RN to MSN - Western Governors University versus Univeristy of Phoenix ?

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Specializes in ED, ICU/CCU, TELE, MED SURG.

I would like to hear from all you great nureses out there any pros or cons (and opnions) for the RN to MSN programs at Western Governors University and Univeristy of Phoenix. I have narrowed my school choices to these two.

I am in Southern California. I am seeking a fast / accelerated program as I plan to commit full time.

I am debating the Educator Track versus the Leadership / Managment Tracks as well - as my long term goal I am leaning toward may be education.. but the bottom line is I need a higher degree because I can no longer do floor (ER) nursing because of an injury... and everything else requires a higher degree. It is time to bite the bullet (and the bank) and go back to school.

:nurse: Thank you for your time and consideration, your honesty, and for being a nurse to another nurse! (helping me with my bandaids and picking up the pieces).

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From what I heard WGU, has a good program, and way cheaper than U of P. I don't know if your working now, but WGU can be completed at your pace. So if no work, then more school. I wish that I could only do school.

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I would choose WGU because of the overall reasonable cost. I also believe that you can complete as much as possible during each six month session. The tuition is set, so it is the same if you take a 3 credit course versus 12 or 15 credits. The only drawback would be any sequencing holdbacks.

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Specializes in ED.

I would have to agree with WGU over University of Phoenix. As you say you have plenty of time to devote to school the costs are set for one six month term.

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

WGU definately, UoP is way much more $$$$ and consists heavily on group projects, meaning you have to corrdinate with others all of the place and rely on their work towards your grade. Not my cup of tea..

Of all the research I have done WGU 's only issue seems to be the pass/fail competancy thing..You get a "B" average.. Some graduate schools or NP programs require higher. I like WGU gives you a mentor and you actually speak thru out the classes..

Another thing you might want to check in Aspen University, RN-MSN, no BSN along the way, but like $7,500 to get MSN ( educator or leadership), CCNE, newer program, but you cam call and talk to a real person and even email or speak with the DEAN!!

I have actually went to UoP for 2 weeks so horrible I stopped, Grand Canyon took first course 98%, but they messed up financial aid and then I figured out how much $$ they wanted and my father was dying so I needed to stop and Oh did they get nasty!!(they had lots of group projects)

Then I decide WGU was it, started last Oct, loved it, Mother became terminal and i was sole caregiver so I decided to stop as the stress was too much. Now that she has passed I am trying to get back to a good point(I am an emotional wreck right now) so I can re-start. Just heard about Aspen a couple weeks ago. WGU and Aspen have no group projects.

I know it might seem trite to complain of group projects,, but having down them and having to do others work in order to make sure I got a good grade, I found myself resentful. I would prefer to do my own work and get my own grade!)

As a BSN does really nothing for me I was doing the MSN educator track. I also liked Chamberlain but could not see the extra $$$ for the same thing.

I hope this helps, I spent alot of time researching and have talked to alot of nurses. Good Luck in your quest:yeah:

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I have read more than one post about UofP and their terrible group projects and lack of support for the cost. At the first rendition, I told myself that I would never consider UofP. Permanently crossed off my list. And I agree about the group projects in general. I had plenty of them in my unfinished nursing program. Never again, if I can help it. I can earn my own F, C, or A, thank you very much.

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Specializes in ED, ICU/CCU, TELE, MED SURG.

Thank you for all the great replies and advice.. leaning towards WGU.. concerned with the "compentency" versus "grades"... no GPA at graduation! ??? Has anyone had a problem with this or heard of problems for future if you desire to go on further in your education?

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

Technically a pass is a 3.0GPA. Some schools will not accept a 3.0 and some will not accept WGU. If you lan on more than MSN I would suggest you contact the school you are interested in and get their standing. On the other hand many big names schools will accept 3.0 from WGU.. Good luck:)

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3.0 GPA will not get you into some Master's programs. This was one reason that I didn't choose WGU.

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I am enrolled at Aspen and could not be happier! It is a great choice and I am not going to go broke getting my Masters. Check it out! They walk like they talk.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

I looked at just about every program out there and have settled on Aspen Univ. I am so happy I found out about the school on this forum. They don't really advertise. It's a CCNE accredited online program from RN-MSN. If you have an ADN you can jump right into the bridge program...7 courses, then go into the MSN portion. There is no BSN awarded but you earn a MSN in either mngt or education. It's very affordable as compared to other programs. Classes are 10 weeks but many complete them faster...like 8 weeks. Check it out and best wishes!

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How long does it take to. Finish Aspen?

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