OU versus Kaplan

cincinursemary · Oct 31, 2013

OU is a pretty good program. OU has 5 week nursing classes and some of the other courses are 5 week too. It helps speed the process up. It depends on how many of your other courses carry over is how long it will take. I have had to take a ton, and it will take me about 2 and a half years. Some people get done in a little over a year. I do like the cost.. it makes it way more affordable.

chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 7, 2013

OU is not without its faults. Along with being a relatively well-respected, regionally accredited state university that's been around since 1804, OU also the dubious distinction of consistently being highly rated as a top party school. The on-line RN-BSN can be problematic - the admission/registration process is often difficult to navigate through and the success of your class depends to no small degree on the TA assigned to your section. On the plus side, the on-line OU program is the same as their traditional classroom program and your degree simply states "Ohio University."

You should be aware that Kaplan U is a subsidiary of Kaplan, Inc which is in turn owned by the Washington Post Co and is (or was anyway) their most profitable business unit. Kaplan, along with a number of other for-profit colleges, are periodically accused of deceptive recruiting practices and of misrepresenting financial aid (in Kaplan's defense, they're loan default rate is not nearly as bad as their fellow for-profits). None of this means the Kaplan program is inferior, but if you have a less expensive choice without all of that baggage, I would thing you'd opt for that instead.

Just my two cents.

Guest757854 · Dec 22, 2013

it seems from everything i been reading OU really is not without its faults. i been looking into Grand cayon univ, western gov univ, and UoP but they are telling me 2yrs for the rn-bsn program. i had to cross grand canyon off my list because of group projects (UoP as well) because i refuse to do them. so now its between WGU and OU. its just so hard to decide.

woodsyny, MSN · Dec 22, 2013

OU is the best fit for me and no group projects. I did not want WGU as the way it is formatted not my cup of tea. And when you take tests for it you have to have a webcam hooked to your computer watching you. I started at OU in Feb and will finish in April. Could have finished sooner but took one nursing class at a time.

WV-RN · Dec 22, 2013

I am currently in the BSN to FNP program at OU and have had a very positive experience. The admissions coordinators are excellent, the orientation was great and the classes are convenient. I haven't started my residency yet but this program is very oriented to the working student. I work full time and have a family so I needed a program that I could do when I had the time. The only down side I see for other nurses, I think the program is limited to Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky residents.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2014

I'm looking at the RN to BSN program. They did get back to me a lot quicker than UTA did. I am also considering Louisiana Lafayette too but I have to have my RN to apply. I will have my RN license before the term starts. I am just waiting on the silly school to send everything in.

I don't mind the webcam, but can it be one built in the computer or does it have to show the entire desk? I guess they are about 10 bucks at Wal-mart or used to be.

featherzRN, MSN · Jan 3, 2014

If you mean the one at WGU, they send you the webcam they want you to use. Or you can go to a local testing center, no webcam. And very few people take 2 years at WGU. :)

Guest757854 · Jan 3, 2014

Well i guess i will be atrending GCU....i really do not like group projects but OU wants me to have chemistry and I took honors chemistry in high school and they wont count that credit because it was not "advanced placement". So GCU it is. i wish everyone luck and thank you all for your input and information.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2014

Chemistry isn't that bad in my opinion. Most BSN programs want you to have at least one semester of chemistry. I took chemistry over the summer and it was sort of an amusing class.

SherbearRN67 · Oct 28, 2014

Hi There-

How is it going at GCU. I am also put off by the group projects and would like to know how they are going for you. Thank you for any input.