WGU starting tomorrow!

ladside, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Sep 2, 2011

I sent an email to my enrollment advisor this past Monday telling her that under no circumstances will I repeat A&P and Micro.....those two classes are the reason that I chose Excelsior in the first place because I just cannot seem to pass the lab component in the brick and mortar. They are still waiting for my Chamberlain transcript to arrive. First week of Statistics at Chamberlain and so far, 3 very good grades....I'm on classes 3 and 4 with Chamberlain. The first two landed me a B and an A- with a GPA so far of 3.73. Based on what you guys are saying, I guess Chamberlain it is because I really don't need the aggravation....nerves are already shot! :confused: :eek: Thanks for all the helpful posts!

N1colina · Sep 3, 2011

I started WGU's BSN program on Aug 1, and am enjoying it so far. I just HATE writing papers, but hey....it's expected when going for your bachelor's...It will all be worth it in the end, I know. That's what I keep telling myself I started Aug 1rst, and hope to be done within 6 months. My mentor and I set a graduation date for January 31, 2012 I think. It's flexible though. I have finished 2 classes already, and only have 6 left! :) Here are some pros and cons in my opinion:

The pros:

-If you obtain an ASN, you will only have 8 classes to take. (and Statistics is NOT needed)

-You can go at your own pace

-It is the cheapest, nationally accredited program I found!

-No clinicals necessary

-You can finish the entire program in as little as 6 months! (some people have in 4)

-Mentors are extremely helpful!

Cons:

-You do not receive a GPA, classes are based on CU's (competency units) instead of credit hours

-You have to speak with your mentor once a week over the phone, whether you need her help or not, so they can track your progress

Overall, I highly recommend it!

BetterMeRN · Sep 3, 2011

Thanks for sharing, my counselor called me yesterday and told me I was missing some information. It appears I'm missing my loan entrance counseling and my master promissory note signed. I'm taking a small loan to pay for the program. My employer reimburses, so I plan on paying it off when I'm done.

I guess they don't send the scores from the assessment you have to request it. Anyway, he said I passed and I needed to get the financial aid stuff out of the way. I'm just waiting on my credits to be evaluated to see how many courses I need. I'm hoping I need only eight, N1Colina... did you have to take nutrition or did you take it already in your RN program? It's no big deal if I have to take a nutrition class, I just want to be done by March 2012.

CrazziiRN913, ADN, BSN · Sep 3, 2011

how many classes do you actually have to take there once you get your ADN...i was looking at there cirriculum but couldn't really understand the classes and the whole CU thing when i grad in may i'll have english comp, english lit, a&p1&2, micro, intro to psy, intro to soc, life span psy, college algebra, statistics, american history 1, history of civilizations 2, and some random gym classes, as well as my nursing courses need for my ADN.

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 3, 2011

If you have an Associate in Science degree in nursing (NOT an Associate in APPLIED Science), you will have seven courses to take (not including EWB, which takes about a day to complete if you power through it):

Nursing Informatics (2 credits)

Professional Nursing Roles and Values (3)

Contemporary Nursing Issues (4)

Community Health Nursing (3)

Community Health Nursing Practicum (2)

Evidence Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research (3)

Organizational Systems and Quality Leadership (4)

They say plan on two weeks for every credit to complete the class. So a 3 credit class should take 6 weeks to complete. Of course, YMMV based on how much time you devote to the class and what your base knowledge is going into it. For example, I finished Nutrition (3 credits) in just over a week (read the notes for each chapter and then just took the final exam).

BetterMeRN · Sep 3, 2011

Well, I graduated with an ASN from my RN program which would leave me with 8 nursing classes to take. If you graduate with a AAS, then you may need to take more than the required 8 classes. Although, I think I may need to take a nutrition class based on what posters have been saying. I still have to wait on my credit evaluation to know for sure.

As far as the WGU's grading system you either pass or fail. Passing equates to a B and therefore you will graduate with a B average or a 3.0 GPA. If you are looking into MSN programs that require a higher GPA then this program isn't for you. Most MSN programs I know require at least a 2.5 GPA, which would put you at a good standing point.

BetterMeRN · Sep 3, 2011

Hey, Klone...how many classes have you completed so far? I suck at writing papers so I know I'm going to struggle with that aspect. I love doing the research but to put it on paper is... just so hard for me. Anyway, I'm up for the challenge. Do you plan on going on to do any of their (WGU) MSN programs?

BetterMeRN · Sep 3, 2011

I sent an email to my enrollment advisor this past Monday telling her that under no circumstances will I repeat A&P and Micro.....those two classes are the reason that I chose Excelsior in the first place because I just cannot seem to pass the lab component in the brick and mortar. They are still waiting for my Chamberlain transcript to arrive. First week of Statistics at Chamberlain and so far, 3 very good grades....I'm on classes 3 and 4 with Chamberlain. The first two landed me a B and an A- with a GPA so far of 3.73. Based on what you guys are saying, I guess Chamberlain it is because I really don't need the aggravation....nerves are already shot! Thanks for all the helpful posts!

You so far have a really nice GPA, you will only come out with a 3.0 GPA with WGU...just to let you know. Good Luck.

klone, MSN, RN · Sep 3, 2011

Hey, Klone...how many classes have you completed so far? I suck at writing papers so I know I'm going to struggle with that aspect. I love doing the research but to put it on paper is... just so hard for me. Anyway, I'm up for the challenge. Do you plan on going on to do any of their (WGU) MSN programs?

I just wrote a super long post and my computer ate it. Grrr..

Long story short, I've finished two classes so far (Humanities/Arts and Nutrition). I started July 1. Humanities took me about 3 weeks longer than it should have due to perfectionist tendencies. If you have perfectionist tendencies, you really need to let go of them because otherwise you'll spend WAY more time on your papers and assignments than you need to. It doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be "adequate".

If the Humanities class is any indication, I will have a somewhat easy time, as I'm a strong writer. My biggest downfall will be my perfectionist tendencies, as I tend to not want to turn it in until I feel it's perfect, and I've realized from the Humanities class that it does not have to be perfect.

I want to continue with a Master's program, but I'm unsure if I will go to the local university and do an FNP or Nurse-Midwifery program, or if I will do Nursing Leadership. If it's the latter, then I'm definitely going to continue with WGU. I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up, and a large factor in the decision is that my husband and I plan to retire (early - I'm only 38 and he's 40) in about 9 years to Central America. So do I want to invest a bunch of money and two more years to get a Master's Degree I'll only use for 6-8 years? Don't know. Don't need to decide yet, though.

BetterMeRN · Sep 3, 2011

Well, it really sounds like I can get through this program if I put my all into it. I am really dedicated to getting a BSN and then MSN. I asked you about your plans because I'm trying to decide if I want to do the FNP, ACNP, or if I do MSN it would be in Adminstration or Education. Like you, if it's the latter then I would continue an online education. But, if I decide to do the NP program, I would really want to sit in a classroom at a local school. Most of the schools in my area to even get your application looked at you need at least a 3.0GPA. I'm just a little hesitant about WGUs grading system. I just want to be in good standing when I make my mind up.

What I am sure of is, I want to get it done as soon as possible so I can enjoy my life. I'm not married and I have one daughter starting high school this year. I want to be done with it all before she starts college. Thanks for sharing with me, it really is good to hear from someone who's doing the same thing. I really want to hear from Lisa1980, she finished the program, just wanted to know how'd everything turn out.

CrazziiRN913, ADN, BSN · Sep 3, 2011

Mine is a AAS program. (What's the difference?) Does anybody know who many more classes you have too take if you have a AAS???

BetterMeRN · Sep 3, 2011

I'm not sure I'll take a shot and say maybe three.....Statistics, Biochemistry, and a Humanities course. You may even have to take Nutrition lets wait for the others to chime in before you take that and run.