RN-BSN Chamberlain online (info needed please)

BetterMeRN · Sep 27, 2011

Hello, I was thinking about starting with Chamberlain but at this point I really can't afford the tuition. I feel that Chamberlains process is a little less complicated and straightforward than WGU. If you don't mind, how are you paying for your BSN? Are you using loans, tuition reimbursements? I wish you much luck.

As far as your questions, I'm sure LunahRN will chime in and answer some of them. She graduated about a year ago and loved Chamberlain.

cmo701 · Sep 27, 2011

yes, i must say chamberlain was really straight forwarded and guided me with the whole admission and financial process. the fact that i could receive a bsn in 3 semester sounds really good to me.

since i'm not working, i qualified for full financial aid. the rest i will be taking out loans. that’s the only way i could pay for it. also, at the beginning of the year i am going to apply for some scholarship in hopes to get some more help.

hopefully, in the meantime i plan on continuing to apply to jobs and if i land something i could start saving up and once i'm done with school, i could put good amount on the loans. hoping for the best!

i wish you all the best at wgu!!

BrandybunsRN · Sep 27, 2011

I am due to graduate Chamberlain here in about 4 weeks (finally yay!). I personally wouldn't take more than 2 classes at a time, as usually one of the classes you take tends to be pretty time intensive.

Grading: For Chamberlain Nursing classes, you are graded on your discussions every week (minimum of 2 posts per week on 2 different days)as well as assignments (usually a paper you have to write, or some sort of task that leads up to writing a paper such as gathering articles, etc). The discussions can also take a bit of time. The instructors often asks every student to read an article and comment on it, or asks you to find some articles on a subject and comment. Every post you make has to have an APA reference attached, so again these can take quite a bit of time.

For Devry classes (such as math, ethics, english, etc), you are graded on your discussion every week (minimum of 3 posts per week on 3 different days). These to me aren't as bad as the nursing discussions because no reference is required (but maybe that's just me). Devry also DOES have tests. Most classes have had a mid-term and final, and some have also had weekly 10 question quizzes. Some classes (like math) also had graded homework assignments due weekly. And then with history I also had a few papers to write. (Now you know why I thought 3 classes could be a bit intense at time!)

Studying - My study time varied depending on the subjects. Some classes I put in 2 hours a night plus all day Sunday (I gave myself Saturdays off ). Other classes I would study every other day for an hour or two and then all day Sunday.

Classes - I'm not sure about composition, I can honestly say I don't really remember it since it was my first class, but I do remember writing a few papers for it!. As for the transition into professional nursing, it was also about writing papers and about reviewing things like APA format. Both are great classes to start off with because you will be writing a lot of papers before you graduate!

Chamberlain has been great for me and allowed me to continue to work full-time. It was a bit pricey, but I think worth it for the convenience. (although I may change my tune when I start paying back those student loans!) :lol2:

cmo701 · Sep 27, 2011

congratulations to you!!! what an accomplishment.

thank you for the advice and being detail about the courses you took. i am so looking forward to start.

your post just really motivated to do this!!

as far as the loans…. look at the bright side…. you have a bsn after you last name. it worth it!!!!

Amberjrn · Sep 28, 2011

For BrandybunsRN

Let me start by saying congratulations. I am also thinking of starting at Chamberlain in October with the RN-BSN program and then ultimately bridging over to the Master program. Can you please explain to me how the clinic hours work at Chamberlain. I read online for Florida that there is a minimum requirement of 500 clinic hours and Chamberlains program only calls for 100 hours... The advisor that I spoke with told me this is becuase of the structure of their classes but I am fearful for getting to the end and not getting licensed over a few clinical hours.

BrandybunsRN · Sep 28, 2011

In the RN-BSN program there are no clinical hours required. The school itself may have a minimum number of clinical hours you must have done BEFORE the program (so practicing as a nurse for 12 years in my case), however there are no clinicals involved in their actual program. If you are fairly fresh out of nursing school and have not practiced much as a RN, then you may want to get some hours in before starting the program to meet state guidelines. If you are talking about for the Master's Program, then I apologize because I do not know much about that at all. (I'm planning to go to another school for DNP).

hagmayer · Oct 2, 2011

I am also starting Chamberlains RN-BSN online program on Oct 24th. I will just be taking Professional Transitions to start. Thanks for posting...very helpful. Keep in touch and good luck!!