Excelsior and RN application

417 Posts

For those of you interested in Excelsior College, please be aware WA does accept Excelsior grads for RN licensure BUT they do require a 200 hour contracted, unpaid preceptor experience before they will allow you to test for the NCLEX and get your WA RN license. Good luck working that out. I couldn't find anyone who would do it.

I did Excelsior and had LOTS of problems with the WA BON. It was awful. However, I did learn a loop hole in the system if you are having a hard time finding a preceptor for the stupid 200 hours requirement. If you test for your NCLEX for another state on your application (you can still actually take the NCLEX locally though since it is a National test and all), you can apply to endorse your license to WA from that other state. Choose a state that does not have any special requirements for Excelsior grads and your RN license will transfer right over!

In my research after the fact when I was having so many issues, I learned the Minnesota has 1) the lowest RN NCLEX application fee and 2) the fastest turn around time for license verification, 10 days (some states take months to get the info to the BON).

So, your original RN license would be MN but you never live/work or do anything with it other than immediately apply for WA RN License by Endorsement. Application here http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professio...s/RN_byEnd.pdf

It negates the preceptor requirement and the whole process is way easier and faster (10 days from application to Authorization to take NCLEX). Minnesota RN licensing requirements and info: https://www.hlb.state.mn.us/mbn/Port...0packet-US.pdf The application/license fee is $85 for MN. Then another $90 for Endorsement to WA. Once you are licensed in another state WA cannot deny your application regardless of where you graduated (unless there are other reasons on the application to deny you).

MN has an easy online application. You may want to call them to be sure they have not changed their rules about Exelcesior College since I was dealing with this issue several years ago. But, if you go this route it should be pretty painless.

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caliotter3

38,333 Posts

Jun 22, 2010

Thanks for providing the info.

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Wendy19

4 Posts

Jul 11, 2010

Yes -- thanks for providing this info!! It really helps. Your "loop hole" is the perfect solution to the 200 hours of preceptorship that was impossible to arrange!! THANK YOU!!! :)