clep or excelsior

stevenking, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2005

I've been an lpn for 8 years working in an acute care setting. I took one class so far towards my RN, which was psych 101. I would love to take more classes in a traditional setting but can't afford too. That one class was so expensive. So.....I am will have to go the non traditional route! I would love to hear from anyone who could help me start a plan towards my RN. Since I only have that one course, I don't want to enroll in excelsior until I have to. Did anyone take some clep tests and then do excelsior since it seems the cleps are cheaper? What is the advantage and disadvantage of this? Any advice on where to start? I only work weekends, so I have all week to study. I need to find the cheapest way possible, because money is definately an issue right now. I know it will pay off in the long run, but I just don't have a lot of money for school right now. I'm still paying off old school loans! Thanks in advance for your help. I hope to get to know you all soon. Lisa

Lisa,

Your desire for an education is admirable. CLEP's are a great way to earn credit (Excelsior tests, from my experience, seem a little easier than most CLEP's). Remember, a BS is going to require approximately 125 hours and an AS roughly 60 credits. If you're looking for appropriate classes to take - you need all your general education (I am assuming...). Taking this coursework will prepare you to think critically to perform as a nursing student.

You might want to check out - http://www.degreeinfo.com and http://www.123collegedegree.com/.

Hope this helps,

The Kingster

dablab · Mar 8, 2005

Hi, I also started this with only a Psych course under my belt and that was from 14 years ago. I am going to clep Humanities, Sociology and Growth and Development because they are cheaper and use Excelsior tests for the rest. I may end up actually taking an Eng Comp class but haven't decided yet. My best advise is to call Excelsior and get them to send you some basic info, this may help you decide what you need to take and where you may want to begin. I am currently working on NC1 and growth and development but it is a slow go due to my work schedule and overtime. My husband is in school and just got a part time job so maybe I won't need to do as much overtime to pay the bills. We joke that everybody is going to school, my daughter is a senior and starts college in the Summer-for a nsg program no less, my husband started school in January and quit his full time job and I started studying in Mid January for Excelsior exams. I just tell myself to keep plugging away, it will be worth it in the long run, I work in Hemodialysis and have a great support group there, I have been and LPN for 21 years and it is about time I get that RN behind my name. Feel free to email with any questions. Dot

Melody007_FNP-C, APRN · Mar 9, 2005

The Human Growth & Development CLEP towards the required Life Span Developmental Psychology. They will take it as an elective. You have to take their exam or take a course, and it must cover the entire lifespan (conception to death) which the CLEP does not do.

cursenurse · Mar 9, 2005

i agree with the others that say to clep whenever possible. i did because money was definitely an issue.

dablab · Mar 9, 2005

The Human Growth & Development CLEP towards the required Life Span Developmental Psychology. They will take it as an elective. You have to take their exam or take a course, and it must cover the entire lifespan (conception to death) which the CLEP does not do.

I emailed an advisor about the Human Growth and Development Clep, and got the approval to take and it does meet the Lifespan requirement. They accept the current form of the clep only, the past form for this course does not meet thier requirements. Just thought I would let you know. I just got this info last week. Thanks, Dot

ihavehorns · Mar 9, 2005

Thanks so much for the replies. :specs: I have a few more questions though.

What clep tests do I need to take? I only have psych 101! That's it. So what courses can I clep. The reason I went to LPN school is because I have ADD, and felt overwhelmed at college. :chair: I didn't know how to pick my classes...it was just to much for me. LPN school was great because everything was in one place. They told me what classes to take and when to take them. I know I can do this now, but I just need a little help. I just need specific's. Like, exactly which tests do I need to clep and which do I need to take with excelsior? Could you list them for me? I would appreciate it more than you could know. Once I have a list of what I need to take I can begin. I have learned how to manage studying and how to keep focused, I just need a little help with getting started. That's where hopefully you guys can help me. Believe it or not I'm an excellent nurse. I just need to have lot's of post it notes!! LOL, actually...I've learned how to manage my time, and be organized. I know I can do this....I just need a little help. Thank you all so much. Lisa :nurse:

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Mar 9, 2005

I CLEPped Soc. for 3 Social Sciences credit hrs, Analyzing/Interpreting Lit. for 6 Humanities credit hrs. (and on this one you get an actual grade), and Biology for 6 Math/Nat. Sci. credit hrs.

dablab · Mar 9, 2005

I CLEPped Soc. for 3 Social Sciences credit hrs, Analyzing/Interpreting Lit. for 6 Humanities credit hrs. (and on this one you get an actual grade), and Biology for 6 Math/Nat. Sci. credit hrs.

How was the Analyzing/Interpreting Lit Clep? This is what I am thinking about using for my Humanities credits. Any suggestions on books to use to help study. Thanks, Dot

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Mar 9, 2005

I just went over the Official CLEP study guide sample test. If you do better than 60% on that, then you may not have to study- I didn't and got an A. It's pretty much reading comprehension of classic text, poems, and the like. If you're an avid reader, then you should be able to skate through it with no problem at all.

dablab · Mar 9, 2005

I just went over the Official CLEP study guide sample test. If you do better than 60% on that, then you may not have to study- I didn't and got an A. It's pretty much reading comprehension of classic text, poems, and the like. If you're an avid reader, then you should be able to skate through it with no problem at all.

Thanks!! Yes, I am an avid reader, until lately (because I try to use my free time to study) :) I always had a book of some kind or other with me at all times. I was one of the "weird" students that loved John Steinback in school and also others that others groaned because they had to read. Dot

Hairstylingnurse · Mar 9, 2005

Thanks so much for the replies. I have a few more questions though.
What clep tests do I need to take? I only have psych 101! That's it. So what courses can I clep. The reason I went to LPN school is because I have ADD, and felt overwhelmed at college. :chair: I didn't know how to pick my classes...it was just to much for me. LPN school was great because everything was in one place. They told me what classes to take and when to take them. I know I can do this now, but I just need a little help. I just need specific's. Like, exactly which tests do I need to clep and which do I need to take with excelsior? Could you list them for me? I would appreciate it more than you could know. Once I have a list of what I need to take I can begin. I have learned how to manage studying and how to keep focused, I just need a little help with getting started. That's where hopefully you guys can help me. Believe it or not I'm an excellent nurse. I just need to have lot's of post it notes!! LOL, actually...I've learned how to manage my time, and be organized. I know I can do this....I just need a little help. Thank you all so much. Lisa

Dear Horns, I wanted to hear how you manage your studying and how you have learned to keep your focus? I also have ADD and have had it since I was a child. I guess they didn't a name for ir then. I just remember my teacher's used to always tell me to try to focus, and stop wiggling in my seat or tapping my pencil on my desk. I wouldn't even realize I was doing it. Anyway, I just wanted to hear some of your tips for focusing and studying with add. Also some of your tips when your at work such as organazation and time saving tips. I also use lots of post-its and lists. Maybe we should start a thread for nurses with add or adhd, so we don't bore anyone who doesn't want to hear about our mental madness:chuckle c-ya