A Medic Looking For Answers (Bridge Program)

emtpbill, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 23, 2016

Hi,

I started Excelsior's transition program in September of 2015. My background is a 911 Paramedic with also a part time job as critical care interfacility. Got my Medic in 1997. I transferred in a total of 6 credits, 2 classes. Intro to Psychology and Sociology, both of which I took in 1997 at the Community College of Philadelphia.

For my Gen. Ed requirements I took classes through Excelsior. The classes each last 8 weeks long, have homework, midterms, and finals. Each class costs approx 1350-1400 nowadays I believe. I banged out Lifespan Develop. Psych. Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 (separate classes) , Bioethics, Microbiology, My free elective class, and my humanities class (think I took an art class). My English I took through Straighterline. Straighterline is a lot cheaper, the credits transfer in (make sure you confirm with your adviser) but it is no joke. You complete it at your own pace. I finished Eng 101 in 11 days I think. My math I took through ALEKS. Intro to Algebra if I recall. Another very cheap option but also no joke, you have to do the work. It took my approx 6-7 months to knock out 28 credits.

Once all of my General Ed. requirements were done I was allowed to begin Phase 1 of the nursing program. Phase 1 includes Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Safety Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Differences

Foundations in Nursing Practice

Transition to the Professional Nurse Role

For those credit requirements I chose to test out. Each nursing test, at that time, cost me 355 plus a 50 admin fee for the testing center. A lot cheaper than taking the class at 1400 for 3 credits isn't it! The great thing about testing out is that you get the same exact credits as if you took an 8 week class. The downside is that it is totally up to you to study. You HAVE to be disciplined and dedicated otherwise you will just be wasting your time and money. The tests are no joke. 130 questions multiple choice and Select all that apply are in there. Many people have taken and failed these tests. But if you are disciplined and study you can knock the tests out as fast as you want. Me, I took 1 test a week and knocked out 8 nursing courses in 7 weeks. Thats 24 college credits.

From registering until I was done the FCCA (kind of like an all encompassing final) took me 11 months and has cost me less than 10,000 dollars (that amount includes my CPNE testing cost) Also less than what a brick and mortar school will cost.

But, as I said before, you have to be disciplined, have dedication, and always keep your eye on the prize. This program is very doable. Many people have proven that. It is not an "easy" was to get an RN. On the contrary, I think it is harder. A lot harder. There is no one to hold your hand. There is no final date you have to complete things by (other than the 7 year time limit excelsior gives students).

MedicDoll · Dec 23, 2016

Thank you for the information! That was very informative. That cleared up quite a bit for me, the only thing I am still wondering is About the Uexcel texts. Are they like clep exams? If I were to enroll in them would it only be an exam vs an 8 week course? I am highly motivated and organized, and have had these courses before, I only need to retake them because they're over 5 years old. I'd love to be able to just take the exams if it's at all possible.

NurseSuzy22 · Jan 3, 2017

yes the uexcl is like clep exams. I got study group101 study guides for my exams. They are cheap and a n excellent resource if your interested I went that route cause I'm paying outta pocket too. I would think if you've had anatomy and micro before you shoulndt have a problem with exams cause it would be review?