Question about WGU RN-BSN

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I am looking at online RN-BSN programs and looking at Western Governors University.

Are there any tests that have to be taken at testing centers, or are they all done at your home?

What if I have to take some of the general ed courses? Are these also done online? What about the tests?

How does the clinical practicum work?

Anyone went on to a MSN program at another university with a BSN from WGU? Any problems with the courses transferring?

My goal is to go on for my MSN for either NP or CRNA, so I am looking at the best way to obtain my BSN in the most cost effective way and in a timely manner. I work full time and have 2 small kids so driving to campus multiple days a week is not an option, and even going to a testing center for a proctored test every week is not ideal either. I am looking for a program, where I can do the work/testing at home and my clinical in the community.

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I can answer your first few questions.

All tests can be done at home. Proctored exams can be done via "online proctoring" with a webcam.

General ed courses are also offered online. For example, I need to take nutrition, biochem, and a liberal arts class. Those are also offered through WGU.

The clinical practicum is 40 hours in community health. Not sure how that works yet, but that will be something I will be asking my mentor when I speak with her (I have just started the program).

As far as transferring to another program - my understanding is that CRNA programs are highly competitive. Since WGU is pass/fail, your transcript will be equivalent to a 3.0 GPA, which may not be good enough to get into a CRNA program. Just something to think about.

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That is my biggest concern, is the 3.0 max. I really need to ace my BSN to stay as competitive as possible for my MSN... unfortunately that makes an otherwise awesome program not really an option for me.

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The clinical practicum is 90 hours not 40.

I am currently doing my practicum now. Soooo time consuming.

Started program May 1st. Expected graduation date October 2011

Ideal: yes..... I have completed 5 classes/courses; and only have 2 courses plus the Practicum left. Currently working on the practicum; you will have to go out into your community to do interviews. You make the time and schedule this. I was overwhelmed at first, but it's clicking now. My advice... do the community health nursing course then practicum first. It is the most difficult in my opinion, obviously.

I plan on doing the MSN program right after my BSN. BUt yes they only offier a 3.0 max GPA. I haven't looked into transfering schools because ideal for me is my MSN through WGU. I don't plan to go on for NP anytime in the near future.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in NICU.
The clinical practicum is 90 hours not 40.

I am currently doing my practicum now. Soooo time consuming.

Started program May 1st. Expected graduation date October 2011

Ideal: yes..... I have completed 5 classes/courses; and only have 2 courses plus the Practicum left. Currently working on the practicum; you will have to go out into your community to do interviews. You make the time and schedule this. I was overwhelmed at first, but it's clicking now. My advice... do the community health nursing course then practicum first. It is the most difficult in my opinion, obviously.

I plan on doing the MSN program right after my BSN. BUt yes they only offier a 3.0 max GPA. I haven't looked into transfering schools because ideal for me is my MSN through WGU. I don't plan to go on for NP anytime in the near future.

Good Luck!

So you did 5 classes in 2 months? How much time do you spend a week? Will you finish in one semester? I am starting in Sept and am really nervous!

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fostermom, I really do not keep track of how much time I spend on each course however, I can say is I probably spend 5-10 a week and do maybe 15 on weekends.

Note: I have a life, lol: I work full time, I have a 7 year old daughter, and a very supportive husband. The hubby has picked up the bulk of housework and more attention to our daughter. I play a board game with her about 2 times a week and then I spend half of my Saturday mornings devoted just to her.. shopping, nails, movies, bowling or something. The hubby... well he chose to sit on the back burner for awhile. Like I said he understands why. I'm the breadwinner, LOL!

Yes I completed so much in so little time. With commitment it can be done. I have just the practicum and my anticipated finish date that I gave myself is in two weeks. The most difficult part is getting the companies to return my calls so I can interview them.

Good Luck!!!

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Specializes in NICU.

Thanks so much! I have three kids and a full time job but all my kidos will be in SCHOOL in a few weeks so I will have about three hours a day to myself, so instead of relaxing I choose to go to school too!!! Don't know what I was thinking! LOL! I am very motivated and hope I do well. I did hire a housekeeper (mama ain't stupid) so that is the most exciting part of my JOURNEEEEE......heck, I may go on for my masters if I get to keep the housekeeper. :)

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Specializes in NICU.

Opps...Supportive husband too! Feel a bit bad leaving him out :(

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Specializes in NICU.
I can answer your first few questions.

All tests can be done at home. Proctored exams can be done via "online proctoring" with a webcam.

General ed courses are also offered online. For example, I need to take nutrition, biochem, and a liberal arts class. Those are also offered through WGU.

The clinical practicum is 40 hours in community health. Not sure how that works yet, but that will be something I will be asking my mentor when I speak with her (I have just started the program).

As far as transferring to another program - my understanding is that CRNA programs are highly competitive. Since WGU is pass/fail, your transcript will be equivalent to a 3.0 GPA, which may not be good enough to get into a CRNA program. Just something to think about.

I was going to start in Aug but changed it to sept 1st. now they have redone their policy and I now have to take biochem, Arggg....I am so overwhelmed now. How was the chem class. I really wanted to finish in 6 months but now it looks like to semesters. do they change their policies often?

:confused:

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Specializes in Tele, ER, PreOp, PACU.

What do you mean they have changed their policy? I am still waiting on my transcript review- not too happy at the moment as it should have been done the 10th. I was so excited about WGU, but am beginning to cool off on them. My target start date was Sept 1 also, but time is getting short. Tell me about the policy change.

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Specializes in NICU.

They were audited and now none of the science classes are able to be met by requirement. They had already sent me an "official transcript review" and just the other day the sent me a revised official transcript review. I just don't understand how this can be changed for someone they have already given an official review to. I am just wondering if this will continue to happen once I start the program.

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Specializes in Tele, ER, PreOp, PACU.

It does kind of make you wonder if they will change things up on you once you are enrolled and pay $$. So are you on target for starting Sept 1? I am sooo anxious to hear about my transcripts.. I had a college chemistry class, so hope that transfers- I'm OK with taking stats and all, but chemistry? Not so much..

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