The College Network - Legit or Scam?

Nursing Students Online Learning

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Hey, I recently just signed up for TCN a day ago. I have 2 more days until I can cancel my membership. I wanted to know your guys' opinion of the college network. From what the representative told me, it is accredited. They cover all your pre-reqs fee's(books, exam fee's, etc.). But what else is there that I dont know? Is this a legit program? I searched TCN reviews and I got this - http://the-college-network.pissedconsumer.com/the-college-network-is-a-scam-20080630125757.html

It's scaring the crap outta me. I was really excited to start this program but now I am second guessing it. Can someone please help me. I need to know soon before I won't be able to cancel my contract. Thanks

oh and does anyone know of any legit online LVN to BSN/RN courses? Thanks

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

I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, at first. :D

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Considering the fact that NancyLynn joined allnurses just to make this post, I'd bet my bottom dollar that Nancy is a College Network rep trolling and attempting to do damage control. I see these kinds of first-posts on other forums and distance learning sites. It always ends up being a TCN troll.

Why would anyone find it necessary to defend such a decision?

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Specializes in ICU (all), ER, PACU,Psych, Mother/Baby.

Hi...I have to agree with Nancy.

Overall impression of TCN:

TCN is not a college. Although they do offer course modules. The accreditation of the courses, I believe, comes from the companies that offer the exams you sit for. These test centers are recognized by accredited colleges. TCN is a network of accredited colleges - a broker so to speak. I signed up for my Masters program through The College Network and have been very happy with the results.

Caution:

You do have to pay attention to sales pitch when you sign up. I almost signed the contract then I realised that it required me signing up for a new Commuity bank in Nevada. I belong to my local community bank so I did not sign but that meant coughig up some dough up front. In the end I saved about $750. Sure I missed the cash later but that was my choice.

Pros: good.pngnurse.png

The modules did work for me. I only bought the ones I felt I could follow outside of a classroom setting. I studied and passed on the first try. However, studying from the comfort of your home requires major discipline. If you have hesitations about your ability to do so, attend a community college for the classes you need. TCN did facilitate my admission process. While I attended Regis University, I met quite a few nurses that joined through TCN. They were all happy. My classroom textbooks came from Amazon.com.

Disclaimer: I have NO affiliation with TCN other than that of a happy consumer.

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

As many have said, you can find the TCN modules on eBay and elsewhere without signing a contract for thousands of dollars. No one is really disputing that their materials might be helpful, but in the case of Excelsior's ADN program, it does add thousands to the bottom line. THOUSANDS. Seriously.

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Specializes in Ortho, OB/GYN, long-term care.
Hello,

This is late I know , perhaps you canceled your contract, but if not, The comments above sound like there is some baggage unopened that the writers need to personally deal with and not throw at you. What is good and works for some people does NOT work for others, and I am very thankful that we are all very different.

Sincerely, Nancy

Not having used TCN I have no personal knowledge but as an LPN for 13 years I do trust my state (AR) board when they say that they do not accept any student that has used The College Network for NCLEX. They have been banned from our state because of the things that were posted in the above comments. I do recommend to any distance learner that they call and speak directly with someone that knows the accredidations and ask what is and is not approved in your state. It is a costly mistake to complete a program that is not acknowledged by your state and you can not sit for NCLEX exam.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

this is because tcn is not a college but only a publisher of modules to assist you with passing the ec exams. they do not grant degrees and they do not grant credits in any shape or form...this has been said a thousand times on this forum. bottom line is it is expensive and not required. these modules can be purchased from e-bay for a fraction of the cost without a person being locked into a contract. the student still has to go through ec for their degree . also ec has payment plans and scholarships that help greatly with the cost. there are many outside sources to help a person study for these exams without getting themselves into a contract for years. and yes i have had my own personal nightmare with tcn and wish i had sought out the advice on this forum before i signed that contract.......

not having used tcn i have no personal knowledge but as an lpn for 13 years i do trust my state (ar) board when they say that they do not accept any student that has used the college network for nclex. they have been banned from our state because of the things that were posted in the above comments.
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Specializes in Ortho, OB/GYN, long-term care.

I by no means meant to suggest that the college network was a university or college but rather to say that no matter what path you take, be it Excelsior, Phoenix ect... check with your state board. Better safe than sorry! But Arkansas will not allow you to sit for boards if you were under a contract with the college network (just submitting this for others info)!

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How ANY BON would even know that you signed a contract with TCN is beyond me. That statement makes no sense. Please get your information directly from your BON if you are in AR.

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Hi...I have to agree with Nancy.

Overall impression of TCN:

TCN is not a college. Although they do offer course modules. The accreditation of the courses, I believe, comes from the companies that offer the exams you sit for. These test centers are recognized by accredited colleges. TCN is a network of accredited colleges - a broker so to speak. I signed up for my Masters program through The College Network and have been very happy with the results.

Caution:

You do have to pay attention to sales pitch when you sign up. I almost signed the contract then I realised that it required me signing up for a new Commuity bank in Nevada. I belong to my local community bank so I did not sign but that meant coughig up some dough up front. In the end I saved about $750. Sure I missed the cash later but that was my choice.

Pros: good.pngnurse.png

The modules did work for me. I only bought the ones I felt I could follow outside of a classroom setting. I studied and passed on the first try. However, studying from the comfort of your home requires major discipline. If you have hesitations about your ability to do so, attend a community college for the classes you need. TCN did facilitate my admission process. While I attended Regis University, I met quite a few nurses that joined through TCN. They were all happy. My classroom textbooks came from Amazon.com.

Disclaimer: I have NO affiliation with TCN other than that of a happy consumer.

Also a happy customer, and nothing else.

I agree with the Pros listed above.

I have passed all 3 Excelsior Exams using the Modules, Excelsior's Content Guides, and the recommended textbooks ( I get them from Amazon for next to nothing).

The Excelsior site does warn you against study publishing companies but not one company is mentioned. On the other hand Excelsior also tells you to NEVER use only one source or book to study with either.

The Modules are a basic stepping stone in learning outside of a classroom. I use them to get the learning process started and they have come through for me each time. If I didn't have access to them some of the content would have been lost to me because even after 17 years of on the floor bedside nursing I am still not an RN nor do I possess the advancement in education either.

It is expensive but worth it to have a little extra help when I am sitting here in Indiana and Excelsior is in New York. Most of all, I believe my success is worth more than any amount of money.

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Specializes in ER; CCT.

I'm not sure if it's a scam or not. One thing is for sure, I'm living proof that you can graduate from both Regents College (now Excelsior) with an ADN and ISU with a BSN without spending a nickle for TCN supplies.

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I'm not sure if it's a scam or not. One thing is for sure, I'm living proof that you can graduate from both Regents College (now Excelsior) with an ADN and ISU with a BSN without spending a nickle for TCN supplies.

A nickel here, a nickel there. They so easily turn into five thousand dollars.

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I have read through this entire thread and have several comments. I hope they are helpful.

1. TCN is not a scam per se, IF the sales person is forthcoming with ALL details. My sales person was very dishonest and chose his words well. He left out details of the way the program works, the cost, etc.. including the fact there are only 3 days to cancel. And the three phases of the program can take up to 6yrs. Which is why there is a form that is supposed to be signed that says phase 3 can take up to 3yrs...

2. Phase 1 & Phase 2 are a combination of completing prerequisites and transition courses for the LVN to RN role. These are TCN courses...not ISU (indiana state). The length of this portion varies per student, depending on how quickly you work and take the exams. Once phase 2 is complete, you can apply to ISU for admission, but that does not get you into the school of nursing. You then have to take 2 ISU transition courses...When those are complete, you can apply to school of nursing...

3. Phase 3: The meat and potatoes of the program to get the RN portion of BSN (the rest is your math english, sociology, etc) is 4 semesters...no less which equals 2 years b/c ISU does not offer Summer session or any Winter session. I got this directly from "Millie" who is solely responsible for clinical placement of distance learners. Also, confirmed this with 3 other reps from ISU.

BOTTOM LINE: if you need to work full-time or even part-time and are not in a hurry and do not have a lot of college credits, this program may suit you. If affords learning at your own pace, not physically attending classes, and starting/stopping as life takes over.

Before you sign up, ask hundreds of questions. Do not feel pressured to sign on the first meeting with the representative... call ISU directly. Their information is online as well.

In retrospect, I would NOT sign up for this program. There are many other programs, DIRECT at the University level, that are online and totally worth it. THis is especially true if you already have a Bachelor's degree in another subject.

Wish you all well in your choices. If there is any confusion about what I have shared, please ask..will clarify

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