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

[ERNeck]

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.

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).

[mtsteelhorse]

The courses commence (after acceptance) twice a month. Each class is 10 weeks long but are self paced so you can move more quicklly if you want. Once you complete a course you can start the next one...don't have to wait 10 weeks. You can take more than one course at a time. So time frame would be: 7 courses for bridege portion then the I believe a total of 12 courses from MSN. If you go to their website you can see sample programs which illustrate time frames. The administrative staff couldn't be more helpful and courteous. I encourage you to look into their program. I start in June!:w00t:

[mtsteelhorse]

http://info.aspen.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=103:rn-msn-bridge-program&catid=3:masters-programs&Itemid=7

Here's a link to help you.

[mkdwhnpbc]

I am a student at Aspen and I must say it is a great program. It is mostly found from word of mouth. They do not advertise so to keep their costs down for the students. I was involved in the recent re-accredidation process and the reviewers were impressed not only with the caliber of students but the program as a whole. Aspen makes higher nursing education attainable without putting the student in the poor house.

[ERNeck]

I looked at the website for Aspen, but I do not see an RN to MSN program?

[mtsteelhorse]

Hmmm... there is definitely a program. There is the bridge program for those of us with and ADN and the straight MSN program. Are you sure you went to Aspen Univ? site?

http://info.aspen.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102:master-of-science-in-nursing-new&catid=3:masters-programs&Itemid=7

[ERNeck]

mtsteelhorse... yes, I found the info at Aspen, and went to the nursing handbook. It states " The associate degree student does not receive a BSN degree, but instead progresses toward graduating with the MSN degree in a specialty area of either Nursing Education or Nursing Administration and Management."

To me that is a drawback. Many other Universities out there like WGU all seem to offer the BSN on the way.. so you earn the BSN, and progress to the MSN at the same time. They state " You’ll complete bachelor’s degree coursework and earn your master’s degree". The enrollment advisors verbally explain to you when you are in the program when you finish your bachelors degree portion, the mentor and counselor will help you put in the paper work to process for your bachelors degree while you continue on in the same program for your Masters.

Just a thought... perhaps some might want to obtain that BSN for the working world with the BSN (for other job opportunties) while trying to obtain the MSN?

The higher degrees, and richer education are better bottom line for all of us.

Make it a great day.

[mtsteelhorse]

Yep, if you want the BSN this isn't the program. I have a BS in a non-nursing field so opted for the MSN over the BSN-MSN. Once I have the MSN the BSN portion won't matter for my purposes. Good to research all of this. Be aware there is no GPA from WGU which nixed them for me. The NP school I would apply to won't accept their degree because of this. Rule of thumb: check out everything!

[mkdwhnpbc]

Is the BSN ULTIMATELY going to make a difference when the end reselt is the MSN. Will you be able tomake the same amount of money while you have your BSN that you will spend getting the BSN? WGU wants you to think they have a better course but when education is so expensive do the dollars and cents add up?

[mtsteelhorse]

WGU is very reasonable. I think it depends on your long range goals. For me it's better to skip the BSN and go for the MSN. With whatever school you choose you should make sure it won't interfere with future options; ie. GPA vs pass/fail, accreditation, tuition, requirements, program structure, etc. I don't think with an MSN anyone will care about the BSN portion. It depends on your employment goals.

[ERNeck]

I am not finding work at this time that is non-bedside/clinical without the BSN or higher... not able to lift more than 20 pounds due to a work related injury. If I get the BSN on the way, perhaps I can find/ start working while finishing the degree is my thought... yes, obtaining the BSN on the way, could make the difference in my case. Yes, saving money on school is important in my case ( have lost thousands not working in the ED for quite some time). Yes doing this quickly is important (hence the need for an accelerated program).

Yes having a good education is important.. have communicated with other nurses and faculty at local comunity colleges that are on staff tht have gone to both UoP and WGU and secured teaching positions in California, and suggest it is still a growing field to pursue.

Thank you all for your ideas, thoughts and suggestions.. they are good ones.

[mtsteelhorse]

Have you checked into working in corrections? County jail, prison, etc? No lifting! Love my job. You might look into this area. Good luck to you!

[ERNeck]

Yes.. looked there too...

"Physical Class: 3 - Moderate:

Includes standing or walking most of the time, with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching; includes working on irregular surfaces, occasionally lifting objects weighting over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds."