Already in, or have completed the pre-licensure program

Nursing Students Western Governors

Published

I'm wondering if anyone in the pre-licensure program at , or has recently completed it, cares to share their thoughts on the program? I've been working on finishing all the pre-requisites to apply early next year. I live in UT, and the pass rate for the program is one of the best in the state, and they have multiple cohorts begin each year. I'm most curious to know if you feel like you are missing out being in the pre-licensure program as it is mostly online coursework. I've taken pretty much every college course I have under my belt online because it's what works best for me. I feel like I would love the in-classroom experience more than more online course work, but I like almost everything about the WGU program. I'm also starting a new job at a hospital that offers a discount to WGU which is an added bonus :) Do you regret doing the pre-licensure program over a program from your local cc or university? What are your thoughts on the way the courses are set up in the program?

Thanks!! :)

0 Votes

Hi,

I'm currently in the pre-licensure program. I am happy with my choice so far, it is the best fit for my lifestyle and needs at this time. That said, everyone has unique needs and you have to figure out whats best for you.

Once you complete the initial 6 month pre-licensure term, you will have monthly labs prior to your clinical intensive. Albeit, it is not the same as seeing your classmates and instructors daily but you do have more frequent interaction beginning your 2nd term to the completion of the program. I don't feel alienated as my cohort have created group chats in WhatsApp and Facebook to touch base, ask questions regarding material etc. and we tend to speak daily.

As I am in California, which is a very competitive for nursing programs. I do not regret my decision. While it is more expensive than a community college program, I will be graduating with a BSN vs an ADN. In California, many hospitals will not hire you without a BSN so this program was a necessity to make myself more competitive in a challenging job market for new grads. The other private programs I was admitted too were significantly more expensive than and cost was definitely a factor in my decision.

Hope that helps!

0 Votes
Specializes in Primary Care.

Hi KK80,

I am also in California and was looking at , too. I'm already and LVN, but it seems WGU does not have a bridge program, so it seems that pre-licensure is my only option with WGU.

How is your schedule? How does it work with your work schedule, assuming you're working, that is. I work in a clinic M-F. Do you think that'd work?

0 Votes
Specializes in Cosmetic RN.

I just started the Pre-Lic program in Texas this month. I don't have a ton of experience yet but so far I really like the program. There are so many resources to help you succeed and they really do want the students to succeed. I like it most because it fits very well with my learning style. I get to move through the material (more or less) at my own pace. Although I have deadlines to meet, I can choose to spend a extra few days on a particular area and not move at someone else's pace, like in the traditional setting. I have not met my cohort yet because we have not started clinicals ( that happens in the 2nd semester).

I do think that it requires a great deal of self discipline but since you have taken online classesm this shouldn't be a problem for you. I don't think that I'll miss the in-seat classes very much because I tend to stay to myself in class anyway. I do think that once I meet my cohort I will probably try to keep in touch them them. If you really like lectures, you may miss that. There are a lot of videos that explain course information but I wouldn't call them lectures. I like that I can pause the video and rewind as many times as I want and if I have specific question i can email or call the help desk for the answers. There are also live video lessons that you can attend for some of the classes.

0 Votes

I would say that the majority of my cohort, either work jobs where they can work 3-12's per week or not working. There are a few that do work M-F jobs but seem to have a bit more difficulty with scheduling as we progress in the program. Please keep in mind, while you are given a calendar for your entire program. The clinical window is just a place holder- your actual clinical dates can be slightly outside that window as well. Scheduling does their best to provide 2 week notice, but that does not always happen. Depending on the nature of your job, your employer may not be appreciative of such short notice for time off.

I do think a 9-5 (M-F) job is doable the first two terms. By the third term, you may want to find something a bit more flexible. I say this, because if you do not have clinical and labs on the weekends , you will be use up your PTO quickly.

Some employers may be supportive of you going back to school, provided it doesn't interfere with their needs and policies. Once it does- you may encounter some difficulty. Everyone has a unique situation.

Not sure if it helps, but several instructors have also mentioned that by the end of the program...most students have either drastically reduced their work hours or have quit their jobs altogether.

As LVN you will definitely have options with job flexibility should you decide to pursue something else while in school.

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment