Any Cali LVNs w/info. on The College Network for LVN-BSN?

[nightingalesfire]

I live in the North Bay Area(Santa Rosa) and have gotten completely frustrated with the community college LVN-RN program at the junior college. They are extremely unsupportive of LVN bridge students, won't take some transfer pre-reqs from another state junior college, and the wait list to get in the program is outrageous. The pre-reqs are taking forever and I could sit on a wait list for years just to get an Associate's degree. Now, Sonoma State dropped their LVN-BSN program and is now referring interested LVNs to the College Network to complete pre-reqs and Indiana State University for the actual upgrade BSN program. An "advisor" from the College Network came to my house to explain how the program works, and although it sounded great, she told me the financing was 12% and since you're not actually enrolled in a school, forget student loans or financial aid! Plus she wanted a payment right up front at the end of the appointment which left me feeling suspicious and hesitant. I mean, she's basically a saleswoman angling for commission, trying to sell textbook modules. I've lost faith because I feel that there is just no genuine interest in helping LVNs become RNs but at this point, feel that this program will get me to my BSN faster than if I try to get my Associate's the traditional junior college route. I mean is it just me or don't you think it's reasonable that if you've been an LVN for awhile with your license in great standing and great grades in your LVN program and pre-reqs, colleges and the state boards should take that into account and at least be more supportive?!?!? (Sorry, had to vent). I'm wondering if anyone has either done or is currently doing the College Network, Indiana State LVN-BSN upgrade program and what your opinion of it is. Also, does the Cali NCLEX really accept their program? I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks, Jennifer

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The College Network is not a distance nursing program, so buyer beware. The College Network is an expensive publishing company that sells books and testing materials for distance nursing programs such as Excelsior and Indiana State. You can obtain your LVN-to-BSN education without ever signing a contract with the College Network. It is better to directly enroll into ISU's distance LVN-to-BSN, and bypass the College Network altogether!

Many people have attempted to break the contractual agreement with the College Network, and have been unsuccessful.

[nightingalesfire]

The College Network is not a distance nursing program, so buyer beware. The College Network is an expensive publishing company that sells books and testing materials for distance nursing programs such as Excelsior and Indiana State. You can obtain your LVN-to-BSN education without ever signing a contract with the College Network. It is better to directly enroll into ISU's distance LVN-to-BSN, and bypass the College Network altogether!

Many people have attempted to break the contractual agreement with the College Network, and have been unsuccessful.

Thank you, but can you also complete pre-reqs directly with Indiana State? I appreciate your advice.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Indiana State will accept all the prereqs that you complete at your local community college. They also offer online prereqs.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

the commuter is correct. however, there is 4 nursing classes you must test out of and the only one that carries the study guides are tcn. but by now there should be used guides in circulation. maybe even they have figured out another way to by pass the $2400 for 4 study guides i was quoted....i hate tcn!!!!!