what about College Network?

kristenncrn · Aug 8, 2008

Trinda - I don't have any actual experience with this. Honestly, I worry about any nurse who starts off with an online program only because clinicals are crucial, in my opinion. But I know lots of people who already work in a hospital setting who get their RN online.

I just want to point out that the college network isn't a school. You pay them to hook you up with a school - and they offer extra course booklets (for a cost) on courses at whatever school.

My husband, who is doing a bridge program, decided to go directly to the school of his choice and saved thousands of dollars.

So if you do go that route, make sure that going through the "network" is worth it to you.

Best of luck,

Kristen

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 8, 2008

The College Network is only supplemental learning guides that are not required by the distance program you are thinking about (which I assume is Excelsior College). The College Network requires you to sign a contract and takes money for study guides that you can either get on ebay or, like many other people, just go for learning with textbooks.

Excelsior College is NOT online, at least for the RN portion. You test out of all the "classes" and clinical portion and show your learning that way. Indiana State has a LPN-BSN online program that involves clinicals in your hometown, where ever it may be. EC's BSN portion, in which you only may enroll when you are already an RN, is mostly online, however.

Excelsior is typically for people who have experience already, although EC does allow for people to be admitted who have 50% of an ADN program completed. Clinicals are important--that's why EC's admission policy is specifically geared for people who already have clinical experience. It's also not the easy way out, and you have to be quite motivated and independent to keep yourself on track. The wait for the CPNE (clinical test) is long, anywhere from 5-9 months, AFTER you have completed your nursing tests, so you probably will not find yourself saving any time.

It is imperative that you first contact your Board of Nursing to make sure that you can sit for boards in whatever program you choose.

I would recommend avoiding anything like TCN that requires you to sign a contract for learning materials. They are not necessary or can be bought second-hand much cheaper.

Please visit the Distance Learning board under the Students tab up top!

eskay27 · Aug 8, 2008

Hi there, I earned my associates degree through Excelsior College, the college network is simply a resource (study guides, etc) to help you through the degree program at Excelsior. I know people who graduated with me that did this program, liked it but found it expensive. If you are motivated and self directive you can do the Excelsior degree without paying an outside agency to "help" you. Go to http://www.excelsior.edu. Website is great and they are very helpful at the college. Also I found several chat boards on yahoo and was able to network with current students. I'm planning to continue my education with Excelsior and do their RN to MSN program. Hope this helps!!!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2008

Check out the Distance Learning forum and before you decide to do ANYTHING check with your state BON as to whether Excelsior is accepted.

trindamrtn · Aug 9, 2008

Thanks everyone for the helpful info!! Yeah, I was able to find out from most people to avoid going through College Network, and just go straight to the source. That Indiana State program sounds quite appealing, but pretty expensive I'm sure since I'm a Texas resident, although, a lot of hospitals reimburse you college expenses if you agree to work with them for a specific amount of time. So, that might not be an issue. Anywho, good stuff to think about. Thanks!