Question:
Dear Nancy,
I have been an RN for over 20 years, and I have an associate’s degree in nursing. I recently decided to continue my education and get a BSN and then a master's degree. The problem is I was convinced to sign up for an online program offering college-level courses. After all their promises and sales pitches, I signed up and received $4,000 in financing for the courses, which was paid directly to them from their own finance company. Four months have gone by, and I still haven’t received any classes, books, or the personal help that was promised.
I have been making monthly payments to their loan company and receiving nothing. I have contacted them every week for the last two months to get this resolved, and all I get are excuses. I feel I have been ripped off or scammed. Lots of other nurses have placed complaints on this via the Internet. Is there any way to stop payments and get my money back or at the very least get out of this contract and not have to pay the remainder of the school loan? I have checked with our local college and they say several of this company’s courses will not be accepted by most universities. I also received a letter today from the organization stating I will have to add an additional $1,300 for some other courses.
Dear Nancy,
I have been an RN for over 20 years, and I have an associate’s degree in nursing. I recently decided to continue my education and get a BSN and then a master's degree. The problem is I was convinced to sign up for an online program offering college-level courses. After all their promises and sales pitches, I signed up and received $4,000 in financing for the courses, which was paid directly to them from their own finance company. Four months have gone by, and I still haven’t received any classes, books, or the personal help that was promised.
I have been making monthly payments to their loan company and receiving nothing. I have contacted them every week for the last two months to get this resolved, and all I get are excuses. I feel I have been ripped off or scammed. Lots of other nurses have placed complaints on this via the Internet. Is there any way to stop payments and get my money back or at the very least get out of this contract and not have to pay the remainder of the school loan? I have checked with our local college and they say several of this company’s courses will not be accepted by most universities. I also received a letter today from the organization stating I will have to add an additional $1,300 for some other courses.
Lela
Nancy Brent replies:
Dear Lela,
It sounds as though something is terribly wrong with this arrangement you made with the online program. There may be substantial consumer fraud going on with this company, especially since there are many other complaints in addition to yours. It would be a good idea to consult with a nurse attorney or attorney in your state who can review the contract you signed and advise you of any personal rights you may have to take legal action against this company.
Additionally, the attorney can advise you if you need to contact the state’s attorney or the attorney general of your state if there is a cause or causes of action possible because of violations of state and federal consumer protection laws. Needless to say, the consultation should be done as soon as possible to avoid the exit by the company, for example, from your state or from the U.S., assuming they are even based in the country.
Obtaining credits for any degree online needs to be carefully evaluated. There are many reputable online colleges and universities that offer college credits that are accepted by more “traditional” nursing education programs. However, that needs to be determined before deciding to take a course online. An additional restriction on the acceptance of any credits earned online is the state nurse practice act and rules. Some states, for example, will not allow students seeking a BS with a major in nursing or a BSN to take online credits toward such a degree because there is no concurrent theory and practice. Your attorney can advise you of your state’s requirements in this regard as well.
Dear Lela,
It sounds as though something is terribly wrong with this arrangement you made with the online program. There may be substantial consumer fraud going on with this company, especially since there are many other complaints in addition to yours. It would be a good idea to consult with a nurse attorney or attorney in your state who can review the contract you signed and advise you of any personal rights you may have to take legal action against this company.
Additionally, the attorney can advise you if you need to contact the state’s attorney or the attorney general of your state if there is a cause or causes of action possible because of violations of state and federal consumer protection laws. Needless to say, the consultation should be done as soon as possible to avoid the exit by the company, for example, from your state or from the U.S., assuming they are even based in the country.
Obtaining credits for any degree online needs to be carefully evaluated. There are many reputable online colleges and universities that offer college credits that are accepted by more “traditional” nursing education programs. However, that needs to be determined before deciding to take a course online. An additional restriction on the acceptance of any credits earned online is the state nurse practice act and rules. Some states, for example, will not allow students seeking a BS with a major in nursing or a BSN to take online credits toward such a degree because there is no concurrent theory and practice. Your attorney can advise you of your state’s requirements in this regard as well.
Cordially,
Nancy
Nancy J. Brent, RN, MS, JD, is an attorney in private practice in Wilmette, Ill. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal or any other advice. The reader is encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney or other professional when an opinion is needed.
