Wgu Launches Master Nursing Program
INDIANAPOLIS WGU Indiana is aiming to alleviate healthcare shortages by launching a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner program. The program is being offered in 10 additional states and provides students with clinical training and specialized classes required for the FNP national certification exam, and is designed for licensed RNs who hold a bachelor of science in Nursing degree.
The program includes 16 courses and 48 competency units, which equals a traditional credit hour. The degree is designed in five 6-month terms, but WGU says its possible for students to graduate earlier.
My goal is to continue at my current employer and work as a family nurse practitioner in some form and continue to learn from some of the amazing FNPs and Family Practice Physicians that we have at our facility, said Kayla Kellams, WGU Indiana graduate, nurse at Sullivan County Community Hospital and the first WGU FNP student nationwide. Eventually, I plan to specialize in geriatrics and potentially see patients in local long-term care facilities. My hope is to always be able to provide care to those in my local community.
The program is developed for nurses ready to move into advanced clinical practice, a field in which the U.S. Bureau of Labor expects a 19% growth rate in 2020.
A Degree That Delivers
One of the best ways to measure the success of a degree program is the employment opportunities its graduates enjoy. WGUs College of Health Professions is proud to have graduates who have worked or are currently working at notable organizations, including:
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
of WGU graduates are employed in their degree field.
2020 Harris Poll Survey
Wgu Nursing Bachelors Program
During the 2019-2020 academic year, 11,863 students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from WGU. About 11% were men and 89% were women.
The majority of bachelor’s degree recipients in this major at WGU are white. In the most recent graduating class for which data is available, 69% of students fell into this category.
The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from Western Governors University with a bachelor’s in nursing.
| Ethnic Background |
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Do Nurse Practitioners Need Licenses
After obtaining the advanced degrees, the final step to becoming a nurse practitioner is to get licensed. Candidates need to earn a national NP certification from a specialty nursing board, like the American Nurses Credentialing Center , American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board , American Association of Critical-Care Nurses , Pediatric Nursing Certification Board , American Association of Nurse Practitioners , and National Certification Corporation .
These certifications will often require clinical hours and experience, application fees, and a comprehensive test to make sure you are prepared.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Licensing
Different states will have different requirements for nurse practitioners. Wherever you hope to practice as a nurse practitioner, youll likely need your RN license in that state. Youll need to ensure the nurse practitioner certification you pursue licenses you in your state, and work with your state agency to ensure you have met all clinical or other requirements.
Western Governors University Overview
Western Governors University has a unique competency-based program for Registered Nurses interested in earning their RN-BSN through an online bridge program. This competency-based learning focuses on actual learning and actual class time. Once a student has demonstrated that they have mastered the material and passes an end examination, the student can move on to the next class in the sequence.
As of January 2020, WGU boasts that 66% of their students graduate with a BSN in 18 months. And since the conception of the program, over 20,000 students have graduated with a BSN from Western Governors University.
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Nursing Leadership And Management Post
A certificate for registered nurses with a master’s degree in…
A certificate for registered nurses with a…
A certificate for registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.
- Time: 12 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,385 per 6-month term, plus a one-time Health Professions Fee of $350. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality exam is included in tuition.
Sample careers and jobs this degree program will prepare you for:
- Director of Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Project Manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 17% by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
College of Health Professions
Wgu Tennessee Emphasizing Nurse Practitioner Program
KINGSPORT As Tennessee’s official online college degree program emerges from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is continuing to focus on a new family nurse practitioner program for rural areas.
In addition, the nonprofit WGU Tennessee, part of the Western Governors University, is beginning to give out its Tenn-K Scholarships in person after two years of virtual awards. Those scholarships give recipients $10,000 or $2,500 for four semesters of online study that WGU Tennessee.
Dr. Kim Estep, chancellor of WGU Tennessee and regional vice president for the southeast of Western Governors University
WGU Tennessee Chancellor Dr. Kim Estep in an interview in Kingsport Friday said is more than half the cost of tuition for the online programs in education, as well as degrees in business, health professions and information technology. All four areas include bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Undergraduate programs at the the state-endorsed nonprofit online university range from $3,475 to $3,950 a semester, compared to graduate programs with $3,490 to $4,530 a semester.
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What Is A Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses that are qualified to provide a wide range of healthcare services to individuals and families of all agesfrom infants to the elderly. Theyre trained to treat illness and injuries, as well as teach people about disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits. Family nurse practitioners need an Master of Science in Nursing and nurse practitioner license in order to practice.
Family nurse practitioners differ from other types of nurse practitioners because of their more generalized role. Most nurse practitioners specialize in younger or older patients, mental health, or acute care. Family nurse practitioners have a more general specialization and are able to work with patients of all ages
What To Look For In An Online Lpn
As you research online LPN-to-RN programs, pay close attention to factors like admission criteria to assure your eligibility, and focus on coursework and clinicals to confirm that the program meets your goals. Ensure that a prospective program’s learning format will work for you, and consider the following points before you apply.
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Applying To An Online Lpn
While LPN-to-RN program entrance criteria vary, the list below covers some common admission requirements. After confirming that you are qualified to apply, you should order transcripts, check prerequisite coursework and complete any necessary classes, and register for any required tests. If you have questions, admission staff are generally happy to schedule a call or videoconference.
Admission Requirements:Program Length:GPA Requirement:
Nursing And Healthcare Frequently Asked Questions
Can you become a nurse online?
Yes, it is possible to complete most of your core nursing courses online. For instance, online degree programs like the ones found at WGU offer a prelicensure bachelor’s of nursing program for students in select states who want to become a registered nurse. There, about 60% of the degree is earned online, while the other 40% is made up of clinical time at a medical facility.
Are online nursing programs credible?
Many online nursing programs are credible and offer accredited and reputable degrees. That said, be sure to research the school offering the program before enrolling, as some schools may not offer legitimate or respected degrees. Accreditation is critical for ensuring your online nursing program will be well-respected and will teach you the skills you need to succeed.
What is the best online school for nursing?
These are the top nursing schools based on ROI:
1. Western Governors University ROI: 369%
2. Excelsior College ROI: 359%
3. University of PhoenixArizona ROI: 297%
4. Colorado Technical UniversityColorado Springs ROI: 264%
5. Arizona State UniversitySkysong ROI: 259%
6. Southern New Hampshire University ROI: 258%
7. Capella University ROI: 252%
8. Walden University ROI: 235%
9. Chamberlain UniversityIllinois ROI: 196%
10. Purdue University Global ROI: 183%
How much does it cost for online nursing school?
How can I get a nursing degree online?
What types of nursing degrees are there?
Can you get an RN degree online?
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How Flexible Is The Program
Classes are 100% online. There are no mandatory login times for the program as courses are completed based on the students schedule and availability. Classes can be accessed via computer, tablet, or smartphone.
According to the WGU website, this RN to BSN online bridge program is specifically designed for working Registered Nurses. They stress that time and experience are taken into consideration when determining the individualized program of study. Students with an increased number of years of bedside nursing experience will be able to graduate quicker than others, according to their specific algorithms. For students to qualify for the hours based on their experience, they must be employed as a nurse for a minimum of twenty hours per week.
Courses in this online program have start dates, assignments, and end examinations. Students will need to have discipline in order to complete the requirements as there is a lack of well-defined structure. Students will be expected to maintain their own accountability throughout the program.
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The deadline for the Tenn-K scholarship applications for this year is April 30, with applications and information available online at the WGU Tennessee website. It is only one of the scholarships WGU Tennessee offers.
We will be giving them probably through the summer, Estep said of the awards, usually 10 a year but sometimes up to a dozen or so a year.
WGU Tennessee last year introduced a new Family Nurse Practitioner program and a Rural Healthcare Scholarship to support nursing students across rural Tennessee.
With this new degree program, WGU Tennessee aims to address the healthcare shortage and growing number of healthcare deserts in Tennessee. In the Volunteer State alone, openings for nurse practitioners are expected to grow 40.7% between 2014 and 2024, adding about 1,740 jobs. This new degree is for students who already have a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
The school also has a new psychiatric family nurse practitioner program. Both provide masters level degrees.
The opportunity for nursing professionals is projected to outpace all other professionals through 2028, which gives us an incredible avenue to serve our students in Tennessee, Estep said. FNPs are an increasingly important backbone of the healthcare system in rural areas providing more of these highly trained professionals will increase the quality of care in our state while driving down costs.
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The deadline for the Tenn-K scholarship applications for this year is April 30, with applications and information available online at the WGU Tennessee website. It is one of the scholarships WGU Tennessee offers.
“We will be giving them probably through the summer,” Estep said of the awards, usually 10 a year but sometimes up to a dozen or so a year.
WGU Tennessee last year introduced a new Family Nurse Practitioner program and a Rural Healthcare Scholarship to support nursing students across rural Tennessee.
With this new degree program, WGU Tennessee aims to address the healthcare shortage and growing number of healthcare deserts in Tennessee. In the Volunteer State alone, openings for nurse practitioners are expected to grow 40.7% between 2014 and 2024, adding about 1,740 jobs. This new degree is for students who already have a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
The school also has a new psychiatric family nurse practitioner program. Both provide master’s level degrees.
The opportunity for nursing professionals is projected to outpace all other professionals through 2028, which gives us an incredible avenue to serve our students in Tennessee, Estep said. FNPs are an increasingly important backbone of the healthcare system in rural areas providing more of these highly trained professionals will increase the quality of care in our state while driving down costs.
Transferring To Higher Degrees From Wgu
While the program at WGU is fully accredited and students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students do not earn a traditional GPA like other major universities. This can cause potential problems for nurses interested in earning an advanced practice nursing degree. Western Governors University does offer several online MSN programs including:
- MSN Nursing Education
- MSN Nursing Informatics
- MSN Leadership and Management
Students transferring to an MSN program at WGU will not have to worry about the lack of GPA, as students can automatically enter into the program upon successful completion of the online BSN program.
It is highly encouraged that before students decide to enroll in WGUs RN to BSN online bridge program, they consider their career goals and if an advanced practice nursing license is in their future. Most reputable CRNA and NP schools will want a GPA and strongly encourage individuals to obtain their BSN at another online program.
Again, this will vary greatly according to the program of study, but it is important to consider as youre thinking about the next steps in your nursing education. Its important to speak to an enrollment specialist to determine the exact particulars and determine if WGU is a good fit.
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In Town For Breakfast
WGU Tennessee sponsored the Fourth Friday Breakfast of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce at the MeadowView Resort, Conference and Convention Center, which she said drew close to 200 attendees.
“I’m really enjoying getting back out and doing this kind of community building and outreach,” Estep said in a mid-day interview.
That is in contrast to two years of Zoom and other online events, including the awarding of Tenn-K scholarships in 2020 during the COVID pandemic shutdowns and in 2021 right after tornados hit Middle Tennessee as COVID effects lingered.
The Franklin, Tennessee resident said WGU-Tennessee has awarded more than 8,400 degrees since it began in 2013. She is also regional vice president for the southeast for Western Governors University.
Popularity Of Nursing At Wgu
During the 2019-2020 academic year, Western Governors University handed out 11863 bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Due to this, the school was ranked #1 in popularity out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree. This is an increase of 24% over the previous year when 9,573 degrees were handed out.
In 2020, 3,259 students received their masterâs degree in nursing from WGU. This makes it the #3 most popular school for nursing masterâs degree candidates in the country.
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Is Wgu A Good Rn To Bsn Program
That depends. The quality of online programs is based on how receptive students are to the coursework and information. Students will get out what they want from the program. However, picking an accredited program is VERY important and WGU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . Additionally, hospitals and healthcare organizations throughout the country recognize Western Governor University and the BSN they offer online.
WGU offers one-on-one academic and personal support on an as-needed basis. Mentorship is considered essential throughout the program. There are two distinct mentor roles, Student Mentors and Course Mentors, which exist at WGU to focus solely on supporting students academic success. Other faculty functions, such as curriculum development, grading and assessment, and degree program management, are assigned to other members of WGUs faculty, each specializing in a specific function. This allows mentors to devote their full attention to students.
Wgus College Of Health Professions Launches Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
The new competency-based degree will be offered online in 39 states to address the nations critical shortage in mental health providers.
SALT LAKE CITY As nearly one in five U.S. adults suffer from mental, behavioral or emotional disorders, the demand for effective mental healthcare is outpacing the availability of qualified mental healthcare providers across the country. To address this issue, the College of Health Professions at Western Governors University today announced the launch of a Masters of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree.
The ongoing mental health crisis in the nation, coupled with the stress from the pandemic, has overwhelmed qualified mental health providers who were already in short supply, said Jan Jones-Schenk, executive dean and senior vice president of WGUs College of Health Professions. Rightfully, the role of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners is expanding as greater access to mental healthcare is created, and the stigma of seeking that care subsides. We are creating new pathways for nurses to advance their careers into this exciting area of clinical practice and meet a tremendous need in our nation.
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Western Governors University Is Launching A Masters In Nursing Informatics Program To Prepare Nurses For Specialist Role
Dec 13, 2016 | MSN, News, Utah
A new Masters in Nursing Informatics program is being launched at Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT. The program is being offered through the College of Health Professions to train students to prepare, gather, document, and analyze data to serve as a foundation for data-driven decisions.
The MSN-Nursing Informatics program will be offered online like all other degree programs at WGU. Registered nurses and graduates who hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees are eligible for the advanced training program to become career specialists in the field of nursing informatics. With the competency-based program held entirely online, working nurses can go through the coursework on their own time and complete courses as soon as they demonstrate proficiency. Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, WGUs National Director of Nursing, tells PRNewswire.com:
In todays healthcare industry, there is an increased need for nurses who understand clinical practice and how to integrate that knowledge into information systems to support the delivery of safe, efficient, and quality healthcare.