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recommendations for online courses?

Hi.  I'm currently an RN with my BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) and would like to get my masters degree, preferably online (for the convenience factor).  A tiny bit of background.... I actually want to get my CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia) but that just is not feasible for quite some time, as those programs are so intense that they do not allow you to work.  And, I do not think Scott's income alone would cover all the bills and we do not want to move yet, as we just bought the house last Spring.  Maybe eventually that can happen....

but for now, Masters in nursing, I'm leaning towards education or CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) but other than cardiac or CV (cardio thoracic) specialties, I really am unsure what I would want to focus on.  I know I really need to figure it out, even before applying, but was wondering if anybody has had any really great experiences or really bad, with any online institution, or the real,brick & mortar institution. 

I'm in the process of making a comparison chart (tuition, fees, required visit to campus, etc) but still have far to go.  Any input would be greatly appreciated!

So far, I'm researching:

Drexel
Sacred Heart (CT)
Saint Joseph college of Maine
Walden University
Millersville University (PA)


(These few I found on a website after looking for MSN programs) probably fairly cheesy... but:
Gonzoga
Loyola
Norwich
Kaplan
Norwich

TIA for any info you can share!
Tara :-)
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Re: recommendations for online courses?

  • I would personally go with online courses that are part of an actual brick and mortar institution's curriculum. I just don't trust all those new "online" colleges. I inquired about a few once, and they called me nonstop for weeks afterwards. A true college doesn't call you at all hours a day (or night) soliciting their school.
    Good luck with your educational endeavors! :)
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_recommendations-online-courses?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:adfbdfe5-52bd-4be2-b8b9-0fdad954b5b3Post:fd5efd4c-b0a6-4db0-add2-79af5ca8774c">Re: recommendations for online courses?</a>:
    [QUOTE]<strong>I would personally go with online courses that are part of an actual brick and mortar institution's curriculum. I just don't trust all those new "online" colleges</strong>. I inquired about a few once, and they called me nonstop for weeks afterwards. A true college doesn't call you at all hours a day (or night) soliciting their school. Good luck with your educational endeavors! :)
    Posted by Srbageldog[/QUOTE]

    This exactly! You really have to be careful with some of these to make sure they are nationally accredited and all. For me, I would rather go to a reputable college or university with a long standing tradition than one of the online schools. Way to go for continuing your education and good luck!
  • I agree with PPs. Although programs at "online colleges" might be accredited, a degree from them is often not taken as seriously in the work forces as degrees through online programs at major universities.
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  • I agree with the PPs.
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  • I agree with everyone else.  I'm a teacher pursuing my Master's in Language Eduation online through Indiana University.  I chose to this route because I had the comfort of a well-known university (7th in the nation for lang. ed!) with the convenience of online courses.  It's been great so far--I'm halfway through my second semester! Good luck!
  • I took my Masters of Arts in Education degree through the University of Phoenix.  It was a TON of work but worth it.  I would take all the necessary steps before you start to ensure that the online degree will be recognized and accredited in your area/field.  I had many hoops to jump through with our department of education to have them accept it before I started. 

    One of the things I found about my online course is that the only way the professor has to assess you is through your written work so there was A LOT of it.  I would highly recommend U of Px.  They were very accomodating to work with and the online learning community was great!
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