RN to BSN online programs., Which university to choose? HELP!!!

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Specializes in ICU, Pediatric Pulmonology, Med-Surge..

Hello everyone!!! I am a foreign educated nurse from Belarus, who was able to get RN license in US in 2009--and VERY proud of it :)!!! I have been practicing nursing since that time and I LOVE IT!!! I really would like to advance my education to RN-BSN. SOO many universities, very confusing....I am completely lost.... I NEED ADVISE!!! Please, tell me what school did you choose and why? I was talking to a nice lady from Villanova University, but the truth is---I never heard of that university before..... Any suggestions would be really appreciated! THANK you!

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Specializes in Critical care.

Villanova is an excellent university. It is a Catholic university though, so they will require some type of theology course(s). That is something to take into consideration.

Villanova is also a private university, so it will be more expensive. Something to take into consideration is if you qualify for in-state tuition at a public university. If so you could potentially save a lot of money if a public school has a program you can attend.

You also need to make sure whatever program you decide on is accredited. The two main bodies are the CCNE and ACEN. Villanova is accredited by the CCNE. Accreditation is extremely important! I don't know of any hospital in my area that will hire someone who went to a school that is not accredited.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Are you a US citizen or permanent resident? If not you will have to worry about international tuition rates, which can be 2-3x the cost of a USC/PR

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Since this thread is asking about online RN-to-BSN completion programs, we have moved it to the Nursing Online Distance Learning forum. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in ICU, Pediatric Pulmonology, Med-Surge..

Thank you very much!!! As I understood correctly, the program need to be acreddited in CCNE or ACEN? One or the other?

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Specializes in ICU, Pediatric Pulmonology, Med-Surge..

I am a US citizen!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I am a US citizen!

That helps. Either accreditation is acceptable.

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Specializes in Critical care.

Yes, either of those accrediting bodies are good.

Something other things to ask/consider:

1. What is the attrition rate- how man people start the program and don't finish?

2. What is the marking period? Quarter, Semester, Trimester? This can make a difference to some people

3. What happens if you do not pass a class? Are you able to take it the next marking period or do you have to sit out for 1 or 2 marking periods until the class is available again? This could make a difference too if you have to take a leave of absence for personal reasons.

4. How long is the program time wise?

5. How many credits are required to graduate from the program?

6. How many credit hours/courses do you have to take in one marking period?

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Specializes in ICU, Pediatric Pulmonology, Med-Surge..

Thank you for you questions. I didn't realize that. I need to do more research on the topic...

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Specializes in Critical care.

Some of those questions I wish I knew to ask before I did my program. I don't regret doing my program, but I didn't ask nearly enough questions (because I didn't know what to ask).

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Specializes in ICU, Pediatric Pulmonology, Med-Surge..

What school did you go to for your BSN?

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Oh my gosh, Villanova is a top University, I actually pass it on my way into work. I looked at their on line program and I was impressed by it. It is just very expensive!!! I spoke with Western Governors university as well, with them you pay a flat rate tuition for a 6 month period and then you complete as many classes as you can in that time period. There aren't any instructors and I believe it is assesments, but someone here could tell you more. I didn't choose WGU because they wanted me to retake non nursing courses I had already taken and I don't know if the format would have worked for me. I spoke with Walden and Kaplen, but didn't get far. I actually chose Capella University. They took all my credits (I have all my ancillary courses completed), and were way more flexible in accepting my credits. I only need to take 11 nursing courses and I am done. I need to do it slowly because my goal is to not pay out of pocket. I have a $5,250 tuition reimbursment from my employer I plan on using to pay for this. If you like to write papers, Capella is the place for you, for the RN to BSN it is weekly discussion boards and writing assignments throughout the class. Classes run 10 weeks. So far I love it and I have had to call different offices there and everyone is very nice and helpful; and my instructor is awesome!! They also just introduced flex path which is similar to the WGU program.

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