Why RNs Love WGU

“WGU really allowed me to fit my schooling into my life and make it work.” –Jeff Solheim, M.S. Nursing–Education

“Having the work experience from being a nurse, I not only did well [at WGU], I actually loved it. The courses were practical, and everything made sense.” –Keith Plant, B.S. Nursing

“WGU exceeded all my expectations. Though it’s online, I never felt that I was alone.” –Kathleen Satumbaga, M.S. Nursing–Education (BSN to MSN)

These are just a few of the many reasons why RNs love WGU. In fact, 10,470 registered nurses earned their BSNs from WGU in the last year alone. And many other RNs have also chosen to advance their careers, opportunities, and lives with one of WGU’s six master’s degrees in nursing.

Do you want or need to go back to school to earn your nursing degree? Whatever your reason, WGU can make the process simple and straightforward so you can reach your goals. That’s why so many WGU nursing grads recommend WGU to their colleagues. 

Here are some of the things they love most about WGU—and why it may be a perfect fit for you, too! 

As a WGU nursing student, you can access coursework, materials, and resources anytime and anywhere your hectic RN schedule allows. There are no set log-in times, so you can easily work around your shifts without worrying about missing scheduled classes or tests. This also means that you can continue to work as a nurse full-time—enabling you to earn a good salary while pursuing a degree that can set you up to earn even more.

“WGU exceeded all my expectations. Though it’s online, I never felt that I was alone. My Program Mentor, Course Instructors, the WGU Writing Center, and the library were always there when I needed them. I never felt that the goal was unattainable and … that I did not have the tools necessary to finish.” –Kathleen Satumbaga, BSN-to-MSN program

Another key reason why RNs love WGU’s flexible, online degrees is that they’re fully accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Designed for working professionals, you’ll get a degree that hospitals and employers respect—and one that opens the door to more opportunities and advancement in your chosen nursing profession.

Whether you have an associate degree (ADN) or a nursing diploma, you’ll benefit from WGU’s generous credit transfer policy. On average, our nursing students transfer 81 credits—getting 50 competency units (credits) for their registered nurse license and up to 40 more based on their individual nursing experience and transcript review. All told, by transferring to WGU, you can dramatically shorten the time needed to get your degree.

WGU has made the transfer process easy, too. You simply submit your transcripts online and we take it from there, seeing how to best maximize your credits toward your desired degree. You also have the option of working with one of our experienced Enrollment Counselors to tailor your transfer process, select which nursing program is best for your career goals, and answer any questions along the way.

One of WGU’s most popular transfer pathways for nurses is the RN-to-BSN program. It builds on your nursing diploma/ADN education and real-world experience with a focus on healthcare research, theory, leadership, community concepts, policy, therapeutic interventions, and current trends. So you’ll be well prepared to help your hospital move to magnet status and play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and overall community health.

At WGU, you can graduate as fast as you learn. We were one of the first universities to use competency-based education (CBE) at scale, which allows you to leverage your RN skills and knowledge to finish courses quickly. You’ll accelerate through the content you know, brush up on areas where you need a refresher, and dedicate the bulk of your studies towards mastering new material that can make you a more qualified and resourceful nurse.

“[At WGU], I began learning and thinking about things in a new and different way … I learned so much that I was able to apply directly to my role within my organization. It was as though pieces of a puzzle started coming together and I was finally able to see the full picture of nursing.” –Leighann Brooks, M.S. Nursing–Leadership and Management (BSN-to-MSN)

As part of WGU’s CBE model, you don’t have to wait until the end of a term to complete a course. As soon as you demonstrate competency in each class, you can move onto the next—giving you the power to speed your time to graduation. In fact, nearly two-thirds of WGU RN-to-BSN students graduate within 18 months.

“I hadn’t been in school for so long, but having the work experience from being a nurse, I not only did well, I actually loved it. The courses were practical, and everything made sense.” –Keith Plant, B.S. Nursing

“With the support of my excellent Program Mentor and Course Instructors, I completed the [RN-to-BSN] program in just eight months.”  –Sarah Williams, B.S. Nursing

At WGU, you can graduate as fast as you learn. We pioneered the competency-based education (CBE) model, which allows you to leverage your RN skills and knowledge to finish courses quickly. You’ll accelerate through the content you know, brush up on areas where you need a refresher, and dedicate the bulk of your studies towards mastering new material that can make you a more qualified and resourceful nurse.

“(At WGU), I began learning and thinking about things in a new and different way…I learned so much that I was able to apply directly to my role within my organization. It was as though pieces of a puzzle started coming together and I was finally able to see the full picture of nursing.” –Leighann Brooks, Master of Science, Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN)

As part of WGU’s CBE model, you don’t have to wait until the end of a term to complete a course. As soon as you demonstrate competency in each class, you can move onto the next—giving you the power to speed your time to graduation. In fact, nearly two-thirds of WGU RN to BSN students graduate within 18 months.

“I hadn’t been in school for so long, but having the work experience from being a nurse, I not only did well, I actually loved it. The courses were practical, and everything made sense.” –Keith Plant, B.S. Nursing

“With the support of my excellent Program Mentor and Course Instructors, I completed the (RN-BSN) program in just eight months.”  –Sarah Williams, RN-BSN program

Degrees from WGU’s College of Health Professions cost significantly less than other online universities. And since tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit hour, you can make your degree even more affordable by finishing it faster.

You’ll get better value for your WGU nursing degree, too. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, RNs earn an average of $66,620 per year, while BSN-prepared RNs average $75,484. Plus:

• WGU grads typically recoup their tuition investment in two years or less (2019 Harris Poll).

• 77% of WGU graduates think their degree was worth the cost versus just 38% nationally (Gallup Alumni Survey).

• 97% of surveyed WGU employers say WGU grads meet or exceed their expectations (2019 Harris Poll).

To further reduce the cost of their degrees, many WGU nursing students take advantage of our numerous, need-based scholarships. They range in value from $2,000 to $5,000, and they are one of the many ways WGU removes barriers to higher education, so you can unlock a new world of opportunities.

The demand for dedicated nurses with advanced knowledge and credentials continues to grow. And while it may seem daunting to go back to school again, if you find a university that you love, with the respected degrees that can propel your nursing career, it can be an enjoyable, life-changing experience.

“Nursing is an amazing field. Because of my [WGU] degree, I've got the credentials to be able to write my own ticket. I really have no closed doors to me right now. And there's no ceiling.” –Kristine Perry, M.S. Nursing–Leadership and Management (RN-to-MSN)

“Every opportunity I’ve ever had is because I wasn’t afraid to take a risk. I think too many times we see our careers in a box. When I stepped outside of the box, opportunities started flying at me … I’ve ended up where I never thought I would be.” –Jeff Solheim

Watch more WGU alumni success stories here.