Prelicensure BSN program

tsm007 · Oct 30, 2014

I'm in the prelicensure program and very close to graduation! I love WGU's program. I also have been in a traditional program in the past, but did not complete it. (I withdrew in good standing because I just couldn't juggle my life and school.) Anyway, I think it's a great program. You do have to be disciplined and there is a lot of reading involved. If you are an auditory learner that primarily learns by lectures the program will be a bit more difficult, but even then I think it can work. The clinical part is very hands on and compared to a traditional program I think it's better. The program is competency based so they are looking at the overall picture and really seem to focus on what you need to know to do the job. Negatives - you do not get a lot of lab time and have to use that time very wisely and practice skills at home independently. You also have to be able to study independently. There are still some hiccups that need to be worked out with scheduling so you do need a job that will work with you on time off for clinical dates.

ShondaJ · Oct 30, 2014

I am glad to see this. I am looking at this school as an option as well because I do have to keep a job.

tsm007 which state campus are you in? I am very curious about the Southern California program.

LONDA17 · Oct 30, 2014

ShondaJ I live in Florida so I believe I will be doing my clinicals in daytona beach at the halifax hospital. Not sure if I spelled the hospital correctly. But I am still not sure if I want to do it or not. I have heard a lot of good things about the college but I have also heard negative things. But it seems like it is good overall.

LONDA17 · Oct 30, 2014

tsm007 what made you go to WGU? And how was it when you first started the program? And what do you mean by limited lab time? Will there be classes where they offer lab time or will I have to do it independently? I guess my main concern is that I will be able to find a job after completing the program. One last question... what was your teas score?

tsm007 · Oct 30, 2014

I am glad to see this. I am looking at this school as an option as well because I do have to keep a job.
tsm007 which state campus are you in? I am very curious about the Southern California program.

I'm in the Indiana program.

ShondaJ · Oct 30, 2014

Oh ok cool. Glad to see positive feedback on the program.

tsm007 · Oct 30, 2014

tsm007 what made you go to WGU? And how was it when you first started the program? And what do you mean by limited lab time? Will there be classes where they offer lab time or will I have to do it independently? I guess my main concern is that I will be able to find a job after completing the program. One last question... what was your teas score?

Limited lab time - I mean you have weekend bootcamps. Usually each new set of skills you learn over 2 weekends and test on the 3rd. You do have lab instructors and instruction, but really you need to practice on your own as well. (Some people don't, but I am one that need to practice hands on stuff a bit before I am fluid at it.) You definitely have instructors and instruction, but in a traditional program there is open lab time to practice in a lab setting if you need more practice time. Here you would need to practice on your own if you need extra practice.

My TEAS score was 83.3% so nothing to get too excited about. The enrollment counselor kind of rushed me on taking it and I really didn't study for it. My GPA was high in my science courses though.

As for job, I haven't started looking yet. I know some people have found jobs though from previous cohorts though. I'll be sure to update when I find a job as to how hard it was or wasn't for me.

tsm007 · Oct 30, 2014

tsm007 what made you go to WGU? And how was it when you first started the program?

What made me go to WGU is I have a large family. There is no way I could make a traditional program work. I wanted to be a nurse forever and I knew I could make this work because I could do most of my classwork from home. There were no part time, evening, or weekend options that I could find and this was a good fit for my learning style.

lvnreadyforrn · Nov 16, 2014

What made me go to WGU is I have a large family. There is no way I could make a traditional program work. I wanted to be a nurse forever and I knew I could make this work because I could do most of my classwork from home. There were no part time, evening, or weekend options that I could find and this was a good fit for my learning style.

Hi tsm007,

Congrats on your accomplishments and I know that you will find a job soon. I just have a couple of questions. When did you start clinically? Did you start them in the beginning of the program? Also, I work Mon-Fri, how often will there be a need to take time off from work? And then one more question, approximately how long does it take you to complete each class? I know it's a lot but any help is much appreciated.

GeauxNursing · Nov 17, 2014

Good post. I'm curious about clinicals as well. I myself would hope for evenings, as i am a home dialysis nurse, and could easily move patients around. The clinicals are every third month right, for 2 week stretch?

ShondaJ · Nov 17, 2014

What I was told was prelicensing has 2 portions. The first portion is all classes and we have to apply for the clinicals and get accepted. It is not mixed with our courses. We finish the classes first then enter the clinicals.

So we have to areas to apply for. We don't go straight into clinicals. We have to apply and be accepted into it. Only after the courses are completed. I heard the first part is about 6 months.