Thinking of applying to WGU RN-BSN

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2015

The program is 100 percent online. The number of credits you must complete depends on the number of credits you are able to transfer to WGU. Personally, I started the program needing to complete 34 credits (2 corequisite courses and the rest were nursing courses).

The workload was very manageable. I completed the program in 10 months while working 12-hour night shifts full-time. Assignments are submitted through the TaskStream portal. Papers and essays are scanned by the Turn-It-In software at the time of submission for plagiarism.

Self-pacing is self -explanatory: a student can complete their 30+ credits in six months, 12 months, or 18 months. It all depends on how quickly or slowly you complete the coursework.

EternalFeather · Jun 12, 2015

You don't take tests?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2015

You don't take tests?

Some, but not all, courses end in proctored final examinations (a.k.a. objective assessments) that are multiple choice. You can take these at home while observed by a remote proctoring company via webcam, or you can take them at a local testing center.

Personally, I took all my tests at a testing center since the area around my home computer is too messy for the remote proctoring company's standards.

JustMeRN · Jun 14, 2015

I'm thinking of going to WGU. How are the classes? Is it 100% online? How many classes do you end up needing to take? How is the workload? Are they research papers? How do you turn in assignments? How are test/exams taken? how does the self pacing competency program work?
Anything else I missed to ask, or you want to warn me about?
thanks

im just starting, so here's my take

so far the classes are ok. There is a ton of support, and plenty of resources.

yes, it is 100% online. All text books, videos, and live classes (optional) are online and included in tuition.

the number of classes you need depends on what you already have. I needed 40 credits, 12 of which are prerequisite classes. The easiest way to find out what you need is to apply (make sure you locate the coupon code to waive the application fee, then you haven't lost anything if you change your mind). Once you are accepted, usually within hours, have your transcripts sent in for evaluation.

The workload is as much or as little as you want. The minimum credit hours in 1 six month term is 12, which equates to about 4 classes. Most people accelerate way beyond this, but it's up to you. I have been a student not quite 2 weeks and completed 2 classes. I plan on completing my credits in 2 terms, but could stretch it over 5 if I wanted. But if cost is a factor for you it doesn't make sense to move at the minimum pace.

There re are research papers and projects. They get turned in through an online program. Tests and exams can be done at home with online proctoring and a webcam, or at a testing facility.

The he self pacing and competancy model of the program are really the beauty of the whole thing. You get a course of study for each class. If it's something you know because of work or previous school experience you can choose to briefly study and take the exam / do the project immediately. If it's something you don't know you can work through the course of study and use the resources to learn the material. Once you complete the required 12 credit units in a term you can ask your mentor to pull up another class for you into the current term, and once you complete that another, and so on.

klone, MSN, RN · Jun 14, 2015

AtHomeNurse really covered everything thoroughly, don't have a lot to add. I consider myself a WGU "expert" as I have been taking classes with them since 7/2011. I did my RN-BSN with them in three terms, then took about 6 months off, and started the MSN/Leadership program, which I have been doing now for 2 years (I was a loser and didn't finish my capstone when I should have, so I'm now into a 5 term).

One thing I will add is that you really need to have a high level of self-motivation to complete this program, and you need to carve out several hours a week to focus on your studies and papers. Do SOMETHING every week. The biggest problem I've encountered is totally blowing off school for weeks at a time, then scrambling to finish the minimum amount of credits by the end of the term. Let me be a cautionary tale for all of you who are starting out! :)