what exactly is excelsior?

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I understand you can get your rn from lpn, but how exactly does it work? I see people talking about a "cpne weekend", and different kinds of exams and what not.. Do if someone can please explain to me? I can't find much on their website that clearly explains anything..

From what I understand it's a nursing curriculum. Can be used online in conjunction with text books. I am actually using it right now. As far as LPN to RN, I am under the impression it's a placement type exam. The RN program I am looking into uses Excelsior exams, depending on your grade depends on which semester of the bridge you are placed in. Hope this helps : )

Excelsior is an online college. They do have an Rn program but you have to be an lpn, paramedic, etc.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Excelsior College is a NLNAC (accredited by the national league of nursing) accredited college that caters to professionals that have a back ground in healthcare, specifically LPNs, and RNs who wish to pursue a higher degree, mostly the BSN. They have a system in place where theory and skills testing are required before placement in classes and coursework. I did not go this route, but in my area, Excelsior is known as a equivalent alternative for a LPN to RN (or BSN) program.

I suggest you contact them by phone. I used them to challenge my science classes for my BSN (recommended and accepted from the university I was attending). My experience with EC has been positive. I've heard from others who have taken the course wonderful things. Good Luck!! :)

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
I understand you can get your rn from lpn, but how exactly does it work? I see people talking about a "cpne weekend", and different kinds of exams and what not.. Do if someone can please explain to me? I can't find much on their website that clearly explains anything..

I am an Excelsior College graduate and an RN. Since you are an LPN, you are eligible for their nursing program. You study on your own and go to Pearson Vue to take their nursing theory exams as the program is exam-based. You study at your own pace. When you are within 10 credits of completing your general education requirements, you register for and take the FCCA and then the CPNE, which is a 2 1/2 day clinical evaluation of your skills that you will receive a study guide for. You can contact the school by calling them and requesting a brochure. An admissions advisor can answer your questions also. Give 'em a call....

That is a quick overview of Excelsior College....other than to MAKE SURE THAT YOU STATE'S BOARD OF NURSING ACCEPTS EXCELSIOR COLLEGE DEGREES. Check with your BON to see what requirements they have for this and/or any other online nursing program.

I am an Excelsior College graduate and an RN. Since you are an LPN, you are eligible for their nursing program. You study on your own and go to Pearson Vue to take their nursing theory exams as the program is exam-based. You study at your own pace. When you are within 10 credits of completing your general education requirements, you register for and take the FCCA and then the CPNE, which is a 2 1/2 day clinical evaluation of your skills that you will receive a study guide for. You can contact the school by calling them and requesting a brochure. An admissions advisor can answer your questions also. Give 'em a call....

That is a quick overview of Excelsior College....other than to MAKE SURE THAT YOU STATE'S BOARD OF NURSING ACCEPTS EXCELSIOR COLLEGE DEGREES. Check with your BON to see what requirements they have for this and/or any other online nursing program.

Thank you! That was the explanation i was looking for! I'm not an LPN yet, I'm in school now, but i was just curious as to what it was cause i hear so many people talking about it. Thanks again.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Moved to Excelsior forum

Hi Ashley, I'm the Assistant Director of Admissions at Excelsior College. We offer a great program that I think you'll be interested in. It would allow you to work as an LPN and study at your own pace to complete your degree requirements. Once you have your LPN license, please contact us! Our Admissions team would be happy to guide you through the admission process and talk with you about our program. You can reach Admissions at 888-647-2388 ext 21.

Here are some details on the ADn program:

Our Associate Degree in Nursing is a 67 credit program that is completed almost entirely by independent study. Students study at their own pace, using our free Content Guides and recommended textbooks and materials, to prepare for our exams. When you're ready to test, you will register, pay the exam fee, schedule your test date, and take your exam at a local Pearson Vue Center. With a grade of C or better, you will earn your credit. You can complete almost all of your general education requirements and the 8 nursing theory requirements by taking EC exams. The FCCA is an online clinical assessment that is completed in 2 parts. It covers Head-to-Toe Assessment and Nursing Process and Managing Multiple Patients/Working in Interdisciplinary health Care Teams. The final requirement, the CPNE, is administered in a hospital with our trained staff observing and evaluating your clinical skills. We provide you with a very detailed study guide that will help you prepare for the CPNE, and also offer a workshop and other resources.

Check out our website, www.excelsior.edu for more information! You can also call us anytime before you have your LPN license if you have questions.

Best of luck to you as you complete your LPN program!

Sincerely,

Patti Hoeg

Excelsior College

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

For people new to the world of distance education and some of the issues involved ...

Please be advised that the Excelsior program is a controversial one. While some people support its approach to nursing education, other people do not. Not all states consider the program sufficient to quality for RN licensure. Please do some homework before investing in your education with any program to assure that you will be eligible for an RN license in the states you wish to live -- and if you want your credentials to be respected -- and if you want your academic credits to be accepted by other schools you may want to attend in the future -- etc.

I understand you can get your rn from lpn, but how exactly does it work? I see people talking about a "cpne weekend", and different kinds of exams and what not.. Do if someone can please explain to me? I can't find much on their website that clearly explains anything..

http://www.excelsior.edu/state-board-requirements Check here to see if our program is accepted in the state you live in or if you will be required to complete a preceptorship.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

There are states that have concurrent clinical requirements and not all states accept EC's academic curriculum.

Excellsior College new york nursing graduates have had same issue recently. see state board licensure requirements here

These are states having concerns over concurrent therory and practicum, so i would look at other 37 states to obtain license:

Alabama

Arizona

California

Georgia

Illinois

Kansas

Louisiana

Maryland

North Dakota

Oklahoma

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Even once licensed in one state......another state may refuse you licensure by endorsement. However I know a Paramedic that went to EC and is an excellent RN.......they were an excellent paramedic as well.

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