Eligible for RN thru Excelsior?

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I have been reading about Excelsior and hope that it is an option for me. To make a really long story short, I worked in healthcare quite a while back as a tech for about 5 years while getting my first degree, worked for some time in the field I got my first degree in, then decided to get a second degree in nursing, because that's where my real interest and passion is. I was recently enrolled in an accel BSN and completed 1/3 of their program (22 credits, 270 clinical hours). I left in good academic standing but I couldn't finish it because of financial reasons. I've looked at transferring to a less expensive institution but it looks like the programs are pretty dissimilar and I might end up repeating a lot.

So I have been reading about Excelsior to finish a degree. I realize I can't get a BSN until I have an RN. I am wondering what they mean when they say you must complete equivalent of 50% of an RN program to be admitted. Since I was not in a traditional program, I don't know how this would translate. Has anyone else done this?

Thanks!

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

I think you'll need to speak directly with EC on this matter -- I don't know what they consider 50%, especially when it comes to an accelerated BSN program. I'm pretty sure they mean that you have to have finished 50% of the nursing portion, not just the program as a whole.

Also, make sure EC grads are recognized by your state BON:

https://www.excelsior.edu/Excelsior_College/School_Of_Nursing/Accreditation_and_Licensure/State_Board_Requirements

Good luck!

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I contacted them, but their reply was that they needed to review my transcripts. The way my program was set up was that all my courses were nursing courses. My prereq's were finished prior to starting the degree. My instructors told us that by the end of the session we just finished, it would be equivalent to finishing our sophomore year in a traditional program. I'm sure I'll just have to have the work evaluated by someone at Excelsior, but just wanted to know whether it is worth pursuing, and just worried that I won't be able to finish this degree. Thanks!

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

It sounds possible! I think the application fee for EC is $75 -- might be worth it. I'm not sure if anyone here who was a "50%" student was in a BSN -- I'm thinking most were ADN programs. Hopefully someone will chime in if they were in a BSN program. :)

I've heard the accelerated programs are usually pretty pricey, and I'm sure you have exhausted your options in that area regarding student loans and whatnot. I guess the positive side is that you won't have far to go to do an RN-BSN bridge, if you're able to do the RN through EC. :)

Oh, and: Welcome to Allnurses! :D

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I entered Excelsior after completing more than 50% of a BSN program, but it was a traditional BSN program, not an accelerated one. It is 50% of the clinical portion that they are looking at. You will need to have your transcripts evaluated by Excelsior to see what the deal is.

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Well, I am so glad there is at least hope! I'm pretty sure I won't be able to come up with the remaining ~30k to finish at my school, was looking at hospital scholarships here to cover it but may not be an option now.

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I am currently enrolled as 50% BSN.....but not accelerated, you need to apply and have the transcripts sent to them so they can evaluate.....I think this was the best decision in my life. I failed my BSN in 2006-2007 and just graduated with a BA in 2007. I didn't find out about this program since this year. It is great because of the flexibility and price.....just my 2 cents

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Hey, I just found out about Excelsior this weekend and so far it sounds very good. I am in an Accelerated BSN Program at a very pricey university $40,000. I do not wish to continue at my school but if you wish to continue your BSN at your Accelerated Program have you thought about Scholarships? It might slow you down a year but there is free money out there.

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