RN to BSN at University of Phoenix?

Emilynn09 · Jan 13, 2010

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/hospitals-laughing-when-449824.html

How does that thread help you prove your point that UoP is not a good school? I don't know anything about UoP, but I just don't see the connection.

Agrippa · Jan 13, 2010

The connection is that it matters where you go to school.

Don't take my word for it. Just google "University of Phoenix & Fraud".

But in the end...i don't care what you do. Its your money. Spend it however you like.

Emilynn09 · Jan 13, 2010

I still don't see the connection between ITT Tech and UoP. You just seem extremely bitter. If you didn't care then you wouldn't be on here trying to prove everyone wrong so passionately. Just my two cents. Like I said, I don't know anything about UoP, but it is WASC accredited, and ITT Tech is not, so it's really not comparable.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 13, 2010

Back to the original intent of the thread: that of getting opinions of those who have been or are currently UofP students....PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC!

Thanks.

Agrippa · Jan 14, 2010

Basically any information would be helpful at this point. Thanks alot!

Anyway, for you and others thinking about schools like U of Phoenix (which coincidentally also sponsors this site) - put in the research. It seems to me that theres more than enough first hand accounts available through a simple internet search, for you to be wary. I think the best way to go about it however is to see how organizations, hospitals, recruiters in your area feel about a degree from that particular school.

In the end, its their decision that is most important. I know that in my area there are many reputable established universities and community colleges where it would be tough to be competitive with a degree from U of Phoenix. It might not be as important if you already have a degree/ADN from an established university/cc. But I'd reconsider if it is going to be where you're getting the foundation of your nursing education. If accreditation of some sort of organization is good enough for you, go for it. For me, I set my bar at what my future employers will think of it.

Laboratorian · Jan 19, 2010

There is a difference between accredited and respected. Yes, UofP is fully accredited; but not everywhere respected (you can see that from this thread alone). There are many hiring managers who by their own personal opinions, don't respect online degrees. Could it be bias? Discrimination? Ignorance? It really doesn't matter because there are no laws in place that prevents an applicant who received an online degree from having their application tossed in the trash. Be sure to network and find out where you can work with a degree from them.

phoenixfire · Feb 2, 2010

To stay on topic, I can tell you that I recieved my first two degrees from UOP, and it was harder than the prerequisite classes I took at a brick and mortar college for nursing! Part of what makes it so difficult is that to be successful in an online class format, you have to be a self starter. There is no teacher there reminding you every step of the way, you won't bump into a classmate to share a book with on your way to the lecture hall, and you have to be able to critically think. If you fail to plan, than you plan to fail. It takes dedication and excellent planning to attend an online class and be successful. With that said, it was financially more attractive for me to attend a local ADN program first. I will be pursuing a BSN online, because I work nights, and that works better for me with my schedule. Who wants a nurse that has been up all day in classes taking care of them all night simply because 'a brick and mortar school is better'? I can tell you that I would not...

I think it has been mentioned here before, but I will say it again because repetition is the mother of retention: do your homework. If the employers in your area are not particular, than go to the school that best meets your needs. Also, if the employer has an issue with one college or another, it might be prudent to find out the reasons why. Accredidation is not arbitrarily handed out to any school that hangs a sign up... there are criteria that have to be met. Check out the federal board of education website if you need to know what the criteria are. It has been my experience (not a generalization, just my experience) that people who are bitter towards UOP are that way because they were not successful in the program. For whatever reason, they took their own ineptitude and turned it towards the school. Any college is a business, regardless of whether it is a profit, or not for profit, and will be run as such.

In addition, one of my nursing instructors got her Master's in Nursing from UOP....two of my co-workers have a degree from UOP, and I hold two myself. Find what works for you, and go with it.

JP82 · Feb 16, 2010

Thank you very much Phoenixfire. Very helpful points you provided!

PMFB-RN, RN · Feb 16, 2010

Two of the experienced ICU nurses I worked with got their BSNs through Uof P and both where accepted into CRNA school the first time they applied.

shanyone · Feb 17, 2010

Agrippa,

How would you rate a degree from a wonderful brick and mortar institution's online program? Many (if not most) of the great brick and mortar schools now offer online degrees as well. Their curriculum hasn't changed (except maybe the format). They still have to prove that their online program is meeting the requirements it's supposed to meet. I'm very curious how you feel about a school with brick and mortar presence offering an online degree option.

Also, are you aware that a degree obtained from an institution with a brick and mortar presence does not specifically state "online" or "ground", etc. You cannot tell from a diploma how you obtained this degree. The reason this is the case is that the Accrediting bodies that have accredited these programs have stated that they are equivalent to ground courses and the knowledge you gain IS equivalent (from my own experience in both online and ground courses in three different universities that I've attended throughout the years). I also know a little about the accreditation program from a previous job and it's no picnic for a university to get through. They have to prove how their program meets many, many requirements. It's not just a "given" that an online option will meet these requirements, the university has to prove it.

To the original poster: Best of luck to you in whatever route you choose to obtain further education. As long as the school is accredited by the correct bodies that the state board of nursing recognizes then you will be good. Online education can be a great way to get to where you want to go if you are self-driven and motivated.

There are many crappy schools out there (both ground and online) and there are many wonderful schools (both ground and online). Be sure you check out your school well before starting and I don't think you'll have any problems!

Agrippa · Feb 17, 2010

Short answer - depends on what your prospective employers think about it.

Emilynn09 · Feb 17, 2010

If this helps anyone, I know a hospital in Glendale, CA where my friend works, that offers courses from UoP in their conference room a couple times a week for the RNs to get their BSN. All paid for by the hospital for them. So, employers do accept it in the nursing field. A couple of the professors at my college have their MSN from UoP and they are very knowledgeable as well. The school hasn't had the best reputation in the past, but I've been trying to keep my eye on it to see if maybe things have changed. Perhaps they have, maybe they haven't... But, I'm keeping my eyes open.