does it really matter where you get your BSN?

smartnurse1982 · May 16, 2014

That is what i would like to know too.

i do not want to attend a school and then not be considered for future employment opportunities.

That is why i all but gave up on my dream to pursue a Bachelor of Art in Nursing.

I do think the only thing that matters is accreditation.

allnurses Guide · May 16, 2014

WGU is well thought of and is a center of excellence. I have not noticed it seeming to matter too much where you go as long as the school is accredited. WGU does, however, require you to be employed full time as an RN at the time of application.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 16, 2014

Yes, no, it depends.

In my area, there is no preference where you get your BSN and many hospitals have associated themselves with online programs including University of Phoenix and Ohio University. A handful of people have reported that there have been some discrimination from HR and managers viewing their online bachelors program as a diploma mill.

If you want to go on to graduate school eventually or join the military, I would look into a program that is accredited by CCNE or ACEN. especially if your associates was not accredited by the ACEN, formerly NLNAC. I would consider looking into one that is accredited because you never know about ten years from now. I have also seen two hospital systems require applicants to have graduated from programs with the ACEN or CCNE accreditation. It is not the norm but you never know down the line.

OCNRN63, RN · May 16, 2014

I'm only considering programs that are affiliated with established bricks-and-mortar programs. Since I am disabled and unable to work, WGU would not be an option for me. That seems discriminatory, but oh well.

llg, PhD, RN · May 16, 2014

Certainly every hiring manager has his/her own preferences... and each region tends to have its own "politics" related to defining and valueing quality in education ... but ...

In most places, it only matters at the "ends of the spectum." Getting your education at a top school can help you. Getting your education at a school that is not respected can hurt you. The majority of schools fall somewhere in between and are lumped together in the minds of most people. If you are choosing among schools in that middle group, it doesn't matter much. Choose what works best for you.

As for "being a top 10 school," ... there are probably 30 or 40 schools who can claim to be on somebody's top 10 list.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 17, 2014

I was also just thinking "whose list are these 10 schools at the top of?" The ten most expensive schools, I am sure, will be very happy to "grant" admission!

Buyer beware

smartnurse1982 · May 21, 2014

Is WGU actually associated with a brick University or is it like Phoenix University?

What concerns me about WGU is that for 5 yrs now,i have noticed Employers in my area asking for transcripts and grades.

Since WGU only has pass/fail and no actual grading system,i wonder how i could explain that to potential employers?

My current employers would not hire anyone that had below 3.5 GPa.

klone, MSN, RN · May 21, 2014

It is a non profit, so no, it is not like University of Phoenix. But no, it does not offer B&M classes. It does have an actual grading system - when you request official transcripts, they will show 3.0 for all classes. The transcript will also indicate that their classes are pass/fail, and "pass" is equivalent to 3.0.

I've never heard of a hospital having a GPA requirement on hiring nurses.

smartnurse1982 · May 22, 2014

It is a non profit, so no, it is not like University of Phoenix. But no, it does not offer B&M classes. It does have an actual grading system - when you request official transcripts, they will show 3.0 for all classes. The transcript will also indicate that their classes are pass/fail, and "pass" is equivalent to 3.0.
I've never heard of a hospital having a GPA requirement on hiring nurses.

i am actually in homecare and my agency they required a Gpa of at least 3.5 ,but i have also had hospitals request my official transcripts before interviews too.

klone, MSN, RN · May 22, 2014

Well, I certainly don't get a bonus or anything out of other people choosing to go to WGU, so you need to do what's right for you. You seem to have been struggling with this issue for at least 4 years. I know many people have gone on to competitive programs with an undergrad degree at WGU, including CRNA programs, CNM programs, NP programs, and doctoral programs. So the GPA thing doesn't seem to be too big of a barrier, and I know that WGU will work with the matriculating school's admissions department in whatever way possible to explain their grading system. It's a very highly regarded program.

malamud69, BSN, RN · May 22, 2014

Simple where I work-big NE city hospital..."Do you have a BSN?/Will you be pursuing your BSN...?" Nothing else...where? What difference does it make? Its all smoke and mirrors anyway...$$$..."pseudo"prestige for the/any hospital under the guise of "magnet" status...my superb ADN program had all the classes/theories/concepts taught that I am now "forced" to retake...