Online RN-BSN programs...need help choosing!

[fireball78]

Hello fellow nurses!

I received an advertisement in the mail from Walden University the other day which sparked my desire to return for my RN-BSN. I currently have two Associate degrees, my first in General Studies. I've also completed 5 Bachelor level courses that are not nursing related but may transfer in as electives. For the past week, I have been doing research on here to get opinions on the best online programs. So much information!!!

I currently reside in Pennsylvania. I really like the fact that once I start an online program, I don't have to worry about having to drop out due to moving....big plus! My hope is to move to California in a year or so.

Well, I'm a bit OCD and actually applied to 5 schools. Thinking about applying to a few more, but what a waste of money! The factors that will decide where I go will include actual acceptance, previous credit evaluation, cost, and estimated length of the program.

The schools I've applied to include:

• Slippery Rock University
  
• University of Wyoming
  
• Ohio University
  
• Fort Hays State University
  
• Jacksonville State University STEP program
  

I would love to hear from current students of these schools or former graduates on what you like/dislike about your school. I also have a few questions. Are the classes offered in traditional semesters (15 week) or are the classes accelerated (5-10). I would also like to know if the online class format includes audio/visual lectures. I completed an online class before that had a powerpoint presentation lecture with audio and I loved it!! If I can't be in a traditional classroom, having an audio visual lecture is the next best thing and it fits my learning style!

Thank you in advance for all your feedback! :)

[bzmom]

I used Liberty University for my RN-BSN and was VERY happy with the education I received, the tuition and the length of the terms (8 weeks!). They were very up front with what I needed to take and how long it would take me to complete. It is a Christian University, so that may or may not be an issue. I think it is worth considering though! Also, they would probably waive the application fee if you ask them .

Bonnie

[bubblejet50]

I talked to another person about online RN-BSN. i'm not in any of those programs. my online program is through university of nebraska medical center. it was the best option for me by a long shot. it will only be 7 classes but tuition is expensive out of state (i live 1 mile out of state!) but there is another university out there that you may look at if you want to finish quickly and prefer shorter terms. it's called western governors university. you pay a flat fee ($3200) a semester and take as many classes as you want and terms run about 8 weeks. you finish in a year. you are in the class until you pass the competency. a lot of my classmates went there. otherwise i've hear that the university of wyoming has a very good program from your list. i haven't heard of the others.

[kathleen_88]

Fort Hays State University is ranked in U.S.News & World Report for online education.

- Nursing, Student Services & Technology -- sixth in the nation

- Nursing, Faculty Credentials & Training -- 19th in the nation

- Nursing, Teaching Practices & Student Engagement -- 15th in the nation

Check out this link for the full article: http://www.fhsu.edu/news/FHSU-in-top-tier/

Also, undergraduate tuition is $178.30 a credit hour for Fall 2012, Spring 2013 and Summer 2013.

[fireball78]

Thank you all for your responses! I really appreciate it. I have checked out the additional schools you noted. I have decided to also apply to Drexel since I found out today that my new employer has an associated discount with them!

[LindseyRN86]

I will be attending WGU and I am thrilled with the 6 month terms and the flat rate with e-books. I like that it is accredited and you go at your own pace so it works for everyone, you can get it done as fast or as slow as you want. Good luck with your search. I would strongly suggest you check them out.