Thoughts on WGU

My wife and I have the opportunity to be accepted to the Western Governs University (WGU) BSN program by our employer. We are going in as new students with out any degrees, just health care experience. Our employer is affiliated with the university and we thought we would give it consideration. But before I dive into their process I wanted to get input from the nursing community first.

I have done the research on the school and its curriculum. Seems to be accredited and also it is mainly a competency based training environment rather than the traditional lecture based class room which I like. I wanted to know what you folks think about the school and if you have graduated from there, what your thoughts about the program overall and if it is worth it. Are there any set backs from this type of school to the traditional schools? Would going to this school make it difficult to gain acceptance to a masters program (CRNA program to be exact) Are there things I need to ask or look for when getting ready to apply to the program?

We would have priority in admission to WGU where as being waitlisted on the cal-state system. On top of that, we would have a 2 year contract with the same employer after graduation which seals the deal for me but just wanted input/advice from the veterans/ seasoned nurses.

Thanks in advanced and thank you for what you do!

[klone, MSN, RN]

There are many of us who are currently in the program, but I think we're all already RNs, and going through the RN-BSN program or the MSN program. I can't really speak for the prelicensure RN program.

[WGU Doug]

I recommend checking out the WGU Facebook page, where there are lots of students clamoring to share their experiences.

Edited Nov 15, 2011 by Pixie.RN
TOS: removing link

[Fcat]

I am applying to the pre licensure program, I am very excited and I really hope I can get in, I have checked their website and I have a very good counselor that is helping me throughout the process. With all the opportunity you have because of your employer I think you should definitely give it a try, well I think it is a good school. If you don't mind me asking, what is your employer, and what do you do?

[luv2b_a_nurs]

Not sure about CRNA schools accepting WGU's GPA. You get a flat 3.0 GPA when you pass courses. This may not be enough for CRNA schools if they are highly competitive. Best thing to do is check out schools you may want to get your CRNA from and follow up with them as to whether they will accept it or not.

[Ziglar1]

Thanks folks!

FCAT, We both work for Cedar Sinai MC. I am a phlebotomist trying to get into the anesthesia tech position and my wife is a surg tech.

luv2, I did exactly what you suggested about contacting the CRNA programs in CA. There are 4 schools here that 2 will take WGU credits. But as you said, since 3.0 is the flat grade you receive when you pass courses, it might be a disadvantage to me as CRNA schools is very competative and they require a 3.5 as a minimum to gain entry into the program.

[Fcat]

My goal is also to do CRNA, and I didn't know about the flat 3.0 that WGU have, I don't know about you, but I have looked into several schools in LA, both private and public, and I always end up with a long waiting list or tuition that are too high for my budget, and WGU was the only one that was both accredited and affordable, so for now I will just give it a shot and think about the CRNA program later. What was the names of the schools you checked accepts WGU?

[Ziglar1]

There are 4 schools here in CA. Here is the link

http://www.all-crna-schools.com/crna-schools.html#section4

USC will not recognize WGU.

Sammuel Merritt in Oakland will

Kaiser/Calstate Fullerton I was not able to get a hold of

Loma Linda I couldnt get a hold of them as well.

I will try next week and post back a report.

I also think that WGU is a good school to get it done and affordable as well. But I think if it is true about the 3.0 GPA is across the board than I cant take the chance. I will confirm with my counselor and report back.

Good luck Fcat on your endeavors!

[Fcat]

Thank you Very much, and good luck to you too!!! If I find out anything I will let you know :-)

[larink]

Hi,

Just wanted to clarify that USC does recognize WGU. I emailed :USC Graduate Admission and they responded as follows:

"Thank you for your inquiry. Western Governors University is regionally accredited, which is our standard for accepting degrees from domestic institutions. We will recognize your degree.

We hope this information is helpful. Thank you for your interest in USC.

__________________________________________________

Office of Graduate Admissions

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911

[phone]

http://www.usc.edu"

BUT in order to be considered competitive with a B-average I can only imagine you need an outstanding score in the GRE and anything else that is going to be looked at.

[weimertt4]

I completed my BSN with WGU and decided to pursue my MSN with them as well. I am a nurse manager and am taking that track in my career so my degree from WGU is perfect. I really like the compentcy based program - i feel like i really learn tha material compared to a traditional college with online courses. I highly recommend it for those who want an advanced degree but not sure if you want to go on to CRNA or NP.

[bmobSRNA2015, BSN, RN]

I can only imagine from what I have gone through to get an interview for a CRNA program that getting a degree from WGU would be a very bad strategy if you want to get into CRNA school. I would not suggest it.