Achieve Test Prep

Nursing Students Excelsior

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I signed on with Achieve Test Prep yesterday and I am excited. The local schools in my area want $50.000 for an ASN degree. I can accomplish this for about $20,000 through ATP and Excelsior combined. Their classes meet one day a week for three hours and they also have it set up so that the same instructor also teaches a live webinar at the same time for the virtual students that can't sit in a classroom. I even have a school right here in my home town if I want to sit in on a class you have that option. They took all of my prereqs. The only ones that have a time limit of five years is A/P and Micro. I have those two and 8 nursing classes. They also have TEAS 5 week prep classes and a clinical prep course that is 6 weeks long. For their testing and course assistance I will be paying $301.00 a month for 48 months. You also have to at some point after prereqs have to sign up with Excelsior for additional fees. It seems like a lot of money but it is no where near 50 grand. I start after the $725.00 enrollment fees have been paid. Wish me luck and I will keep everyone posted. I should be done in about 15 or 16 months.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Please call Excelsior and speak with them. EC is NOT affiliated with any third party company.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The CPNE wait is 9-12 months right now.

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I called Excelsior college last week and they saw nothing wrong with me using a prep service to study for their exams.They acknowledged they are not endorsing any prep sites but how I study for their exams is my decision. They denied any hold on CPNE exams at this time. I won't be ready for that for at least another year or so. Every exam I take is an exam closer to my dream

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I called Excelsior college last week and they saw nothing wrong with me using a prep service to study for their exams.They acknowledged they are not endorsing any prep sites but how I study for their exams is my decision. They denied any hold on CPNE exams at this time. I won't be ready for that for at least another year or so. Every exam I take is an exam closer to my dream

There is a current wait time of 9-12 months AFTER you are eligible to apply for the CPNE (after completing the nursing exams and the FCCA). So add an extra year. I believe the average time to completion is typically around 18 months. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

There is nothing wrong with using a test prep service as long as you are aware these services are neither affiliated nor endorsed by Excelsior and therefore cannot guarantee acceptance or that their prep materials align with the exams. You need to be aware that all costs for test prep services are in addition to the fees, tuition and other costs of EC.

There is no hold on CPNE exams, it's a waiting list for a spot in one of the testing centers. You cannot be placed on the waiting list until all other degree requirements including both FCCA are successfully complete. Then the 9-12 month wait on the list begins.

The issue with test prep companies is that some imply the are affiliated with EC and can guarantee admission and credit acceptance (which is not true) or that the test prep company fees include the EC fees (not true unless you take out a loan to cover the test prep company cost AND the costs for the college).

Fortunately for you, you seem to have been given accurate information that this is a third party prep service. Not different than using Kaplan to prepare for SAT's or the NCLEX. Some people do fine using only the EC exam content guides (which you will have access to once you enroll in Excelsior. These proprietary study guides are the only official source for exam content and preparation). Other candidates need more support.

Knowing whether you do better as an independent studier and are fully self motivated vs needing a tutor and support is half the battle. If you need the test prep center to support your endeavors and keep you on track, kudos for being self aware and good luck on your journey.

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Hi Fliorida,

I used ATP to help me with my studying. You have the correct information about them. I used the virtual classes, WHICH ARE CONVENIENT to my lifestyle and the teachers that I had were exceptional and know their stuff. It was hard getting into the actual classes in NYC.

However, I like the service up until they didn't want to refund me for 2 classes that I decided not to take with them because I had already passed them with Excelsior. The customer service line sucks. They didn't want to refund me but I stood my ground. They kept telling me that they were the school, no they are not. It took me 6 months to get my refund and then on top of that they charged me with 3oo fee for dropping a class, whatever, they will do anything just to make a quick buck.

So Florida please be very careful with them money wise or else you will have new fees applying to you. Only pay for the classes that you need. Some classes you don't need their assistance with such as Foundations, Transition, maybe Repro depending on your strengths. You can also add classes as the time comes. I enroll in the CPNE class, I will let you know how that goes..... Right now I am in both FCCAs

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Hi, did you ever complete the program/course with ATP and become a RN. I'm thinking of signing up, but not sure. Are these classes accredited to transfer?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hi, did you ever complete the program/course with ATP and become a RN. I'm thinking of signing up, but not sure. Are these classes accredited to transfer?

The classes are not credit courses they are test prep classes to take the 'challenge' exams at Excelsior College and reportedly possibly ISU. The credits earned if you pass the exam would be granted by Excelsior and may be accepted by another school but academic advisors at Excelsior College would be better to give you an accurate answer.

The test prep company clearly states that '** Achieve Test Prep is a college education consultant and test preparation center that helps you earn your degree faster. Achieve Test Prep is not a college and does not issue degrees or give college credit. The programs listed above and elsewhere on this website are test preparation programs offered by Achieve Test Prep to prepare you to take exams from an independent accredited college or an independent testing center. Achieve purposefully remains independent and does not align itself with any college nor do we commit to any agreements with any college. By being truly independent, we offer a non-biased approach to recommending the best possible college route to our students. While Achieve Test Prep is an expert on the policies and procedures of many colleges, the final decisions about credits and degrees rest with the colleges. You must independently apply for and be accepted into a college.' right on their website

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Any updates on Archive Test prep. I have 2 days to cancel my contract

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Specializes in Hospice.

Cancel it. If you are planning on getting your RN from Excelsior, You can get all of the study materials you need directly from Excelsior. No need to pay a 3rd party for materials that are not endorsed or approved by Excelsior.

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Specializes in Hospice.

lol.. yeah, this is an old thread.. my response was in reply to Sindy1.

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