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.
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 ?
I actually finished at slightly over 3 months. With WGU, you don't get grades, you get pass/fail. For some schools, this will make you less competitive for admission for postmaster, depending on school
Look at job postings and projections for PMHNP for where you are looking to practice (even if remotely). So many have jumped on the bandwagon, that some areas are flooded. My area is one. The few ads there are available pay less than bedside, and expect experience. I know 2 in the boat that are looking and can't find anything in "desirable" pay range. But then again, they want 5+ year experience pay rate, at newbie experience. They're also crying that they now have so many student loans to pay. I think everyone, regardless of profession, should investigate job market and projections (not from the school, independently) prior to taking on a student loan to pay
I also enjoyed their performance assessment which allows you to do research and master the subject.
That is why it is called a "master's program". I posted something here about how your graduation gown shows you have 'mastered' a subject because it has closed sleeves (yes there is a place to get your hands out.) This is different from a BSN gown.
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
Hello,
looking to enroll in MSN leadership. How's it going ?
I'm looking to enroll in the BSN to MSN Education program at WGU as well. Did you find the program doable while working full time ( with kids )? How many classes were you able to do within a 6 month term? Discussion posts ? Was it all papers or actual exams/quizzes? Were the exams open book? Any clinical requirements?
I completed the MSN in 1 year. That was my goal. LOTS of writing!! That's the majority of it! I may have had had 1-2 quizzes throughout, but don't recall anything proctored.
The only "clinical" requirement was the capstone. I completed this at the hospital where I work. I had to find someone with a Masters or higher to mentor and sign off. Biggest challenge was making sure the site was approved by WGU, so figure that out and work through that process early in to avoid any delay when it gets to that time.
Full time. 0.9 in the hospital. Was not difficult to do. Granted, my kids are not little anymore. However, I completed my LPN, RN, BSN at different times when they were little and that was challenging but doable.
I totally recommend, if you like the online option. I work/learn best in my own space and on my own time so this was a wonderful option for me. (Same for my BSN through WGU). This is completely different from "nursing" school! Just manage your time well and be prepared to read and write! LOTS OF PAPERS 😀
I completed the MSN in 1 year. That was my goal. LOTS of writing!! That's the majority of it! I may have had had 1-2 quizzes throughout, but don't recall anything proctored.
The only "clinical" requirement was the capstone. I completed this at the hospital where I work. I had to find someone with a Masters or higher to mentor and sign off. Biggest challenge was making sure the site was approved by WGU, so figure that out and work through that process early in to avoid any delay when it gets to that time.
Full time. 0.9 in the hospital. Was not difficult to do. Granted, my kids are not little anymore. However, I completed my LPN, RN, BSN at different times when they were little and that was challenging but doable.
I totally recommend, if you like the online option. I work/learn best in my own space and on my own time so this was a wonderful option for me. (Same for my BSN through WGU). This is completely different from "nursing" school! Just manage your time well and be prepared to read and write! LOTS OF PAPERS 😀
Thanks so much for the response. Was your MSN in education ?
I completed the MSN in 1 year. That was my goal. LOTS of writing!! That's the majority of it! I may have had had 1-2 quizzes throughout, but don't recall anything proctored.
The only "clinical" requirement was the capstone. I completed this at the hospital where I work. I had to find someone with a Masters or higher to mentor and sign off. Biggest challenge was making sure the site was approved by WGU, so figure that out and work through that process early in to avoid any delay when it gets to that time.
Full time. 0.9 in the hospital. Was not difficult to do. Granted, my kids are not little anymore. However, I completed my LPN, RN, BSN at different times when they were little and that was challenging but doable.
I totally recommend, if you like the online option. I work/learn best in my own space and on my own time so this was a wonderful option for me. (Same for my BSN through WGU). This is completely different from "nursing" school! Just manage your time well and be prepared to read and write! LOTS OF PAPERS 😀
Hi! about how long are the longest papers that you had? just wondering, I was enrolled in a different MSN program and in 7 weeks I had to do a weekly discussion board, 5 page paper, 10 page paper, group project, and a 2 page paper! SOOO much writing!
Hoosier_RN, MSN
3,968 Posts
I actually finished at slightly over 3 months. With WGU, you don't get grades, you get pass/fail. For some schools, this will make you less competitive for admission for postmaster, depending on school
Look at job postings and projections for PMHNP for where you are looking to practice (even if remotely). So many have jumped on the bandwagon, that some areas are flooded. My area is one. The few ads there are available pay less than bedside, and expect experience. I know 2 in the boat that are looking and can't find anything in "desirable" pay range. But then again, they want 5+ year experience pay rate, at newbie experience. They're also crying that they now have so many student loans to pay. I think everyone, regardless of profession, should investigate job market and projections (not from the school, independently) prior to taking on a student loan to pay