College Network vs. Rue vs. Excelsior

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · May 20, 2006

Wow - There seems to be a huge misunderstanding about this whole process. To anyone thinking of getting a RN thru distance learning READ THIS...

EXCELSIOR IS A COLLEGE AND THEY WILL SEND YOU A DIPLOMA WITH YOUR NAME ON IT AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED THEIR REQUIREMENTS.

RUE-CHANCELLOR-COLLEGE NETWORK ARE ALL JUST A PUBLISHING COMPANY. THEY JUST WRITE STUDY GUIDES. THEY DON'T GIVE TESTS, THEY DON'T GIVE DIPLOMAS. THE ONLY THING THEY SEND YOU IS A HUGE BILL THAT IS IN ADDITION TO ALL THE OTHER MONEY IT TAKES TO ACTUALLY GET THE DEGREE.

Really, if you really think you need the "extra" study material (and that is all it is) just go to ebay and buy some other suckers used study guides for only a fraction of the cost. Let some other fool shell out the big bucks and you can still reap the rewards.

These publishing representatives are like the worst used car salesmen. DON'T FALL FOR IT!

RNGrad2006 · May 20, 2006

I looked into Excelsior when I graduated with my PN Certificate but I read that are some restrictions one being that California does not recognize it if you ever plan on working there. It varies from State to State so you should check out the State you want to work in. Washington State requires you to do a 200 hour preceptorship before they will allow you to take the NCLEX. It requires a fair amount of research. I ended up doing the Associates Degree program to get my RN. One advantage is the clinical time you get in a traditional program. But it is hard to get into a school these days. A challenge but definitely worth the effort.

pedinurse05 · May 20, 2006

Nothing can replace clinicals. It gives you exposure and hands on learning. While Excelsior does test the basic elements that new grad RN's should know, they lack in providing clinical time in areas besides med/surg. If one is an experienced LPN this isn't a huge issue...but for those that actually only have the CPNE as NURSING experience it could be harder to integrate into the working force. I would not have wanted to do the EC program if I had not been an LPN with years of experience under my belt. I also use much of the knowledge I have gained as NURSE and through my very detailed clinicals in LPN school. EC is a good program for the right canidate without question. In my opinion it lacks in clinical areas for people who do not have any working nursing experience. The CPNE in all honesty is so extremely basic...I thought there would be more to it the way these boards hyped it all up. I can compare my LPN clinicals to the CPNE and by far feel the LPN clinicals were tougher. The truth is clinicals are bonus for anyone doing this program from a non nursing background. Of course, the die hard EC fans will most likely flame me, but the truth is clinicals in a traditional school enhance the learning experience.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · May 20, 2006

Of course, the die hard EC fans will most likely flame me, but the truth is clinicals in a traditional school enhance the learning experience.

I agree with you. But of course, we have the same background. On the same token though, I've seen some EMTs kick butt in the program, so I don't think it would be fair to discount their education/experience. I would even go so far as to say I've seen them do better than the MAs when it comes to clinical knowledge and skills- and MAs tend to have more experience in the nursing setting.

Now it's my turn to get flamed...lol.

Drysolong · May 20, 2006

I agree with you. But of course, we have the same background. On the same token though, I've seen some EMTs kick butt in the program, so I don't think it would be fair to discount their education/experience. I would even go so far as to say I've seen them do better than the MAs when it comes to clinical knowledge and skills- and MAs tend to have more experience in the nursing setting.
Now it's my turn to get flamed...lol.

MA's are no longer considered qualified to get into Excelsior.

but for those that actually only have the CPNE as NURSING experience it could be harder to integrate into the working force

I know that all you need is an LPN license to enter Excelsior, but I would assume that many (if not most) Excelsior students are currently working LPN's or Paramedics. Isn't that Nursing experience?

sassy92799 · May 25, 2006

Well, I enrolled with RUE about a month ago and am working on my first course, nursing concepts 1....Now the things that I read here are making me wish I went straight thru EC. But contracts and all, I hope that it all works out. Any suggestions? Am I doomed with this route? I have read that many have gotten their degree this route. It lists people in each state that you can call, etc..... And there were quite a few in MN where I am from. EC gives you the study guides from them for free, so I called and got that for my first course along with the books from RUE.

Rue's website is www.rueed.com. I see that someone requested it earlier on. Rue has their own website for students, and everyone is good about helping others out whether it be advice, notes for tests, etc....

I hope I made the right choice. Any one else go this route? How did it go? Please reply. Thanks.

davioh · May 28, 2006

as long as you have the extra money to spend on study supplies than you should do fine. As it has been repeated many times on here...Rue and all the rest of them are just publishers of study materials. By "enrolling" with RUE you've really just signed a contract with them to buy a whole bunch of study materials from them. You do realize that you RUE is not a college right? You do realize that RUE will not administer your tests or grant your degree right?

mbbysea · May 28, 2006

I have been using TCN supplies and have had no problems so far. I was aware that they did study guides before signing up. I only needed 2 guides to complete my co-requisites for my BSN program at a "real college." I work full time and did not want to spend the time chasing down study guides or test materials and I did not want to sit in class! The College Network has been fine in my situation. I think you just have to research things thoroughly before signing up for anything. Just my $0.02 :)

missqueenqann · Jun 1, 2006

I live in Washingtion State. Did you graduate through Excelsior? Where did you do your preceptorship at?

Laurie888 · Jun 1, 2006

I went directly through Excelsior. Took me three years, but that was taking a year off because of my son being hospitalized right after enrolling and some dry periods where I couldn't come up with the money to take the next exam.

I did not enroll with a studying company. However. I DID use guides from College Network and Chancellor's to help me get organized for study, I bought them used then resold them one at a time. I did NOT use them for all the courses. For NC 4 I passed solely using notes from others found in Yahoo groups -- and I used notes from these groups on all 7 tests. I like the cassettes with Chancellor's, I really liked being able to listen as I drove.

I'd recommend NOT putting all that extra money into a publishing company, when you'll probably want to be using other resources as well to be sure you have the material down. When they started offering the practice exams I used those as well, well worth the money, if you have extra to spend on study aids I personally think that is the single best thing you can invest in.

Buying used guides also lets you "try before you buy" and get a feel for the style in each company. I would not even try Rue from the negatives I had heard about them at the time, I don't know if things have improved or not. Chancellor's Care Plan workshop is an excellent workshop for the CPNE that many who haven't otherwise used a study aide have used. There were people there had that been to Excelsior's workshop and found it to be lacking. I almost wish that the new current requirements for Excelsior had been in effect when I went, that pre-cpne clinical related thing sounds like it should go a ways towards helping on the clinical end.

I wouldn't sign a contract, not with so many other aids out there. You don't have to go buy books, I used my old nursing books, and you can still use the guides if you feel it makes it easier for you. Don't overlook anything in the way of study aids, there are tons of them out there.

oshkosh20LVN · Jun 5, 2006

I am an LVN in Texas using Rue study guides to pass the LVN - RN through Excelsior college....(no I am in NO WAY affliated with the company)..The education counselors were so helpful and very easy to get in contact with. I have been using the study guides and have passed all my gen ed with A's and B's...I know that there is alot of negative feed back but for someone who can not afford to dish out alot of money every month on text books and guides this is a great way to go because they let you pay it out...My pymts are $125 month. They even will finance 100% of your Excelsior fees and not even start payments on that until you have finished paying off the study guides. ( all at 0% interest) I have had friends that have used College Network and also and madeA's and B's...Hopefully I will be done by the end of next year......Bottom line is yes some students just use the free content guides off of excelsior website and some pay extra money for the study guides, I felt that the content guides were WAY TOO vague..... Anyways, no matter what way you go as long as you get the information & learn learn learn and finally get your RN that that is all that matters. GOOD LUCK TO ALL.

Future LVN-RN 2007:balloons: Fort Worth ,Texas

sassy92799 · Jun 5, 2006

That is great, some good feedback. I was questioning my decision to go with RUE after reading alot on here. It has been over ten years since I was in college for my LPN. I do need all the help I can get. So, I think that there are just lots of different options. I just have to tackle these courses. Plus I just have to call and get my next course, not scour the internet, trying to find all the other course books, notes, etc. Comes right to my door. Thanks for the input. Good luck oshkosh20LVN and everyone else...... Pam