Western Governors University

Published

Hi all,

Someone here mentioned on a post I made a few months ago WGU. I had not looked into them at all at that time, but I did upon there mention. WGU sound like a great school for someone who is going back to school for a 2nd degree and has a family as I do, as they don't have traditional classes you have to attend a given hrs like a traditional school does. My question, however, lies in the fact that they do not give a GPA. They base their classes on a pass/fail competency rating. To pass they say that you have done at least B (3.0) work or above . I know that I will likely go on and get an advanced degree in nursing later on. I am trying to figure out if this will severely hinder my ability to be accepted into an advanced nursing program later in time.

Has anyone here gotten a degree with WGU and then gone on or know anyone who has? Has anyone had issues with this? I'll probably either go for a NP or a CRNA program --Westminster has the only CRNA program, I believe, in the UT area...any thoughts on how the lack of a GPA with WGU will factor into an application there? I have an email out to Westminster to see what they have to say, but any thoughts or ideas from anyone who has a degree with WGU and has actually applied (to Westminster or elsewhere) for an advanced degree would be really helpful.

WGU sounds like it would be a good fit for me, but I don't want to go to a school, get a degree, and then not be able to continued on with more education just because they don't grade with the typical 4.0 grading scale.

Thanks for any thoughts or help you can give.

(Note: this post is also posted in other forums)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I am a WGU grad currently in a doctoral program. I was accepted to two different DNP programs as well as a post-master's NP program with my WGU credentials.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What kind of DNP programs? Where?

I reviewed the credentials of some nursing faculty from WGU once. First degree: diploma. OK, not so great, but for many people, a start.

Second degree, BA in marketing from an online school.

Third degree, MS in health management from another online school.

Doctorate from the second online school.

Teaching assignment at WGU: a clinical specialty.

This is a pattern I saw often there. Let's just say none of this impressed me overmuch.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
What kind of DNP programs? Where?

I reviewed the credentials of some nursing faculty from WGU once. First degree: diploma. OK, not so great, but for many people, a start.

Second degree, BA in marketing from an online school.

Third degree, MS in health management from another online school.

Doctorate from the second online school.

Teaching assignment at WGU: a clinical specialty.

This is a pattern I saw often there. Let's just say none of this impressed me overmuch.

Your distaste for WGU is well-known. My WGU degrees have served me well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go to the Colleges section and click on the Western Governors University Icon. You will find many posts about the school and information from current and former students.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can say WGU is an awesome school and not doing the typical grading scales has not stopped any student from furthering their education and getting awesome jobs. Their degree is transferrable and there are nurses with higher educations and licenses after starting at WGU. I have seen people say they had no problem getting into a CRNA program and I plan to go for Nurse Practitioner after I start the BSN program at WGU.

It is a very reputable school and hospitals are contracted with them to do their clinical training with nurses who are already employed with the hospital that conduct clinicals one on one as a Clinical Coach or Instructor.

They only offer clinicals at major hospitals in So California, Cedar Sinai, Huntington Memorial, and a couple of big hospitals in Orange and Riverside County.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They always say they are not looking for book smart nurses but that the nurse is competent in doing completing their skills and can provide quality nursing care. Any nurse can be book smart, but can they successfully give IV Meds, or insert a GTube or give the proper medication. They want you to know how to do your job not just read books and pass an exam. You major assessments are on your skills. Can you perform them or not. If you can't you won't pass.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
(Note: this post is also posted in other forums)
All of the duplicate threads have been merged into one single thread per the terms of service.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Shondaj, how is every thing going? I haven't seen anyone but the California Pre-Licensure threads anymore. Have you finished taken your Teas V yet and the doing the Letter of Intent?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for the thoughts. I'll check out more on the WGU section here. I didn't realize at the time I posted that there was one. Thank you all for taking a moment to respond!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey Kandy,

Everything is good. I am finishing two classes right now then I will go for my TEAS. Are you talking about the personal statement? I submitted that last year and the only thing left is the Psychology class I need and the A&P 2. I am doing those now. Can't wait for it to be over.

How are things with you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Fine thank you. I am just waiting for my result from the test. My counselor said that I needed everything before April 1. I also need to send in my fin aid information. Did you counselor give you a deadline too?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion