[erinp88]

Hello everyone! I am looking for LPN to RN students in Michigan. Wondering if anyone is completing the LPN to RN Excelsior program and what their knowledge of it is? I live in the Grand Rapids area and have not crossed paths with anyone who has completed it. Wondering if hospitals look down on this program in the area?

I found out yesterday they don't have room on my intended program which was through KVCC. I'm dying to get started on this! Should I wait another year to start with KVCC or start now with Excelsior?

My fear with Excelsior is that I feel like I'm not strong enough clinically.

Please share any experiences or if anyone is aware of any other online programs Michigan based.

Erin

[Super Nurf]

Hello! I am from Michigan also, in the UP, and after finding out that our local college only has the BSN program (with very limited enrollment, and you have to have this almost unrealistic grade point average to get in) and the other nearest college 85 miles away would make me wait at least a year before I could sign up (with absolutely NO guarantee I would get in, they stressed this, saying there were a lot of applications for their ADN program) I decided to get books through the college network and sign up for Excelsior. I have been an LPN for 20 plus years and think I can do it, I hope I can do it, I am going to try anyway. I don't worry about the clinical part myself, I worry about the academic part and passing those exams!

[skater40]

I am from Ionia, MI, I am going to montcalm community college, just finished up the LPN, waiting to take my boards, and going to start RN in the fall.

I work at Metropolitan hospital, I know of 2 RN's on my unit that have done the Excelsior program.

Kelly

[erinp88]

That's funny, I'm from Saranac (live in Lowell now) and I used to work at Metro in the ER. I still have a few good friends that work there. One of my really good friends works on 4 tower.

I went the GRCC route which isn't a laddered program nor do they tell you to take pre reqs for RN if you're interested in going on (Yes, I'm bitter at that school)...I spent the past two semesters taking A & P and Pharmacology to get into MCCVlC.org's online program only to find out the other week they are full. I knew that was a possibility because I didn't have my pre reqs done by May 1st.

Anyways, I can't stand the thought of waiting another year! I completed GRCC's program almost 6 yrs ago and it was so rigorous, nor do they waive anything for you completing the RN (you can only test out, and pay a portion of the tuition that you would've paid for taking the class), I haven't been back.

Thanks for letting me know there are Excelsior grads working out there in this area!

[frecklefacedawn7]

Hi!
I can happily say I just finished the Excelsior RN (ADN) program and am still currently a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) as well. I plan to re-enroll in Excelsior for the BSN/MSN dual degree. If you are a self motivated individual, you should be able to do this. You will have to set aside time and stick to it. I started in 2003 and just finished up Dec.,2007! I also work full time and had a baby in the between (and two other children). My current job has been very helpful....I have clinical duties in a multi-practioner family practice. Being an LPN already should make it a breeze since you have experienced or have observed alot clinical-wise. I think people who go through Excelsior come out as well as how much their willing to put into it. The best part is you go at your own pace, so if something comes up...you don't fail the class because you had to lay off it for a little bit! AND if you are very motivated....you can finish alot sooner than KVCC. I rec'd my AAS for my CMA at KVCC. Just my thoughts...hope it helps.

[sourkuss]

I grad from GRCC June of 06 LPN program-the thought of going back to that school chokes me! I know they are good but the program was just ROUGH! I just met last Tues with a rep from Excelsior. I opted not to go this route b/c I think I need more clinical experience...it also costs 10 thousand-ugh! So now I either go back to GRCC with 3 pre reqs to go or drive to KVCC, MCC etc. Any ideas anyone??

[txspadequeen921]

I am wondering about this right here. Unless you are starting from absolute scratch EC should not cost you anywhere near 10k. Also, did you go to NY and meet with a rep if not you were not speaking with EC. I bet you were talking with The College Network or RUE which are publishing company's. Sorry to intrude on your Michigan Forum but with 1 year EXP there is no reason you cant complete the EC program successfully. The whole program for me (so far ,I am waiting to do my clinical exam, but this figure is after paying $1825 for the exam as well ) is $4400. DO some research and think about it before you decide.

Originally Posted by sourkuss

! I just met last Tues with a rep from Excelsior. I opted not to go this route b/c I think I need more clinical experience...it also costs 10 thousand-ugh!

[BetterME29]

Originally Posted by txspadequeen921

I am wondering about this right here. Unless you are starting from absolute scratch EC should not cost you anywhere near 10k. Also, did you go to NY and meet with a rep if not you were not speaking with EC. I bet you were talking with The College Network or RUE which are publishing company's. Sorry to intrude on your Michigan Forum but with 1 year EXP there is no reason you cant complete the EC program successfully. The whole program for me (so far ,I am waiting to do my clinical exam, but this figure is after paying $1825 for the exam as well ) is $4400. DO some research and think about it before you decide.

Whoa, whoa....sounds like she met with a rep from either The College Network or Rue.

[BetterME29]

Originally Posted by sourkuss

I grad from GRCC June of 06 LPN program-the thought of going back to that school chokes me! I know they are good but the program was just ROUGH! I just met last Tues with a rep from Excelsior. I opted not to go this route b/c I think I need more clinical experience...it also costs 10 thousand-ugh! So now I either go back to GRCC with 3 pre reqs to go or drive to KVCC, MCC etc. Any ideas anyone??

I have never heard of an EC rep doing house visits. But reps from The College Network do, they claim they are associated with Excelsior......THEY ARE NOT!!!!!!

Listen to Txspade...she knows what she is talking about you are an LPN alreay you should be strong enough clinically. If RT's and Medics can do this then you most surely can too. You can also take workshops to build clinical confidence.

And yes, unless you are starting from scratch taking all the pre-reqs then it may cost more, but just the nursing test probably will cost less than $5,000. Go to the Distance Learning Forum...search for Starting Excelsior Threads, read through as many as you can. I really think you can do this. Don't give up that easy.