WGU RN-BSN in 1 1/2 years??

[paradiseboundRN]

I started WGU RN-BSN on 4/1/13. I spoke with my mentor last night to set up my courses for my first term and she said that it will be nearly impossible for me to graduate in 6 months and 1 1/2 years is most likely. She said that more courses have been added recently which makes the program longer. I explained to her that I will be working only 1 day per week (if they call me in) and plan to devote 40-50+ hours weekly to studying. I have no children at home and my husband is also working on a degree with WSU. I have some pre-reqs to take--micro, statistics, bio-chem, and behavorial psych. But, I have been a nurse for 14 years: med/surg, case management and home health for 11 yrs. I have already taken 2 RN-BSN classes plus nutrition that didn't transfer. Furthermore, I had a 4.0 in college! She listened to me but said she really doesn't like to accelerate students that much. Needless to say, I was very surprised. I was hoping to finish in 6 months but 9 months at the most. Am I being unrealistic? Do I have a lot more courses to take then others do? I was so motivated and excited to start but now... Any advice is appreciated.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

I believe the additional classes and the coaching of mentors to slow students down is very intentional. Many students were finishing in one term and bragging about it as "VERY doable" and that made the program look sub standard in their eyes. In their attempts to make the program harder and more lengthy they have really messed up. I have read complaints that additional classes are filled with disorganized fluff and mentors have become more rigid. They are also requiring you to take classes that you have already taken citing everything from the 5 year rule to the name of the course you took was physiology followed by anatomy and they require anatomy and physiology. They will become a less viable choice for students if they don't get it together and soon.

[nursevicki66]

Conqueror, can you provide examples of how mentors are more rigid?

And yes, WGU is the only school that is not willing to accept my statistics course because it is more than 5 years old. All other schools are, including the one brick and mortar one I considered.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

Refusing to unlock additional classes, directing you to harder classes first to "break" your momentum etc...anything to ensure that you take longer to complete your program. They also previously accepted my A and P and micro and now they want me to retake both citing no physical lab component. You're an online program and don't accept credits from an online college ? Yeah OK. The reqs change VERY often to the point students often can't help each other because they are all taking different things. They also changed the names of their classes making chat boards and fb groups more confusing.

[featherzRN, MSN]

My mentor is unlocking any class I want - currently I have five open at one time. She says she's willing to go as fast as I can take them. So I don't think it's any sort of organized plot, probably just mentor styles.

I do agree that not accepting a/p/micro is annoying - I am in the same boat there. But I'll take a week or two to redo them. =)

[xstarsfallingx]

If you have a proven track record of flying through courses, and your mentor isn't letting you move at your own pace, request a new one. My mentor is very familiar and comfortable with my pace, and I have never had a problem accelerating classes.

Also, you can access the course of study for classes that you are not enrolled in yet. You can also view the taskstream assessments through the CoS. Therefore, even if your mentor hasn't given you access yet, you can still work through class, start your tasks, and then just submit them to taskstream once you are enrolled. The only part you will have no access to are the message boards.

[kdavid1]

I am interested in working as a Student Mentor at WGU. Do you enjoy this position?

[skoolrn, BSN, MSN, RN]

this is not a thread about working as a course mentor.

[WanderingSagehen]

WGU took me 12 months. Really depends on how many units you need to complete, which you won't find out until you complete the enrollment process and the assessment exam. I was able to complete 15 units my 1st semester and 16 the second. The classes were harder the 2nd semester, especially toward the end. The mentors can't over enroll you as it might really harm your transcripts should some life event occur in the middle of your commitment. My mentor slowly got to know me and was less hesitant to and courses once she saw my work patterns. I was encouraged to just get the BSN first. Now I really need a school break and enjoy life for a few months before considering more school. Don't go trying to do pre-reqs, if you have an RN that is the pre-req. Some courses were accepted from my AA degree 20 years ago. WGU wont "milk" you for money- you just need to decide if you want a BSN. WGU is very economical.

[RonnieDita]

Did any of you receive financial aid at WGU? That is my biggest concern. I am worried about not having enough money to keep going if I dont finish in 6 months. Anyone have any insight?

[NC Girl BSN]

RonnieDita. Go to the FASA website and complete the application. In a few weeks they will send you an email stating if you qualified for financial aide. I qualified for a loan and I don't have to pay anything upfront.

[RonnieDita]

RonnieDita. Go to the FASA website and complete the application. In a few weeks they will send you an email stating if you qualified for financial aide. I qualified for a loan and I don't have to pay anything upfront.

Thanks girl I've already done that. I'm ok for the first 6 months but if I go further than that my financial aid will already be used up for the year....

[NC Girl BSN]

Wow! I see your dilemma? They have a payment plan but the payments are outrageous! I applied for scholarships from WGU but have not heard a thing. Try your local bank. Its hard coming up with the money but it will be worth it.