Question about Excelsior

*caliotter3* · Sep 26, 2009, 04:31 PM

Re: Question about Excelsior

Originally Posted by zmealey

I actually plan to CLEP the Sociology then send in my application. After that just go a class at a time. I see everyone on here has their own preferance on what study material to use but what is everyones favorite? Thanks again!!

One of the advantages of EC is that there is no time limit on your corequisite and general ed courses. As long as you complete the program within seven years of enrollment, you are good to go, without having to repeat anything because it is "too old". So if you want to do one course at a time, as you can afford them, you should have no problem.

*ivanh3* · Sep 28, 2009, 08:39 AM

Re: Question about Excelsior

Zach, just curious. Why not a local brick/mortar school? I am also a medic and EC grad, but have you considered just going straight for your BSN at a local state college?

zmealey · Sep 28, 2009, 11:32 AM

Re: Question about Excelsior

Originally Posted by ivanh3

Zach, just curious. Why not a local brick/mortar school? I am also a medic and EC grad, but have you considered just going straight for your BSN at a local state college?

I don't think a traditional classroom setting is best for me right now. My wife graduates this December with her BA in Early Childhood Education. After she graduates there is the possibilty of relocation so we will both have jobs. I feel that Excelsior will be the most flexible with me in case we do have to relocate. Also the fact that there are no local colleges offering a BSN program doesn't help.

**LunahRN** · Sep 28, 2009, 11:37 AM

Re: Question about Excelsior

Originally Posted by zmealey

After she graduates there is the possibilty of relocation so we will both have jobs. I feel that Excelsior will be the most flexible with me in case we do have to relocate.

Zach, apologies if you're already aware of this, but some state boards of nursing don't recognize/license RNs who are EC graduates. Here's something on EC's website:

https://www.excelsior.edu/Excelsior_...d_Requirements

Just be sure that wherever you might end up, they'll license you. Most states don't have a problem with initial licensure, and even more accept EC grads who have a certain amount of hours as an RN. There are very few states who will turn down EC grads outright, but California and Maryland are two that won't.

*ivanh3* · Sep 28, 2009, 12:32 PM

Re: Question about Excelsior

Originally Posted by zmealey

I don't think a traditional classroom setting is best for me right now. My wife graduates this December with her BA in Early Childhood Education. After she graduates there is the possibilty of relocation so we will both have jobs. I feel that Excelsior will be the most flexible with me in case we do have to relocate. Also the fact that there are no local colleges offering a BSN program doesn't help.

Originally Posted by LunahRN

Zach, apologies if you're already aware of this, but some state boards of nursing don't recognize/license RNs who are EC graduates. Here's something on EC's website:

https://www.excelsior.edu/Excelsior_...d_Requirements

Just be sure that wherever you might end up, they'll license you. Most states don't have a problem with initial licensure, and even more accept EC grads who have a certain amount of hours as an RN. There are very few states who will turn down EC grads outright, but California and Maryland are two that won't.

Just to kind of reiterate what Lisa has pointed out. There are some states that won't accept EC. Several require a significant amount of working hours before they will take EC grads. This could delay a move needed for your wife's job prospects. Also consider, that just because a state accepts EC now does not mean they will when you are ready to graduate. Just ask the Georgia students about the hell they are going through right now.

I am not knocking EC. The problems is with the various boards of nursing and their issues with EC. Something to consider would be for you to just work on your general ed and pre reqs and then if you guys relocate for your wife you could look at nursing schools in your new area.

zmealey · Sep 28, 2009, 04:37 PM

Re: Question about Excelsior

Originally Posted by ivanh3

Just to kind of reiterate what Lisa has pointed out. There are some states that won't accept EC. Several require a significant amount of working hours before they will take EC grads. This could delay a move needed for your wife's job prospects. Also consider, that just because a state accepts EC now does not mean they will when you are ready to graduate. Just ask the Georgia students about the hell they are going through right now.

I am not knocking EC. The problems is with the various boards of nursing and their issues with EC. Something to consider would be for you to just work on your general ed and pre reqs and then if you guys relocate for your wife you could look at nursing schools in your new area.

This is definetly something to keep in mind. However, I feel quite fortunate that the states we may end up in all accept EC without any further requirements. I initially want to knock out all my pre reqs and general ed classes first and will have to make a final decision when the time comes. Thanks for all the input though.

Does anyone know any specifics on WV as far as Excelsior? I know that the EC website says they accept it without any additional requirements. Just curious if anyone has done this in WV. Thanks again!!!

**LunahRN** · Sep 28, 2009, 05:49 PM

Re: Question about Excelsior

Originally Posted by zmealey

Does anyone know any specifics on WV as far as Excelsior? I know that the EC website says they accept it without any additional requirements. Just curious if anyone has done this in WV. Thanks again!!!

I've known a couple of West Virginia peeps on Excelsior's peer network and various YahooGroups who have done the EC RN thing without a problem. But keep an eye on things -- sometimes the various BONs can change their collective mind without much warning. That happened in Virginia -- students had to be enrolled by a certain date, and be NCLEX-ready by a certain date to work in Virginia.

**LunahRN** · Sep 28, 2009, 07:11 PM

Re: Question about Excelsior

Just wanted to add (sorry, at the firestation and went out on a call) -- Virginia has also amended their position and will allow EC grads to endorse in with 960 hours of time as an RN. So it seems as though when state BONs take that kind of action, Excelsior does lobby to have those hard-line positions amended.

melissakp · Sep 28, 2009, 07:58 PM

Re: Question about Excelsior

I am also a paramedic and used TCN and liked it because I didn't have to read all the books. But they do cost $$. Very doable program with a family and other committments. Melissa NREMT-P, RN in Oregon

mtrebe · Sep 30, 2009, 10:37 AM

Re: Question about Excelsior

The tests for each "class" are very straight forward. I have been using Rue Ed for study guides and they are extremely helpful. I passes all of my tests without problems.
What is the killer--the CPNE. I just took mine for the first time and did not pass. It is a pass/fail system. One little error, not doing something exactlylike Excelsior dictates, you fail.
If I had not put all of the time, energy and money into this, I would go another more traditional route. I have been a RRT for 20 years, I have worked in every area of the hospital, I gave allergy shots, I intubate, I assist with bronchs.I have been a director of clinical education and teach both respiratory care and nursing students.
I have never seen a program that fails a student for a minor error.
Sour Grapes? Yes some. I am beginning to believe the rumors that they are in it for the money. The CPNE costs $1950. I get to pay it again. ANd the travel and hotel and etc......
I do kick myself for not doing more research.
My advise, be very sure that this is the route you want to go. The majority of the students I went with failed. (4 out of 7)
Talk to more that have gone throught the CPNE. If you do go this route, practice, practice, practice. Take several workshops. Lynn Fredricks offers a great one. The school encourages you to take theirs, but again--more money for the school.
It is you to you, this is my two cents--spend it wisely.

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Question about Excelsior

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