RN to MSN Any Reputable Schools?

[Lisa92804]

With headlines and internet reports of fraud in so many online schools, I'm looking for advice from anyone who has successfully completed one of these programs.

After more than 20 yrs as an RN, I was talked into getting my BS in Healthcare Administration. State requirements changed between the time I started and when I graduated they had added a 6 month unpaid "internship" before I could sit for the administrator's exam. Needless to say divorced and 2 children to support, I could never afford to do the free internship even if I could have located a place to do it.

Then 5.5 years ago I was injured on the job. The insurer made me wait 3 yrs for corrective surgery and I am left with 5 lb. lifting restriction.

According to my Voc. Rehab counselor, I need an MSN to go back into nursing without lifting and at a comparable pay to what i was making prior to the injury. Workers Comp is obligated to pay approx. $27,000 plus living allowance etc.

Voc. Rehab first placed me with Aspen University, but when insurance was 12 weeks. late paying I kept being blocked from the online assignments. I finally got a paper acknowledged and the instructor comments were "keep up the good work. Fantastic". With those glowing comments and no further direction, she awarded me a 50% on the paper. I feel a 50% is a failing grade and it seems in-congruent that I would be told how wonderful an "F" grade paper was. Needless to say that program was NOT workable.

The next program required that I personally agree to pay them in excess of $28,000 as part of the application process ! Since I read contracts BEFORE I sign them, I was faulted for not "completing the application" and besides that school claimed they had "Christian Values."

So now I need to find a good program that is less than $27,000 and can be completed in 18-21 months.

I will investigate all suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

Lisa

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Online University | Online Degree Programs | WGU

Online, accredited, VERY affordable, NLN Center of Excellence

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I concur with the previous poster's suggestion of Western Governors. The RN to MSN completion program is accredited and affordable at $3,250 per six month term.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I don't understand why people are not using their state universities? We have several in NC and all are online and not expensive.

[Lisa92804]

Thank you both for your suggestion of WGU. There just seems to be one small catch and they refuse to address it in writing...the high pressure sales person (probably a management agency) did not seem very "academic" and they refuse to answer my questions in writing. All of these places insist on "recording' phone calls (If they are truly reputable why do they need to 'record' anything; if they have nothing to hide and they are providing reasonable customer service, no recording is needed), but they will not let me record the very same calls and they will not address my questions in writing so that i can prepare the paperwork necessary for workers Compensation. Also, i am not able to work at this time because I have a 5 lb lifting limitation due to my injury.It's kind of a catch 22...if I could work, I would not be eligible for the worker's comp. Voc. rehab. Why is WGU so snotty about that ?

Further, are the WGU classes like the old "regents of NY' program where you read and prepare then do a day of intense preceptored testing ? Again, I would need ADA Accommodations for the lifting requirement and certain body mechanics...maybe they just don't want to be involved?

I'll appreciate all insights.

Thanks.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Thank you both for your suggestion of WGU. There just seems to be one small catch and they refuse to address it in writing...the high pressure sales person (probably a management agency) did not seem very "academic" and they refuse to answer my questions in writing. All of these places insist on "recording' phone calls (If they are truly reputable why do they need to 'record' anything; if they have nothing to hide and they are providing reasonable customer service, no recording is needed), but they will not let me record the very same calls and they will not address my questions in writing so that i can prepare the paperwork necessary for workers Compensation. Also, i am not able to work at this time because I have a 5 lb lifting limitation due to my injury.It's kind of a catch 22...if I could work, I would not be eligible for the worker's comp. Voc. rehab. Why is WGU so snotty about that ?

Further, are the WGU classes like the old "regents of NY' program where you read and prepare then do a day of intense preceptored testing ? Again, I would need ADA Accommodations for the lifting requirement and certain body mechanics...maybe they just don't want to be involved?

I'll appreciate all insights.

Thanks.

Their requirement is that you be working as an RN to enroll. I don't see anything 'snotty' about that. If you don't meet the requirement, you don't meet the requirement. And the RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN programs do not require clinicals except for Community Health which is not patient care oriented.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Check your state university system. Many have economically feasible programs -- and as state schools, they are non-profit and designed to meet the needs of the state's residents.