College Network or Excelsior for LPN to RN ASN degree?? So Confused!!!

Nursing Students Excelsior

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Hi all,

I am trying to decide between TCN or Excelsior for my nursing classes, at some point I would have to transfer all my CN classes to excelsior anyways right? How much did excelsior end up costing you all who have completed it?? How did you pay for it?? Are there financing options? Every time I have tried to speak to someone over there I am on hold forever or they seem rude, like I am asking stupid questions. I would like to start ASAP and finish ASAP, but I wonder if I should just take a personal loan to pay for all of it?? It's getting frustrating! I have been "trying" to get my RN now for about 6 years...I have taken all the non nursing classes at local community colleges. Any advice would be a huge HELP!!!:loveya:

Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I have found GREAT sites that are much cheaper and provide a powerpoint lecture style class for those of us that need the added learning style. If you straight up buy a text book for the course, instead of the study guide from TCN, you save yourself a ton of money and hassle of a contract you can NEVER get out of. The lectures go along with the EC study guide and all for about $147 a month, cancel anytime no contract by a VERY reputable source in the EC community. www RNbridgeprogram.com

I have started using these and plan to take the EC practice test and then the EC test. I have heard very good things about them. And even plan on doing the CPNE boot camp with this person as well.

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OMGosh, IF ALL READING THIS THE COLLEGE NETWORK IS NOT A SCHOOL, THEY ARE A PUBLISHING COMPANY OF STUDY GUIDES NOT A COLLEGE. YOU STILL HAVE TO PAY ALL THE TUITION AND FEES AT EXCELSIOR, PLUS THE FEE FOR THE COLLEGE NETWORK STUDY GUIDES. I USED THEM, BOUGHT USED ONES ON EBAY AND LOVED THEM, BUT THERE IS NO WAY TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE LATEST COPIES. WENT TO ONE OF THEIR SALES MEETINGS LOCALLY, YOU ARE SIGNING UP FOR STUDY GUIDES, NOT A SCHOOL.

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Hey guys! I just finished reading all the posts on all the pages. So, I am currently in my last semester of LPN program from Apollo (Carrington) college. I am doing a research on LPN to RN programs. I am so happy to find lots of resources here!!! My mother-in-law is doing TCN thing and she absolutely HATES it! But unfortunately, she didn't research at all and on top of that, TCN person came to her school and gave them information session. He told their entire cohort that the only way they can get into EC bridge program only if through TCN. Is that true???? Cause reading all above posts it doesn't sound like truth.

Also, I was wondering if it would be better to get some prereques out of the way from local CC before joining EC? Thank you for all your help, info and input!

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ok i had to join this after reading this forum because its exactly what i needed. to read. Im in the same boat im an lpn looking to get her RN as fast as possible. The financing option was and is still a major issue for me. The financing from the college network seemed to make things easier but people are making such a good point about not paying for the same thing twice. I have decided after reading all this that Im just gonna do excelsior even if it means that its gonna take longer due to having to save the money to pay the costs out of pocket. It will be nice to graduate as an RN debt free though. Thanks for all the words of wisdom

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Since there are six pages to this thread, and I realize most folks will NOT read this thread from the beginning.... just a quick post. (is there such a thing?)

College Network is a study system, not a college that gives a degree. Excelsior is a degree program.

If you want to get an ADN/BSN from Excelsior you will have to pay and take the test. College Network does not give the tests or credits.

These two options are NOT the same thing. Sorry, just needed to say this.

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Does anyone have any ideas for purchasing prereq study guides other than The College Network...I need A&P and Microbiology, Intro to Sociology, and Intro to Psych.

Barbra Ann

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Specializes in Hospice.

Ebay TCN study guides are less than $50 each. Chancellor guides also show up once in awhile. I used both and did well on the exams. There are several yahoo groups to help you along the way. Good luck and happy studying:nurse:

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Specializes in Geriatrics/sub acute rehab.

I have been considering The College Network for sometime now and have yet to sign up. I decided to do a cost comparison of TCN and Excelsior College. The costs of TCN I Compared included modules, test fees and all EC fees. I have found EC was approx 2,000 cheaper. However, EC cost compared does not include the cost of books needed for each class. So in my case the difference in cost is not that great. I also weighed in the fact that more than one book is sometimes needed with classes through EC. I agree that each individual should do their own research. I notice the majority of complaints about TCN is cost and not content of materials. As some people have posted you can buy modules on Ebay that can help decrease some of your expenses. Oh yes let's not forget TCN is not a college. This is true and was made perfectly clear when I met with a Rep, it also states on all paperwork I received. I think its very important with anything in business that time is taken to read any contracts before you sign them despite what is said..I used to be one of those people who just thought awful things about this company. I now have the pleasure of working with a graduate of EC who utilized TCN and is actually a success story on their website. She has stated to me personally that she loved TCN materials got all A's and B's & 1C and used no other materials to study. She also loved the support of TCN. Go figure:). Good luck to everyone who has started any distant learning program. Stay encouraged :)

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My head is spinning after reading everything about TCN. I signed a contract with them yesterday and now I am in panic mode. Is there anyone that has used TCN for their pre-reqs and transfer into ISU? How long did it take? What are your thoughts?

I work 50+ hrs per week and going to a JC is not an option for me, is Excelsior only available on the East Coast? How do I register for the tests if I don't go through TCN?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you =D

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Jelena,

I first found this site when I was doing an internet search for TCN... I knew some people that had used it, I had been to a very slick presentation, complete with high pressure sales tactics, but I had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. Read, read, read all the posts here about TCN. Yes, it IS possible to buy your study materials through TCN, but keep in mind, they are no more than a VERY expensive third party publishing company. The ADN is issued through Excelsior College, which is a Distance Learning program, NOT just on the east coast. In fact, they warn against third party publishing companies on their site. Bottom line, you do not need TCN, Rue, istudysmart, or anything like that. You can often find their study materials for pennies on the dollar on Ebay.

It is not too late... you have a 3 day right to cancel. I'm sure you will get many more strong opinions about TCN...

The people that I know personally that have used it say that it added thousands of dollars to the cost of their degree.... and is unnecessary! You can do it on your own through Excelsior!

Good luck!!

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You register for the tests through Excelsior college. You create a student login account which gives you access to their study guides, books you need, etc.

You have your transcripts sent to them, apply for admissions, enroll, etc, much like you would for any other college.

You can do everything through excelsior.

Excelsior College - excelsior.edu

The website walks you through the process.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I hope none of you are from California. EC is not accepted.

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