Should I go to WGU for my MSN?

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 24, 2015

I completed my MSN through WGU - graduated a little over a month ago. I have NO regrets and thought it was a great program, that actually did teach me some of the tools I will need to be a nurse leader (the only thing I felt was lacking was the HR component of nursing leadership - hiring, firing, discipline, that kind of thing).

If you are very self-motivated and do not procrastinate, you should be able to finish the program in a year. I do not believe there is a clinical component to the Leadership track (can't speak for Education). I did kind of a weird hybrid - I came on when they were transitioning from the old curriculum to the new, and I did most of the old, but the last 5 classes (that prepare for or conduct the capstone), I did the new curriculum. I can tell you that for the 5 "capstone/capstone prep" classes, there is no clinical component.

Windynurse · Sep 25, 2015

Thank you for the positive response, klone. Congratulations to you for getting your MSN! Did you consider other programs also? If so, what was it about WGU that made you decide to go there? How many classes did you take at a time? How long did it take you to complete the program?

Thanks again,

Windynurse

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 25, 2015

I did look at other programs. I looked at ASU as well as Grand Canyon. I opted to go with WGU because I was familiar with their format (I did my BSN through them as well) and the idea of having to do group projects pained me. WGU was inexpensive and efficient.

I'm hesitant to tell you how long it took me, because I am an outlier. It took me 2 years and 2 months (so, 4 full terms and part of a 5th). I guarantee that I am the exception, not the norm. The typical student can expect to complete theirs in 12-18 months, assuming they don't procrastinate and spend several hours a week working on assignments.

Windynurse · Sep 27, 2015

Hi.

I totally agree with you...group work sounds painful and I don't think I could do it. It sounds like I could work at my own pace which is exactly what I want. I am one of those crazies who gets momentum when I start something new, I like to work ahead, and I don't slow down until I get the whole thing finished. I am also wondering if there are any clinical hours required out in the field. That is something else I'd like to avoid, if it is possible.

I am starting to hear people say they like Aspen University. I wonder if anyone has heard of it or considered it? I know it is not regionally accredited so I don't think it is a good idea. However, the way our profession is pushing higher nursing degrees, I wonder if that even matters anymore. Any thoughts on that school?

Thanks again,

Windynurse

Windynurse · Sep 27, 2015

Hi.

I totally agree with you...group work sounds painful and I don't think I could do it. It sounds like I could work at my own pace at WGU, which is exactly what I want. I am one of those crazies who gets momentum when I start something new, I like to work ahead, and I don't slow down until I get the whole thing finished. I am also wondering if there are any clinical hours required out in the field. That is something else I'd like to avoid, if it is possible.

I am starting to hear people say they like Aspen University. I wonder if anyone has heard of it or considered it? I know it is not regionally accredited so I don't think it is a good idea. However, the way our profession is pushing higher nursing degrees, I wonder if that even matters anymore. Any thoughts on that school?

Thanks again,

Windynurse

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 27, 2015

Aspen University is not accredited.

No, no clinical hours.

featherzRN, MSN · Sep 27, 2015

Accreditation DOES matter, so I also would say to pass on Aspen. WGU is cheaper and has all the appropriate accreditations and yes, you can work at your own pace. I completed my BSN in 3.5 months and my MBA in three months - but I'm a crazy person that doesn't sleep. :)

Windynurse · Sep 27, 2015

You both reinforced what I was thinking and I really appreciate your feedback. I'm so impressed that you moved so quickly through the programs, featherzRN! I was actually hoping I might be able to complete my MSN in 6 months and I am feeling pretty encouraged by both of you. I am so happy to hear that there are no clinicals at WGU! It is sounding better by the minute. I agree completely that accreditation matters, but I am still a little baffled because my hospital is one that will accept degrees from Aspen University, even though they are not regionally accredited. But, like you said, I plan to stay away from there.

So, are you doing something exciting now that you have your Master's degrees? I'd love to hear about your experiences. I've always wanted to get one and the time feels right.

Thanks again,

Windynurse

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 27, 2015

So, are you doing something exciting now that you have your Master's degrees? I'd love to hear about your experiences. I've always wanted to get one and the time feels right.
Thanks again,
Windynurse

My direct boss plans to retire next year, and wants me to take her position when she does that. I am also looking for other opportunities to present themselves within our organization, but right now I'm just biding my time, waiting for the right position. I want to stay with my current organization, but luckily it's huge and there are always leadership/management opportunities.

Windynurse · Sep 27, 2015

That sounds awesome klone, to stay within your organization and have different options to choose from. I am still not sure what I want to do, but I do wish I had started this back to school thing years ago. Oh well, it is always better late than never. Now it is just fun imagining the possibilities.

I have a few loose ends and then I think I might be ready to apply to WGU! Once you apply, do you have to start classes right away, or will they let you wait a few months?

Thanks,

Windynurse

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 28, 2015

You can choose your start date, if you want to delay. I think right now they have a 1-2 month wait from when you apply to when you start classes.