Wanting an affordable/convenient education, not just a piece of paper

[jlh18]

I am wanting to find an online program for RN to BSN. My caveat is I actually want an education, I want to learn, but at an affordable price in a reasonably amount of time. It seems that with my research of online schools, the emphasize is on getting boxes checked quickly so the coveted BSN that employers are seeking and requiring can get done. I am starting to hear of employers devaluing that type of education (such as WGU), in which just one class can be completed in less than a week. Not sure that much is being taught and learned of valuable material but there is more of an emphasis on learning to take the test needed to move on. Thoughts on this and/or recs on amazing RN-BSN programs?

[llg, PhD, RN]

You raise a good point. I teach in a BSN completion program and wouldn't want to be teaching in one of the "just check off the boxes programs."

I recommend looking at reputable schools that have an established history of a brick and mortar, pre-licensure BSN program. In other words, they offer a BSN program for students who have no background in nursing. The faculty and administrations of such schools are usually more focused on providing quality education and maintaining their academic reputation than making a profit. These are schools that are part of a full brick and mortar university, with a wide variety of programs, major library holdings, etc.

There are many such schools all across the country that have opened up online BSN programs to improve access to the education such more rigorous schools have to offer. Many are "state colleges and universities" and their mission is to education their population to serve the needs of the public. That's the type of place you will find the more academically rigorous online programs. Some highly respected private schools offer online options, too.

[rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I attended GCU, which by some descriptions would be considered a large Brick and Mortar university that offers online and distance learning. I was not impressed with what I learned, but not sure why. Part of me expected to learn a multitude of information as I did in my ADN RN program, but maybe my expectations were not correct. I did learn a little more about public health and research, but everything else was covered in my ADN program to a greater extent than I was taught in the BSN program. So was it worth it?

Yes, I have this fancy piece of paper that says I am BSN educated. I am now going through a program for a Masters in Nursing Education through WGU. In the first two classes, I had similar concerns that I had with GCU. Maybe some people can do these classes in a week, but that is not what I am here to do. I do not plan to move forward, so graduating from a prestigious university is not what I wanted. I wanted to keep costs down and earn that piece of paper.

That being said, I have had two instances where the information I recently learned from class that I have been able to apply to work situations. Both of which has earned me a leadership role in my facility and in the education sector to change necessary processes. To me, I feel that this is useful in my career, and I have only passed my first semester.

So my point is that education is what you take away from it. I am not capable of passing classes in one week, and it will take me nearly two years. I will, however, take the information I need to be the best instructor as I can be. Assess your expectations so you are not distressed like I was. I now would recommend both learning institutions but they are not right for everyone. Find what will work for you.