When Melissa Mason RN, CPN, CPHON first started looking into Chamberlain College of Nursing, she was already enrolled in a different RN to BSN option. And she had been taking classes for nearly two years “with no end in sight.”

“I still had a lot of classes to go because I had to re-take many classes that the school didn’t accept,” said Mason. “I also didn’t receive credit for my work experience as a nurse.”

For many nursing students like Mason, the notion of transferring schools isn’t an appealing one, especially considering the time already invested in making that initial school selection.

“It wasn’t easy, but I knew I needed to make a change.”

In Chamberlain’s RN to BSN online option, registered nurses may receive up to 82 proficiency credits for nursing experience before starting the program and still have the option of transferring in additional qualifying coursework.

“Before entering Chamberlain, I had roughly 160 credits and felt no closer to my BSN,” she said. “But with Chamberlain, my expected completion time is just nine months.”

This new timetable allows Mason to take a long-term perspective on her education, something she appreciates when considering next steps. “I hope to earn either my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in education or become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a certification in education.”

‘The Classes All Feel Connected’

Chamberlain's RN to BSN online option allows students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as three semesters with year-round, full-time enrollment. Students learn in a supportive and flexible environment taught by experienced nurse educators who are focused on their success.

“The Chamberlain RN to BSN online option truly feels like a traditional program,” said Mason. “The classes all feel connected and I don’t feel like I’m learning anything that I will never use again. I’m always applying what I learn in each class to the very next course.”

Being an educator herself, Mason is the Unit Based Educator of an inpatient pediatric oncology floor at a New Mexico hospital, she noted that she’s found much of the information she’s learned to directly correlate in her personal practice as well.

Military Program

Chamberlain has a military program, another feature that caught Mason’s eye and which she discussed at length with Jeff Grimes, MBA, MSgt USAF (ret) an executive military enrollment specialist. Mason’s husband served in the Air Force for seven years as a helicopter crew chief. His service was cut short when he was badly injured after a fall from his aircraft that brought him home 80% disabled.

“Military benefits were one of the first things that Jeff discussed with me,” said Mason. “I receive a 27% tuition savings and my application fee was waived. I also receive tuition deferment that allows me to get my tuition reimbursement from the hospital I work for before I make a payment.”

Mason attributes her overall positive experience with Chamberlain to starting with Grimes. “Not only was Jeff very pleasant and accommodating, but he was extremely knowledgeable about the program and gave me several tips for success,” she said.

Grimes worked with Mason to give her a clear picture of what her schedule would be like and continues to follow up with her through her education, offering assistance to ensure that she will complete her program on time.

“I truly am grateful for his hard work and dedication to me as a student. I know he takes care of many people, but I have always felt like I am the only one!”

For a complete list of benefits and those who qualify, see Chamberlain’s Military Overview.

By Ryan Segovich