Another ubiquitous potential EC student....

Nursing Students Online Learning

Published

Hi everyone...

Like many before, I am thinking of the program. I have researched the past threads to answer my questions, but some are yet unanswered.

How is everyone's general experience been w/ EC? Good/Bad?

What is a average length of time it takes from start to finish, (the nursing section only)?

How is EC on transferring in credits? I have a boat load of general classes from an accredited college and am hoping for the best, expecting the worse. In the same vein, I received my packet from EC today and it talks about time limits on business courses and computer courses taken elsewhere, but not sciences and math?

Any experience out there with the Iowa Board of Nursing? I live in the dreaded state of Illinois and plan on working in Iowa and/or Wisconsin, as I am close to both.

That should be about it.... I will say a big "thank you" to all who have posted and may read this. Your thoughts and insights have been helpful in clarifying my decision.

I have been a paramedic for 12 yrs now and plan on becoming a nurse primarily for education purposes. I flew for 2 yrs. and had to leave because of family commitments, and am missing the critical care field fiercly. This will give me a way back into it without the long hours associated with EMS.

I appreciate it greatly, in advance. I hope that each and all have a great turkey day! And be safe out there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

Hi Flightmedic990!

I have recently enrolled with EC and took 4 classes to "try it out" before applying. So far, I have had a very pleasant experience with EC's staff, the testing process, and general overall communication with the school.

The average length of time varies with each individual. Some people are able to (what seems to me) fly through the classes and others take a little more time. It is self paced and greatly depends on the time you can dedicate to your studies. This is my opinion though.

I already had a BA and had no problem with grades being transferred for the general requirements. I do not know about business or computer courses. You can always call the general number and speak with the admissions office regarding specific questions - they are very helpful.

I would say that for any state you plan on testing in - first call it's board of nursing and find out what specific requirements you must fulfill. For instance, when I spoke to the BON in my state and told them I was researching EC - they said graduating from the school would be the only req. I would need to sit for the boards. I would double check and hear it from "the horse's mouth" just to be safe.

I hope some of this has helped you. I am a new student, there are plenty of more knowlegeable people at this site.

Happy Thanksgiving and good luck to you!

:balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My experience with Excelsior College was exceptional.

They accepted courses I had taken at other schools with no problems (all my courses had been taken at accredited institutions of higher learning--i.e., universities and colleges). I did have to take all seven nursing concepts courses, but I expected to do that. They were not difficult--I used the internet as my textbook/lecture course, and I passed the exams with A's, although I will tell you they were challenging. Once I graduated, I had no problem with the NCLEX.

I also had no problem reaching humans by phone and getting quality support. I thought they were competitively priced. And it's hard to argue with the credential of a school in the State University of New York system.

Hope that helped.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mental Health, MI/CD, Neurology.

Heyya 990!

My experience with EC was fabulous. I truly can't way enough good things about the program. The staff at EC was very dedicated (although had a bit-o-the east coast attitude :chuckle ) and guided me along.

Average length of time--- hard to say. It's different for everyone. Occasionally I have heard of people banging out the exams in 6 months. I got pregnant and had a baby during my journey, so it took me a bit longer (2 years from picking up the first book to having a degree in my hand).

I know a few paramedics who have done the program and they have done real well. To be honest I think that you and other critical care fielders have one up on us who don't do that type of work when it comes to CPNE time. You are able to stay a bit cooler. You are Gods in my opinion. :)

Good luck with your decision!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

My experience with EC was exceptional as well. Every experienced EMT I knew in the program did well. Some of them ran circles around us experienced LPNs. It took me 1 year to complete the program, and in the interuum I got married, had 2 ill parents, worked, and had 2 children to raise. I also had a good gen ed foundation. You can do this.

Are you planning to be a flight nurse when you're done? You seem to be a good candidate for that area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health Care,LTC.

Welcome to allnurses

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi everyone...

How is everyone's general experience been w/ EC? Good/Bad?

What is a average length of time it takes from start to finish, (the nursing section only)?

How is EC on transferring in credits?

So far so good.

Not sure how much time I will need, planning on 1 test per month. (I work full time and have a part time job as well)

On transferring credits, I had courses from 6 schools and all my courses transferred.

Good luck to you and check back often. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment