Western Governors University (WGU) BSN to MSN program

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Specializes in RN BSN.

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Hello everyone.

I am starting my BSN to MSN in with a concentration in nursing education on November 1st, 2020 at Western Governors University. I come from Aspen University where I was doing a weekly essay and a discussion board with 2 replies per week. I have decided to get my masters with WGU because I am interested in nursing education and WGU is regionally accredited while Aspen University is not. Because of the accreditation, I figure that I might not be able to get some jobs with a BSN from a nationally accredited university. So I have decided to enroll at WGU to pursue my MSN.

Anyone currently enrolled at WGU. How is the classes? Any feedback. I have a full time jobs M-F 8-5 off the weekends. I will appreciate the feedbacks.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You will love WGU. NO discussion postings and NO group projects. Flexible pacing. Something like 85% of WGU's MSN students work full-time. I did when I was in the program. 

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I loved WGU! Self paced and lots of guidance anytime you need it!

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Specializes in TeleHealth Nurse.

Wow- I have exactly the same question! I got BSN from Aspen and have chosen MSN at WGU. I am  going for MSN in leadership and management. Please let me know how it’s going and how different it is. I really do nit know what to prepare for. Start 01-2021

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Specializes in Lasers and Dermatology.

I am finishing up my BSN from gcu and I wanted to look into quicker online schools to finish my MSN? My end goal is to become a Nurse partitioner. Any good recommendations?

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Specializes in TeleHealth Nurse.

EmiC408 there are a lot of good NP programs out there. Just got to research which is best for you. I was really impressed with Georgetown but their set up does not match my work hours so I couldn't go that route. I looked at about 6 different online programs. 1st years is online. 2nd year is pretty much full time clinicals. I do not want to quit my job to accommodate that second year at this time. It would make me 1 year shy of being vested for retirement. So I opted for my MSN in leadership and management and then will get a specialty certificate in my current field. I felt like that is the MSN program that allows the most flexibility for use in all fields of nursing. 

I would love to get my NP but that is going to have to wait awhile and maybe never depending on where my MSN takes me in my current field. I am all in with my job. My boss should be retiring in about 3 to 4 years. If I were to get her job when she leaves (and that is a big if, all our nurses are great) then that is a career choice I would take and would plan on staying at until retirement. I love my job and my work setting. I believe my MSN and certificate would prepare me to be a great leader and manager. Our staff is great and I would be honored to have that position. If I didn't get it, I would stay and be a great employee but start my NP school at that time. 

Good luck to you! For NP programs I googled best Online FNP programs and picked the results from what I perceived as reputable and then basically went down the line. Pretty much all of them were as I described above. 

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Specializes in Lasers and Dermatology.

Thank you so much for your insight! I’ve done a lot of research on online man programs and most are like 2 years. I heard that wgu works at your own pace and could potentially complete your man faster. Has anyone had luck with this program ? On average how long does the MSN leadership and management at wgu take ? What types of asignments do you need to do ? Thank you 

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Specializes in Dialysis.
8 hours ago, EmiC408 said:

Thank you so much for your insight! I’ve done a lot of research on online man programs and most are like 2 years. I heard that wgu works at your own pace and could potentially complete your man faster. Has anyone had luck with this program ? On average how long does the MSN leadership and management at wgu take ? What types of asignments do you need to do ? Thank you 

I did the MSN leadership in 6 mos, lots of papers and a presentation. Also had to video a head to toe assessment. Very do-able

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Specializes in Lasers and Dermatology.

Typically how long did it take you to complete one class at a time? Did you have to take any online proctored tests? Thank you for you insight :-)

-Emily

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Specializes in Dialysis.
24 minutes ago, EmiC408 said:

Typically how long did it take you to complete one class at a time? Did you have to take any online proctored tests? Thank you for you insight ?

-Emily

I think I had 2 online proctored tests. I completed most classes in 1-2 weeks, could have done them quicker, but I goofed off. I will note that I was single, not dating, etc, kids grown and gone, don't watch much TV, so not many distractions. So this is what causes time to complete variance for everyone. I finished well before 6 months was up, even though I was working overtime, I was able to dedicate time without interruptions 

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Specializes in RN BSN.

It has been awhile since I have not posted because I have been so busy. I have to say that I really enjoyed the program at WGU. I am learning so much despite being very busy with my full-time job. I also enjoyed their performance assessment which allows you to do research and master the subject. I will definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to become a nurse educator. 

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@Hoosier_RN, MSN 

Is that right, you finished BSN TO MSN in 6 months ?? That is insanely awesome ? I am thinking about going to wgu and doing BSN to MSN. Then doing an MSN to PMHNP program. Any thoughts anyone ?

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