Excelsior AND RN applications

josielj · Jan 3, 2012

For those of you interested in Excelsior College, please be aware WA does accept Excelsior grads for RN licensure BUT they do require a 200 hour contracted, unpaid preceptor experience before they will allow you to test for the NCLEX and get your WA RN license. Good luck working that out. I couldn't find anyone who would do it.
I did Excelsior and had LOTS of problems with the WA BON. It was awful. However, I did learn a loop hole in the system if you are having a hard time finding a preceptor for the stupid 200 hours requirement. If you test for your NCLEX for another state on your application (you can still actually take the NCLEX locally though since it is a National test and all), you can apply to endorse your license to WA from that other state. Choose a state that does not have any special requirements for Excelsior grads and your RN license will transfer right over!
In my research after the fact when I was having so many issues, I learned the Minnesota has 1) the lowest RN NCLEX application fee and 2) the fastest turn around time for license verification, 10 days (some states take months to get the info to the BON).
So, your original RN license would be MN but you never live/work or do anything with it other than immediately apply for WA RN License by Endorsement. Application here http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professio...s/RN_byEnd.pdf
It negates the preceptor requirement and the whole process is way easier and faster (10 days from application to Authorization to take NCLEX). Minnesota RN licensing requirements and info: https://www.hlb.state.mn.us/mbn/Port...0packet-US.pdf The application/license fee is $85 for MN. Then another $90 for Endorsement to WA. Once you are licensed in another state WA cannot deny your application regardless of where you graduated (unless there are other reasons on the application to deny you).
MN has an easy online application. You may want to call them to be sure they have not changed their rules about Exelcesior College since I was dealing with this issue several years ago. But, if you go this route it should be pretty painless.

Hi there thanks for your post. I also live in WA and I am about done w/ Excelsior, I just need to complete 2 tests and then the dreaded CPNE. I do know about the 200 clinical hours and I also know that Excelsior does not have any contracts w/ hospitals or SNF's in WA and therefore basically students are left to find there own clinicals. Excelsior has no record of where there WA graduates did their clinicals, yes it is very frustrating. My focus is right now on the 2 tests I have left and then I was going to go door to door asking if I can compete my clinicasl at a hospital. I have heard of taking the NCLEX in another state, and OR makes the most sense to do as it requires no extra clinical hours. BUT, I have heard that WA will not allow you to work UNLESS you have actually worked as an RN for so many hours (I forgot how many hours it is). I have heard that if you graduate from Exclesior and take your NCLEX in another state, lets say OR, then WA requires paperwork stating where, when, and how many hours you actually worked as a RN in another state. Can you please tell me if you did this and all the details please....my personal email is [email protected]. I would also like to talk to you about how your CPNE went.

Thanks,

Josie

RobynLL · Jan 11, 2012

Yep. That's where I'm at. Worked like a dog completing the Excelsior curriculum and now can't find anyone to take me. Well, I can find somebody to preceptor me but the WA BON won't approve it.

I was thinking about going the route you mentioned before I read your post. Have you had any trouble at all getting a job with an 'endorsed' license? I don't really know what an endorsed license is...all I know is I worked hard for a license and I don't want to have problems now!

Thank you for this post. It confirms what I already knew...

And WA state BON needs to wise up. Do you know that EC was ranked among the top 10 nursing schools in the US????