each and you can take one or two at a time. The instructors give good feedback on every assignment and message board post. I will say that I'm only just starting my 3rd class in January. I recommend AMC though.