EC vs. Traditional College

erinp88 · Jul 21, 2007

Looks about like the same pros/con list I had! Sorry, I can't help you out much, but I finally broke down and paid the $75 to apply to Excelsior College. Most of the posts I've read have been so positive, and people are cruising right through this program. I honestly cannot stand the thought of waiting another year for the local community college (even though they might call me and say they have a seat available for me this fall)!

If you haven't read already, EC is changing their requirements effective Oct. 1st which will require an additional test and clinical piece.

I have the same fear of being strong clinically. There are workshops that can be attended to help you prepare for the CPNE. I'm personally trying not to worry about it until the time comes.

It is such a stressful and costly decision. I spent many nights awake laying in bed thinking about it.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 21, 2007

One major item that I do not see listed: Is EC accepted in your state for licensure? It is no longer accepted by all. And if later on you end up moving, you may not be able to get your license endorsed to the new state. Just something to think about.

We are seeing it happen all of the time with CA. They do not accept it; even if you have a license in another state, you still need to meet the educational requirements of the new state. Please add this to your list of things to check out before signing up for anything.

Mudwoman · Jul 22, 2007

EC is really set up for LPN/LVN's that are currently working in a hospital setting. That doesn't mean that if you don't work in a hospital you can't do this program. That doesn't mean that RRT's and Paramedics don't do well in this program.

With EC, you are in control of how fast you do this program. You study, you take the tests and if you pass, you move on. YOu have great flexibility in how you achieve the general ed credits. You can attend your local college, take CLEP, take on line classes and you can just take tests for some of the courses.

The CPNE tests your clinical skills. The CPNE study guide clearly tells you that EC assumes that you are getting all the clinical skills you need while working your job, and the CPNE is designed to test those skills.

You need a lot of self discipline to do EC. It is not necessarily faster than a traditional program and could be even longer depending on how much time you are really willing to devote to it. It is the only way I could have gotten my RN since I have a family, I'm the breadwinner around here, I took care of my mom who was on hospice for cancer and my husband and I are building a house----as in doing the work ourselves. It took me exactly 3 years to do the program because I had to fit it in. There is no way I could have gone to a traditional program and lived through it.