Western Governors University is it worth it?

[jxngirl]

Hello I am a student in OC. I would like to hear from anyone who has already started the WGU program. How do you like it so far? How long after completing the prereqs do you have to wait to interview for clinicals? I am sorry that I have so many questions, but I am deciding between WGU and West Coast University (WCU) in OC. WCU is much more expensive than WGU, but I like the online aspect of WGU and the low cost. I'm just having a hard time deciding which of the 2 are more credible I guess. I want to eventually get a Doctorate in Nursing, do you know if I can apply to Masters programs if I obtain my degree from WGU? Thank you for starting this post!

[CPhT2RNstudent]

I would look at University of Texas Arlington ( that is where I did my RN-BSN) or Lamar. They are at StateU.com Message me if you have questions. WGU can be expensive if you take too long to graduate.

[jxngirl]

I would if I could relocate to Texas, but I am in Orange County California right now. Were you a California student going to University of Texas Arlington for your BSN? I can't message people yet because I have not posted enough. Thank you!

[CPhT2RNstudent]

I live in Utah. I have never stepped foot in Texas. It is all online, no out-of-state tuition, and no clinicals!

[Jillsma]

I work at a Los Angeles area hospital where WGU students do their clinical rotations. The benefit that I see is that it is one student: one nurse throughout their rotation instead of being in a group of 8-10 students and 1 instructor. I personally would have liked to have had that opportunity when I was in nursing school. I think you get a better view of the day to day rigors of nursing and you're not competing with that one student who has to be the star of the group!!!

[jreno]

Hello,

I won a scholarship to WGU. At the time I was already an RN, so I didn't do all of my nursing studies online. At first I was just going to get my BSN, but my scholarship allowed me to get my MSN. I have one term left of my five-term scholarship. I have already received my BSN. I am less than a year from my MSN.

I love it! I am not an online learner by choice. It is not my forte. But with the mentor I have, I have kept on task and am doing well. The mentor calls you every week or every other week, whatever works best for you. My mentor has been the difference between success and failure. She is phenomenal and has answered all of my questions, listens to all of my concerns, and has been my cheerleader throughout. I would not have made it if not for her.

Any concerns or issues I had were immediately dealt with. WGU cares about their students and their experience. They want you to succeed.

I have not had to do any clinicals with my degree program so I can't answer questions about that. One thing I can tell you is that WGU is heavy on writing papers, and you must know what you are talking about when you write them. I have had a couple of exams, but not many. The instructors for the courses will answer questions for you and help you through the papers. They can be challenging, but I have LEARNED. I can't say the same for the lecture and test format I have had in the past.

All in all, I have really had a positive experience with WGU. Without my scholarship I never would have gone back to school. I am very pleased that WGU is the school that was covered by my scholarship. Years back I tried an online refresher course that I paid a lot of money for and did not like, did not complete, and did nothing to help me get "refreshed". Without the mentor at WGU I may have been in the same boat.

It is hard but it is worth it.

Jennifer

QUOTE=jxngirl;6600586]Hello I am a student in OC. I would like to hear from anyone who has already started the WGU program. How do you like it so far? How long after completing the prereqs do you have to wait to interview for clinicals? I am sorry that I have so many questions, but I am deciding between WGU and West Coast University (WCU) in OC. WCU is much more expensive than WGU, but I like the online aspect of WGU and the low cost. I'm just having a hard time deciding which of the 2 are more credible I guess. I want to eventually get a Doctorate in Nursing, do you know if I can apply to Masters programs if I obtain my degree from WGU? Thank you for starting this post!

[BennyRNCA]

before you guys get involved with these on-line courses, make sure that they will pass the ca bon minimum requirements or you will have wasted your money and valuable time. ca bon also has listed "approved" colleges, use that as your maximum search for possible colleges.

those without clinicals will not be accepted by the ca bon, period.

e-mail the ca bon directly, but you can also go to their website and see for yourself.

one of the requirements is that you must take both your clinical and theory classes concurrently in the same semester.

the ca bon has been cracking down very hard on this issue.

you may be able to view section 1426 (d) and all other codes of the california code of regulations by going to our website at: www.rn.ca.gov. once in the website there will be 'tabs' at the top of the screen. go to regulations then to nursing practice act and finally to california code of regulations.

california code of regulations section 1426(d) states that theory and clinical practice shall be concurrent.

[thorla]

I started at WGU in April. I am doing the RN to BSN program. I love the program and the fact that it is self paced is perfect for my life. I have been able to complete each class in less than a month so far. At this rate I will be done in a year. If you can keep yourself motivated I would highly recommend WGU

[CPhT2RNstudent]

I misunderstood your question. I thought you were looking for a RN-BSN program. You would need a program with clinicals if you are trying to enter the nursing field. The UTA no clinicals programs was for current nurses wanting to get a BSN.