Curious about how you learn this way?

It is self study. Excelsior has study guides they sell to help you study for the tests (as do several other companies not affiliated with Excelsior). When you feel you know what you need to, you go take the exam. If you pass with a C or higher, you get credit for the course.

As for how long, depends on your study habits. I had a friend that did all the nursing courses in like 5 months (was taking a test every 3 weeks). Did her FCCA in a week (old one) and had a test date for the CPNE in 3 months (signed up for several test sites and signed up for 1 week notice for cancelations, called every 2-3 days checking).

There is a new FCCA test that really slows it down (2 online courses that must be done, each course takes 2 months, but can be taken together) and depending on your CPNE test site, you could have an 4-8 month wait for that alone.

I'm really wanting to go for Excelsior (LPN to ADN) since I noticed that Kentucky BON lists it as an example of a nursing program on their webiste. That makes it seem legit to me..

How do you learn this way though? Correct me if I'm wrong. But my understanding is that each course is basically tested out of via examination. Do you learn via self-study when you are studying for the exams, or are there assignments or something? Either way, I really feel like this is a great option.

Two more questions: 1) I have all gen ed requirments done, so about how long should it take me to get through the nursing exams?? 2) I've seen a place saying that you don't get federal aid and on EC's website, it says you do. So should I expect to pay a lot out of pocket, when typical schools are covered by financial aid for me?

I know I have several questions, but I don't know where else to find answers. I feel like I have reviewed EC's website pretty well. Thanks in advance, guys!!

Be sure to check this out... authored by LunahRN: https://allnurses.com/excelsior-college-online/excelsior-college-distance-808335.html

You can now take courses which are 8weeks a piece and receive financial aid, but not with credit by exams.

Thanks for the replies! I spoke to a couple of people at EC on the phone today. It cleared things up a little bit. They said that there are some actual courses for the program, but in my case it would be best to just take the exam route. To get financial aid, you must enroll in a certain number of credit hours (as usual), and because I have most of my gen eds done it would be hard to get those credit hours.

Now, I was told to still apply for financial aid using FAFSA and to try to get it even with the exam route. This is where I'm still confused lol. I guess there is a chance that I could get financial aid for the exams, but it isn't likely? Not sure. It's clear as mud. Either way, I think I'm going to try this program.

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks LunahRN! You have amazing info on this school!

I would post a new thread for this but I'm on my phone and can't figure out how.

Anyway, I just realized that the CPNE isn't even offered in KY. Darn, that's a deal breaker for me . I wasn't expecting to have to go out of state for this.. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Isn't it odd that GA has limitations on what they will accept from EC (unless read wrong). But the they have a testing site there?

From what I read. The limitations are basically focused on academic education and work experience. If I were to apply for a RN license in GA I wouldn't meet the work experience guidelines ( since I only have 18 months experience in home health nursing), but I would meet the academic education guidelines. But yes, it is funny they have a testing site there.

I lived in KY when I went through EC, and drove 6.5hrs to Atlanta the day before I took my CPNE and stayed at a nearby hotel. It was nice and I had my own transportation which really calmed me down as I like having something familiar with me! =) I tested at Grady, and passed the first time. It is a doable program if you want it bad enough and are willing to work hard to ge through it. I received a couple scholarships and had tuition reimbursement from my job at the time. I felt very prepared for the NCLEX by the time I was done taking EC's exams for my AAS in Nursing. took my nclex 25 days after my degree was conferred and passed first time as well then dived right back in at EC for their BSN, which I will complete this December. I truly love EC's format and school, they have been great for me. You get what you put into the program in my opinion. Now I'm applying to MSN schools for NP specialty, wouldn't be here had I not gone through EC! =) Good luck!