TCN and EC Cost

Nursing Students Online Learning

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My wife is looking a getting her ASN. I have read plenty on the differences between TCN and EC, and you end up paying more for TCN but I have not seen anywhere how much more. So my question how much did you end up paying for TCN or EC.

FYI: once you sign the tcn contract THERE'S NO WAY OUT...nnnnooooOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Go find the guides on ebay and save $4000.

Unlike retarded me.

Vida:smackingf

Specializes in Peds,, Home Health, some geriatrics.
My wife is looking a getting her ASN. I have read plenty on the differences between TCN and EC, and you end up paying more for TCN but I have not seen anywhere how much more. So my question how much did you end up paying for TCN or EC.

What is TCN, Is it college network. College Network, Chancelors, and Rue are book company's that help you pass EC. Just for 2 CPNE's (the clinical test at EC) with 2 workshops and hotels for those and the 2 cpne test I spent over $5000.

Don't feel alone, Vida. I did the same thing almost 2 years ago and have been regretting it ever since! I have paid for the study guides but have not opened one of them yet. I don't know if I'm going to continue with TCN or just enroll in a local university. It seems my estimated cost to complete the program will be around $16,000 (LVN to BSN program) with no real guarantee of passing the clinical. I think I would feel more confident going through a university program with included clinicals that are more relaxed. Decisions, decisions...

Thanks, I have been worried about not having clinicals either - I have been off work for a year while I have been staying at home with my son, which makes things a little harder...I am hoping to go back to work soon (as an LPN), well before the cpne to have the recent floor experience. :(

Good luck to you!

Vida

Good luck! You'll be able to do it once you've brushed up on your skills. Try to get on at a hospital or somewhere like a Med/Surg floor. Keep me updated on how you're progressing. We'll both cheer and say screw those money hungry hounds at TCN when you're making the money!

The biggest mistake and problem that most people encounter when making these decisions is that they run across the advertising from the publishing companies before they go to the EC website and read it thoroughly and/or get feedback from others who are familiar with the process.

The best route for most people, not all, people is to go the traditional route. We all know how difficult, time consuming, and sometimes impossible this may be. That's when people start to look at EC or some other independent learning institution as a viable option. Enter the advertising pitches from the publishing companies.

Once the decision is made to use EC as the chosen route for the RN degree and one is at least an LPN or holds another acceptable medical credential; the cheapest way to attack the degree is to CLEP out, or take the required minimum number of support courses, including NC1 and NC2 (unless EC allows exemption for NC2 d/t LPN license) BEFORE formally enrolling in EC. At one time you used to be able to take all 7 of the NC tests prior to enrollment, one of the rules that EC has changed along the way. Then one formally enrolls in EC, takes the remaining NC tests and the CPNE, as quickly as possible. In this manner you spend the least amount of money for the entire process. But people have to have this info in hand before they can make the decisions that are best for their situation. Usually they run across the publishing company advertising first, then they make the mistake and add to the cost of the entire matter.

Anyone who is knowledgeable about this, should clue in friends, relatives, co-workers, when the topic of ways to achieve RN comes up. You will be thanked for the advice. There really is no need to pay all that extra money to the publishing companies. People should buy those materials used on ebay if they feel they want/need the material.

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