Start over with WGU MSN or transfer credits to a non-RA MSN?

[cookderosa]

So, after dropping out of NP school for the second time, I've decided that I'm done with the NP path. It's just not working out for me at this point in my life, mostly because I cannot go to clinic and go to work every single day, and can't afford to take time off of work. Maybe I'll revisit the idea in a few years, but not today.

I have racked up 18 graduate credits with a 3.88 GPA. I've done really well at getting halfway to an MSN. I definitely want to finish my MSN, even if I'm not going to be an NP. But, here's my problem -- I have three options, none of which are ideal:

1) Transfer all 18 credits to American Sentinel University. I won't have to repeat any coursework, and the tuition is pretty affordable. It will cost me about $9,000 to complete, and I will probably finish in under a year. The downside is, ASU is only Nationally Accredited (in addition to CCNE). If I ever wanted to teach, I probably wouldn't be able to with an NA degree.

2) Enroll in WGU's MSN (Nursing Leadership option). None of my credits would transfer, so I would have to take a LOT of courses over. Seems like it wouldn't be a big deal, because I likely already know much of the content. However, what I've read on the new MSN curriculum is a little disheartening, with lots of students having problems. I could probably finish this program in under a year, because I'm familiar with the WGU model and have already completed a BSN and MBA with them. Which, by the way, creates another problem with academic incest. Again, not good if I ever want to teach.

3) Enroll in some other program and transfer, if I'm lucky, 12 credits. Would probably take 2+ years to complete, and would probably be nowhere near as affordable as WGU or ASU, due to the need to complete 24+ credits.

What are your thoughts? Is there a magical unicorn option that I haven't found -- an RA school that is reasonably priced that will accept all 18 of my graduate hours for transfer?

My thoughts are to make yourself take a break. I think the risks are pretty high and there are clearly lots of things that swirl around in the decision to find the best program, but if you sit out for a bit -3 months maybe? Then you'll have a bit of time to reflect on what happened before, what you really want, what makes sense, and how you can find the best path for you.

That happened to me (sort of) in a change-direction kind of way, and long story short, I knew that the path I was one was the wrong one, but I was letting momentum carry me forward anyway. It took a bit of time to realize I was going in the wrong direction, but once I did, it was smooth sailing. I wouldn't have found that if I were distracted by hurrying. When I was an apprentice chef, my chef used to tell me the busier you are the slower you should go. Being rushed by sense of urgency -when the best option isn't clear- will usually end in a bad decision. Good luck with whatever you decide!