the college network

Nursing Students Online Learning

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Specializes in LTC.

Goodmorning everyone!

I have seen a lot of post here regarding the college network. I just wanted to make everyone aware of this before they decide to sign on with them. A friend of mine signed on with them. I tried to explain that they were a publishing co, and what they were. They missrepresented themselves to her, it was hard to get her to understand that. They confused her. They made it sound like she was paying per credit and they were an actual college. She took her first test the other day, she barely past. She said that there was tons of stuff on the test NOTcovered in the college network book.

Thanks

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Specializes in EMS.

That is sad. Doing all of this the way we do is very intimidating. The best advice I seen on here (can't remember what post / thread it was) was telling newbies to do the practice tests with EC and do a CLEP test to see where you land before spending all that $ on these study companies. In the big grand scheme of things, it's better to waste $250 to fail one CLEP than to spend $5000 on useless stuff.

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You were a good friend. Do not feel guilty because you were unable to get through to her, I am certain she will understand everything you told her by the time she finishes fulfilling her contract with TCN.

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That happened to a coworker of mine. They told her that they enroll her in to Excelsior and buying their modules was the onlv to get through. She was shocked and angry when I told her that not only was she not enrolled into Excelsior but TCN was nothing but a publishing company. It is so sad because I hear many stories like this.The best thing for people to do is to consult your prospective school if you have any questions and/or doubts.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, PP.

they are very misleading. i got suckered in too, so now i do my best to keep anybody else from making the same very expensive mistake :-). they actually came to our LPN class before we graduated, and 'caught' a couple of us. i knew *nothing* about colleges or how they work or college network, and just figured if my nursing instructors, whom i had (and still have) utmost respect for, approved, then they must be pretty good. i was an 'easy target'. lol. but the good news is i'm almost through with my ASN, i've had a great experience with ECE, and would recommend the school to anybody~ got less than two weeks before my cpne, and with the grace of God, will be a GN come July 18th. :yeah:

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i signed up with the college network this afternoon...even though ive read so many bad reviews about them online. The one thing is, after reviewing TCN and ISU for the last 2 months, the program is set for individuals who want to become more then an LVN but at the same time cannot quit working and go to school full time, or be on a waitlist for 3+ years, or pay over 50gs for an ADN prgoram..TCN works with people based on those peoples needs. Everyone is different, if you read the contract from top to bottom, there really are no lies to what people think. It states in their contract you have 3 business days to cancel out of the program, it states that they are not a college and are only set up to help people pass tests (not exact wording, but thats the main point). The contract states how they are in conjunction with ISU and Sonoma State for CA residents. The contract really is complete, but you have to read everything.

Where I work, there are a lot of LVNs who took/are taking this route to having their RN BSN. A lot of them said it was very difficult, that its up to you to do your studying, reviewing and using the tutors available to you. I haven't met anyone that has dropped out of it yet, but then again I havent met all the nurses here taking the program. My one coworker however, is almost done and has about 3 months left, depending on her last clinical site. She said it was difficult, but she was able to pass her tests, still work full time, and take care of her family..

So in my point of view, the program is doable, based on the person and where you are in life, and where you want to go. Keep in mind the program may not be for everyone.

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Hi,

I have enjoyed reading all the comments on this forum re College Network, Excelsior College, Distance Learning, Lisa Arends, etc... I am a Paramedic, considering Excelsior for RN. I know quite a few people who have used TCN, some are finished, some still in progress.

When I met with a College Network rep, both in a group and in person, I was almost ready to sign up... but I had a 'funny feeling', and did further research. That is where I found this forum. Many of my friends that are using TCN are happy with the service, but all say that it is VERY expensive! Based on the comments here, I was very glad I didn't sign up, and decided to research other options.

I found TCN study guides for sale on Ebay for $200, which I purchased. The edition is 2006... what I wonder, if anyone has this info... how much do they change from year to year? I also purchased Lisa Arends' CDs for Psych and Micro. They seem to be a good source of info also..

Thanks to anyone that jumps in with a comment!

Barbara

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Hi Barbara! Welcome to allnurses, and to the distance learning forum. :) The subject matter probably hasn't changed much since 2006 -- after all, nursing is nursing! -- but your best bet as an EC student is to use the free exam content guides to direct your studies -- that way you can be sure you've learned what you need to learn. The TCN guides aren't bad, for the most part, but they won't necessarily cover everything you'll see on the test.

I also used Lisa Arends' notes, as well as notes from StudyGroup101, as well as textbooks to ensure I knew the subject matter.

Good luck!! :)

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Hi Lunah,

Thanks for the quick reply!:yeah: Right now, this is all overwhelming, but I'm going to come up with a structured plan to study and a time frame in which to complete it!

I will definitely check out the EC free study guides, and probably the Study Guide 101 material too... and some textbooks..thanks! I want to get the pre-reqs done too.. Psych and Micro should complete those.

Whew... it's a journey!

Barbara

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetery, gerentology.

I bought the TCN modules. Yes, they are expensive but I like using them. Im a busy mom and like the ideal of packing 1 module with me instead of several books. I also use them with the EC content guide. On the other hand, I did buy a few recommended books such as med/surg, pharm, peds. I have passed the 3 nursing exams Ive taken by using TCN modules, EC content guides, and the practice exams on the first try.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

TCN came to my school as well the same month I was graduating my LPN...so like previous posts I fell for it believing that they were actually "partnered" with EC like they claimed. At that time I knew nothing about distance learning, EC, or this website...wish I had! I signed the contract and now am paying $5500 for a box of worthless binders! In fact I've been paying on it since 2007:mad: I can't even begin to tell you how many nurses I have talked to that I have steered away from TCN...more than 20 I'm sure! I don't want anyone to have the terrible experience that I did!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I am currently using TCN to complete my RN. I really haven't had any major problems with them. They were very clear when I met with them that they were in no way affliliated with Excelsior, they explained that once you test out of your prereqs you need to enroll with Excelsior to complete the program. I have supplemented the learnings modules a couple of times with info I purchased at book stores or on Ebay. So far so good I have gotten all B's and 1 C (cuz I didn't really study).

Sorry to hear that so many other people are having negative experiences with TCN - I am just the type of person that really needs everything right in front of me, so the learning modules work out for me.:twocents:

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