[MaryCarney]

Well kids, I am 12 weeks into my first term, and have completed 12 credits! Eleven more credits and I will enter the actual MSN phase of the program. (The work I'm doing now is considered a 'bridge' because my original BS degree is not in nursing.) The work at your own pace is very appealing to me, as I can pour it on for a week and complete an entire course, then take a few days off to switch gears and relax a bit.

I'm shocked at how much I've been able to accomplish - but working overnight shift in a homecare environment REALLY helps.:coffee3: so does the coffee!

From the pace I've been able to sustain, it looks as though my entire program will cost me less than $15K. AND I should be done by the time DS and DD#4 are in college simultaneously.

 

[Momto5RN]

wow you are doing great congrats !!!

 

[pip]

Can I ask where you are doing your online MSN degree? Do you have to do any clinical hours, or is it totally online? I'd love to get a masters, and online sounds more manageable.

 

[Palooka]

You go girl!

 

[Debbie-cat]

That's awesome! Congratulations.

 

[MaryCarney]

It's through Western Governors University and 100% online. Can't say enough good things about this school. They also have a teacher's college, business and IT degrees as well.
here's the link
Online University | Online College | Western Governors University

 

[frugalfranny]

:tay: YOU GO GIRL!! Keep up the good work....you are doing great!

 

[MaryCarney]

Progress report: As of last night, I've completed 20 credits since September 1st, and I have only three projects to complete before I am awarded my BSN degree. I'm actively looking for scholarships to help fund the next term, and if I have to, I'm applying for the AARP scholarship (hate to admit how 'qualified' I am for that one).
31 more credits, and I will have earned my MSN degree.

 

[papayAsassin]

Western Governors is such a great school! DH is enrolled in Elementary Education.

I'm considering Early Education. You can't beat their tuition!

 

[MaryCarney]

Western Governors is such a great school! DH is enrolled in Elementary Education.

I'm considering Early Education. You can't beat their tuition!

No kidding!!! NOWHERE else could I have completed this degree for under $4k - and I anticipate the MSN portion to be around $15k including books.

Gov. Mitch Daniels has made WGU an official Indiana university, and WGU Indiana held it's first graduation ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda last fall.

 

[frugal is fun]

Congratulations! the progress you're making is awesome!

 

[MaryCarney]

Submitted the LAST project today towards my BSN degree - as soon as it's graded, I will have completed 23 credits in 23 1/2 weeks! Just to be symbolic, I took my laptop out to my favorite recliner before I hit the 'submit' button! Nothing like a college education with your feet propped up!
Taking a couple months off to raise $$ for the next term, I think I can realstically complete the MSN degree in 3 terms. But for now, I'm looking for a new, better paying job - hopefully one that offers tuition reimbursement! That would just totally rock my world right now.

 

[mauimagic]

MC = a true inspiration!! Congratulations for all your hard work paying off!!

 

[MTS04]

Holy wow! You're doing awesome. Keep up the good work.

 

[serenity72]

thats so awesome to hear you are doing well! how do you know for sure they are accredited? Thanks I am in Michigan.

 

[dancemommy]

That is great! I was just looking at their elementary ed program- just wonder how it is viewed by employers as compared to more traditional schools- is it the same? I took a couple of classes online with a state school last year to complete my degree and did very well- I liked online school. But just have always wondered how it is viewed...anyways, that is so great for you!

 

[MaryCarney]

thats so awesome to hear you are doing well! how do you know for sure they are accredited? Thanks I am in Michigan.

WGU is unique in that they are accredited by ALL FOUR regional accrediting agencies. The nursing program is dual accredited also. Their teacher's college is accredited in all 50 states.

 

[MaryCarney]

That is great! I was just looking at their elementary ed program- just wonder how it is viewed by employers as compared to more traditional schools- is it the same? I took a couple of classes online with a state school last year to complete my degree and did very well- I liked online school. But just have always wondered how it is viewed...anyways, that is so great for you!

I belong to a non-WGU sponsored forum of WGU students. The teacher program is HUGE, and you might want to ask students in that program your question. From what I gather, they have no problem getting DT time and the like.

www.wgustudents.com

 

[MaryCarney]

Got my OFFICIAL notice this morning right before I went to bed - I have completed the BSN part of the program (I started this degree 30+years ago). So, officially, my signature is now:
Mary Carney, BSN, RN. How cool is that?

 

[MTS04]

That is awesome!!