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

Specializes in NICU.

has anyone taken biochem at wgu. what biochemistry books did you need? I am starting in sept but wanted to get ahead start on reading but i do not know which books to get. Can you help me out?

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Yep, effective 9/1/11 Biochemistry and Nutrition are required which were previously granted with an ADN:crying2: They clain the AACN is changing their requirements effective 1/1/12 and WGU wanted to get a "head start." Still seems like a good alternative for most of us 'non-traditional" ie: working with families students. Any info on how the 90 hour community nursing practicumm can be done? seems like ALOT of hours for 1 course!!

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I don't know if this is worthwhile or not, but I'll say it in the context it was said to me...

I recently discussed the BSN and MSN with my hospital's CNO and a couple of directors... the thing that was reiterated over and over was, "Do your MSN wherever you do your BSN." The reason why was basically due to the transfer of credit thing... if a school has a bridge program from the RN to MSN (with or without the BSN along the way), and your ultimate goal is an MSN, and they offer the MSN in the specialty you desire (or the initial specialty you want), commit to going all the way to the MSN with that school.

For example... for me, I think financially it's cheaper to do the RN-MSN (Education) with WGU and then if I want to go on and be a nurse practitioner at some point, it will only be the post-master's certificate. And for the same reason as why I got my associate's instead of bachelor's for my initial RN license, I can work and make more money with the MSN and continue to go to school...

Just my 2 cents!

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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.

I am seriously wondering about this "auditing" stuff. Why is that Excelsior, one of the top programs in the country, can get by without labs and other science classes, but all of a sudden WGU can't and they claim it's due to their accreditation, but have nothing to back it up? I call bullwhackey on that one!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Excelsior is one of the top programs in teh country?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Excelsior is one of the top programs in teh country?

Not sure about "top," but it does graduate a lot of nurses, and is one of 19 recognized NLN Centers of Excellence in the country. http://www.excelsior.edu/excelsior-school-of-nursing-re-designated-center-of-excellence

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I am so happy to see so many of you here doing the same thing I am doing. RN-MSN. We have to support each other through this and continue to do good.

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Dear ReggaeRN:

I actually have a non-nursing Bachelors and could have gone DIRECTLY into MSN programs @ Sacred Heart, Excelsior, and St Joseph's of Maine(all fairly expensive). But, I DON'T know what specialty I want to focus on and DON'T want to start something I don't like (and won't finish!) and end up with nothing but debt!! so I figured I can just get my BSN and go from there and go to less expensive schools than above for my MSN (USI, Univ of Alabama, etc.)

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Dear ReggaeRN:

I actually have a non-nursing Bachelors and could have gone DIRECTLY into MSN programs @ Sacred Heart, Excelsior, and St Joseph's of Maine(all fairly expensive). But, I DON'T know what specialty I want to focus on and DON'T want to start something I don't like (and won't finish!) and end up with nothing but debt!! so I figured I can just get my BSN and go from there and go to less expensive schools than above for my MSN (USI, Univ of Alabama, etc.)

...which seems like a good decision to make for yourself in the situation you are in! :) Good luck to you!

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Is anyone taking or has taken the Biochem at WGU? How what is it? Was it doable if you put time in? Were the exams proctored?

I assume their Biochem will fulfill the prelicensure prereq?

I have an Intro to Chem -- would that be sufficient as a prereq for the Biochem?

Thank you!

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Specializes in Med/Surg Nurse, Homecare, Visiting Nurse.

Hey guys, after three months I just got an evaluation of credits from WGU. I've met all requirements except Nutrition. Now I'm torn, do I attend Chamberlain and pay a ton load of money or do I stick with WGU? I really want to save as much money as possible, I've got a bunch of loans out already.

For those of you who are in WGU program, what are your likes and dislikes? Are all the nursing classes paper writing or are there any exams? Please share any information you might have, I want to make a decision as soon as possible. I'm set to start Chamberlain on Oct 24th and set to start WGU on Nov 1st.

@Texan, I met my Biochem requirement with an Intro to Chem class in which I received a B, hopefully yours will transfer too.

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Funny -- I was told this Summer that Nutrition was not a requirement??? Must have been misinformation (or misunderstanding) from the advisor.

Good news about the Intro to Chem as a substitute for the Biochem -- they must have relaxed that recently.

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