EC *is* accepted in all states EXCEPT California

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I read on this page there was a whole list of states no longer accepting EC graduates. So I called EC and talked to admissions. Admissions didn't exactly know what to tell me so they put me through to a different office at Excelsior. They said these other states (Colorado, Alabama, etc.) are "thinking" about locking EC graduates out of the state but have not done this yet. If they do decide to do this it will only be applied to any graduates after a certain date. So existing EC graduates will be grandfathered in.

The locking out conflict came about in response to the surgical tech's and MA's who were going through the program and complaints from employers regarding competency. As a result EC no longer accepts surgical tech's and MA's into the RN program. Therefore, EC is hopeful that the states considering locking EC grads out of their state will work with the school and decide against doing this.

Washington and Oklahoma require a preceptorship IF the graduate has not worked as an RN in another state, and she mentioned Washington was very accomodating to EC.

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Illinois will NOT license an EC grad. They will consider it on a case by case basis, only after that EC grad has worked as a licensed RN for 2 years in another state (license reciprocity).

I read on this page there was a whole list of states no longer accepting EC graduates. So I called EC and talked to admissions. Admissions didn't exactly know what to tell me so they put me through to a different office at Excelsior. They said these other states (Colorado, Alabama, etc.) are "thinking" about locking EC graduates out of the state but have not done this yet. If they do decide to do this it will only be applied to any graduates after a certain date. So existing EC graduates will be grandfathered in.

The locking out conflict came about in response to the surgical tech's and MA's who were going through the program and complaints from employers regarding competency. As a result EC no longer accepts surgical tech's and MA's into the RN program. Therefore, EC is hopeful that the states considering locking EC grads out of their state will work with the school and decide against doing this.

Washington and Oklahoma require a preceptorship IF the graduate has not worked as an RN in another state, and she mentioned Washington was very accomodating to EC.

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Admissions put you through to the licensure division because that is who handles those types of questions.

Regarding your comments about what you've read about EC on this website:

Although there are some EC grads such as myself who try to stay active and visible on allnurses.com, it becomes almost impossible to respond to and correct every piece of misinformation that is put on this website regarding Excelsior College, and there is a LOT of misinformation and bad advice given out here by some well-meaning people but often not the best sources of information to go to.

A lot of this comes from people such as bitter failed ex-students who were not successful in the EC program, stories from someone's friend of a friend who didn't get licensed for one reason or another, and people who are just not comfortable with or know anything about nursing programs other than the traditional route.

Like I stated earlier, they are probably not the people you want to go to for advice regarding EC.

I'm glad to see the comment from an IL nurse because that is a good example. I looked up the IL BON website and they have a specific clause for EC and will allow licensure on a case by case basis if you practiced as an RN in another state for 2 years. It is written in plain English on the IL BON website and guess what?

Illinois nurses here will still continue to post comments that IL does not ever recognize EC grads for RN licensure!

I want to say to them, "Have you looked at your BON website lately?"

It's always best to talk directly to the board of the state you want to practice in or at least an EC grad who is licensed in your state because they do know what they are talking about.

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I agree, it's best to contact your state BON directly. Most of them should be familiar with the EC program and should be able to give you their state's requirements for EC grads.

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Although there are some EC grads such as myself who try to stay active and visible on allnurses.com, it becomes almost impossible to respond to and correct every piece of misinformation that is put on this website regarding Excelsior College, and there is a LOT of misinformation and bad advice given out here by some well-meaning people but often not the best sources of information to go to. A lot of this comes from people such as bitter failed ex-students who were not successful in the EC program, stories from someone's friend of a friend who didn't get licensed for one reason or another, and people who are just not comfortable with or know anything about nursing programs other than the traditional route. Like I stated earlier, they are probably not the people you want to go to for advice regarding EC.

As a fellow Ec (actually Regents) grad, I want to compliment you on this part of your response! You have eloquently and simply stated the facts. Check with your individual BON. Research the program, make sure the program is accredited and please, please, don't call us mail order nurses. There is not a special NCLEX or license status for EC grads. I am, quitely simply, a Registered Nurse in the State of Louisiana!
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From what I understand, the IL BON has an issue with the fact that the theory portion of the program and the clinical portion of the program do not run concurrently (the CPNE taken after theory coursework is completed). The IL Nurse Practice Act requires the theory and clinical components to taken concurrently to be an approved nursing school. Of course, each state has it's own requirements, so always check with your own state BON (has that been said yet?!)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Mrs. Yost - you are correct. There are several active AllNurses EC grads. However, I did the research into the IL nurse practice act and you are correct - the concern is that the clinical and theory must run concurrently. I certainly do not mean to say anything demeaning to EC grads, just to be cautious (as with any higher learning) and check out the facts. Good luck...

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Specializes in Mental Health, MI/CD, Neurology.

I didn't realize that was why Illinois had a problem with EC! Thanks for enlightening me.

From what I understand, the IL BON has an issue with the fact that the theory portion of the program and the clinical portion of the program do not run concurrently (the CPNE taken after theory coursework is completed). The IL Nurse Practice Act requires the theory and clinical components to taken concurrently to be an approved nursing school. Of course, each state has it's own requirements, so always check with your own state BON (has that been said yet?!)
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From what I understand, the IL BON has an issue with the fact that the theory portion of the program and the clinical portion of the program do not run concurrently (the CPNE taken after theory coursework is completed). The IL Nurse Practice Act requires the theory and clinical components to taken concurrently to be an approved nursing school. Of course, each state has it's own requirements, so always check with your own state BON (has that been said yet?!)
Those are all very true statements and are all explained on the IL BON website.

It does not, however, explain the blanket statements made by some IL nurses on this website who insist that EC grads are not accepted in their state. That is misleading and only part true yet still stated from time to time here.

EC students and potential students may end up not becoming an RN someday and thus never progress in their career goals because they become discouraged because they all too often believe that any RN licensed in IL knows what they are talking about and is well versed in their state practice act and licensing laws.

We all say to check with your individual state board because all too often advice is given out by nurses who lack the knowledge and/or experience to back up what they are talking about.

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Please forgive my ignorance. what is a EC grad?

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Specializes in CCU, Geriatrics, Critical Care, Tele.

EC = Excelsior College

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Specializes in Mental Health, MI/CD, Neurology.

grad = graduate :)

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