OlyNP2b

Have you or anyone you know graduated from UTA's online DNP? Looking for insights on the rigor, academic support, and learning platform they utilize. Or, have you encountered an exceptional distance program? I am a practicing NP in Texas and will be a co-investigator on a research project within my institution and am looking to leverage this experience as my DNP project since I will be responsible for dissemination. I am internally motivated and will persevere in any program but want to ensure I choose a program that will enhance my learning. I'm looking into online programs because my spouse is military and there is always a possibility of transferring duty stations, so portability is paramount. Any insights are appreciated, thanks in advance!

Posted about the ABSN a few days ago - I think its awesome.. but should add that it is for 2nd degree students... students need to have BS/BA prior to starting the ABSN - yes a bit pricey!

Looks great!

Hey J450n, Both UW and WSU allow for this option, I haven't really looked into any other programs. I know of a person who received their ADN and is now working on their Master's through UW. She did not have to take any additional classes, she just had to work with the School of Nursing to demonstrate certain skills such as leadership. If you have any questions regarding a particular program, I'd recommend contacting the school because they'd be able to answer your questions. Good luck!

Carmelisa, A good place to look for a list of programs by type is: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/nurse_ed/nep_index.htm With a previous bachelors you can look at the bachelors category for "BSN or accelerated BSN for those with previous non-nursing degrees" You could also look at "MEPN - Masters entry level programs" You could also look at "ADN - associates degree in nursing" The type of program that you go after will be limited on your time line, location, etc and will be influenced on what type of nurse you want to be. Either way many of the pre-reqs are the same...so I'd glance at a few programs and start locking down on those pre-reqs. Good luck on your path!

Hi JuJu_Bean, After much much thought and consideration I decided to earn an ADN through SPSCC down here in Olympia. So how do you like PLU's program so far? Congrats on completion of your first quarter, I look forward to hearing about your future academic adventures! Good luck!

Hi Josh, If you plan on becoming a physician, I do not think earning a BSN is the way to go. Like previous posters have stated, the science prerequisite classes for med school are much more in depth and would not be satisfied with a nursing degree. It makes much more sense to major in Biology or Chemistry because of the span of courses you have to take: you have to take the full yearlong sequences of at least Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Calculus. For nursing school, the science prerequisites are general survey courses that usually last 1 quarter/semester and do not satisfy the requirements for med school. During your undergrad years, you should focus on maintaining a stellar GPA and participating in extracurricular activities that will make you a stand-out candidate for medical school. You should check out the Student Doctor Network at http://www.studentdoctor.net/. It's a great forum and I know you'll be able to seek advice from others who have been in your shoes. Good luck!

Hi there, I'm in the same boat as you. I have a BA in Education and will begin an ADN program next month, so here's some info I've obtained over the past 1.5 years. First, here is a link to a document that contains all of the approved nursing programs (LPN, ADN, BSN, Master's) in Washington. It's a great jumping off point. Next, I think the first question you have to ask yourself is where you see yourself on the nursing spectrum. I know that I will become an advanced practice nurse at some point in my nursing career but was reluctant to choose a specialty area now, so I declined offers for the direct-entry master's programs at both PLU and UW. If advanced practice nursing appeals to you and you feel confident in choosing a specialty, then it wouldn't hurt to look into these programs. The prerequisites are virtually the same as an ADN or BSN program, with the addition of statistics, maybe Nutrition & and organic chem (these last 2 were required from UW), and you'll have to take the GRE. I chose (after much, much mental debate) to go for the ADN. There just weren't any BSN programs in my local area that I could finish short of 3 years (even with my previous BA degree) because the courses are sequenced for folks who don't hold degrees and are concurrently completing other coursework for that degree, if my writing makes any sense. After looking into the ADN programs, I decided this would work for my situation because it is not only the most affordable option ( On whether or not you'd be able to begin a program by fall 2009, that totally depends on your completion of prerequisites. For the ADN programs, they tend to rate applicants strictly on GPA in prerequisites, therefore you are most competitive if you have all of your classes completed by their stated deadline, not to mention if you have stellar grades. The ADN application due dates in my area are February 15th and prereqs will be evaluated through March 31st. The bachelor's and direct-entry master's programs offer more leniency in this respect because they have the opportunity to evaluate you as a whole, through prior experiences, essays and letters of recommendation. The essay is so important because you can tell them who you are, why you would are a great candidate and how you can continue the academic legacy of the college/university. The BSN programs are due early in the year I believe (Jan/Feb). The direct-entry Master's applications are due very soon (UW in October, PLU in November, Seattle U in December) for a Summer start. Hope this helps! :trout:

Hi there, Check out there website at: http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/programs/nurs/rnbsn.html. If you click on the link for RN to BSN admission criteria, it will pull up a PDF file with all of the classes you'll need. I had contacted the school of nursing there a few months back and it seemed that most of these classes would also be offered online, so you could either finish it in one year with full-time enrollment or two years if enrolled on a part-time basis. Good luck!

Hi Molly, I, too have a BA in Education, and will be starting an Associate's RN program this Fall. After having taught for a year, I felt burned out and just couldn't imagine working within the profession for 30+ years so I decided to join the Army. After having had the opportunity to test myself mentally and physically for 4 years in the armed forces, the idea of returning to the classroom did not seem appealing to me. I realized I needed to be in a challenging, ever-evolving work environment where I could flourish professionally with ample opportunity for growth. After searching several careers, I would always come back to Nursing because it seemed to reach all of the criteria I was looking for. After receiving my RN license, I will have the opportunity to pursue Master's coursework as soon as I gain adequate work experiences and find my professional niche. I believe I would like to become a Nurse Practitioner, but the options are still there to become a Nurse Educator, CRNA, CNS, CNL or even a Physician Assistant. I love the fact that opportunities are available if you are willing to take them. It also has flexibility in scheduling that can accommodate family really well. Another caveat: I just finished my CNA course, became employed in an Alzheimer's center, and I absolutely LOVE working with the residents each day. It's another affirmation that I have made the right decision. Good luck in your pursuits, I look forward to hearing about your decision!

Bree124, No, you are not crazy. Over the past six months I've been pondering the same: I was accepted to two direct-entry master's programs and one ADN and finally decided to get the Associates. I'm very happy with my decision because although it will take two academic years to receive my RN license, I will be debt free and will have had the opportunity to decide which area I would like to specialize in. It leaves the door open for you to pursue becoming an NP, CNL, CNS, CRNA, nurse educator or even Physician Assistant. And since you already have your bachelor's, there's no need to worry about getting your BSN because you can apply to the master's programs so long as you take a few bridge classes. I've applied to several scholarships through my college and have received enough funds to pay for ALL tuition, books and fees- the financial aid options for direct-entry programs, as you know, are not nearly as generous. Once you come to a decision, it will feel as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders! Whichever path you choose, you will BE an advanced practice nurse in 3-4 years, and that's quite remarkable. Good luck in your decision!

Hi there, First off, welcome to Washington! I'm a pre-nursing student, but another hospital near Dupont is Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis. If you go south about 10-15 miles into Olympia, there is also Providence St. Peter Hospital and Capital Medical Center. Good luck!

I've taken all of my prereqs at SPSCC and will be attending the first year of the program. I just finished my CNA class so I'm going to try to work at least part time as an aide until school starts in September. I'll definitely look at working as an LPN after the first year so that I can gain more experience. Thanks!

Hi Nurselacey, Congrats on next month's graduation! What did you think about SPSCC's program? Were the clinicals adequate? Any tips for a newbie? Thanks!

Yes, I was accepted to both schools and initially I was planning on going the direct-entry MSN route. But after much thought and consideration, I decided that the ADN would be a much better option for me at this time. If I choose to receive my MSN afterwards, I can take a few bridge courses in lieu of earning an actual BSN (since I already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree) and begin working towards a specialty. I wanted to give myself time to decide on a specialty and feel that this way I may actually have more options as far as specialties are concerned. SPSCC has a great reputation in the area and our local hospital eagerly hires it's graduates. Plus, it's a much more affordable option that is literally around the corner from my home. The past year has been crazy with all of the college applications and completion of prerequisites- I'm just so excited to actually begin a program at long last!