Excelsior College MSN Degree Graduates

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Any Excelsior College MSN degree graduates out there?

Just looking for someone willing to answer my questions, clear my doubts based on personal experience.

I imagine it will be easier to find a preceptor if you have an informatics department where you work, or know someone who works in informatics. I'm worried about that too since there is no informatics department where I work. I am also concerned about the credibility and marketability of an MSN from Excelsior.

Medic 2033 and Mrsilly were kind enough to answer some other questions that I had. I guess my biggest concern is finding a preceptor and what their minimum qualifications are and their necessary level of involvement. I'm beginning to lean toward the Excelsior program, but haven't eliminated Gonzaga. Excelsior's application process also seems a little simpler.
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AlwaysleaRN,

The other program that seems similar is Gonzaga, which probably has a better reputation, but it is over $30,000. That might be a deal-breaker for me. I'm not interested in the informatics program, but the clinical systems mgt.

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The cost is the dealbreaker for me as well. I am also interested in Clinical Systems Management, which has an integrated Informatics component. Even if Excelsior costs less, it is still a significant amount of money if the degree is not marketable. That's the chief reason why I am second-guessing my choice. I wish we could hear a reassuring word from someone.

AlwaysleaRN,

The other program that seems similar is Gonzaga, which probably has a better reputation, but it is over $30,000. That might be a deal-breaker for me. I'm not interested in the informatics program, but the clinical systems mgt.

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Does anyone know if the preceptor for the Excelsior MSN needs to have a Master's degree? I know Gonzaga said the person did not, but I don't know about Excelsior. Obviously, it will be a bit more challenging to find someone with a MSN or another M.S. degree.

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Unfortunately, I don't have enough posts yet to PM you. I'm trying to post as this will be my 12th one. I think Excelsior College was good for me. Compared to some of the other online schools, I think it is/was the easiest to get into. At the time I was applying, other online schools were more expensive and I was trying to watch the costs. The good news is that you can now get gov't student loans. When I first started, I had to use my credit cards to pay for classes. I wish I could compare what classes are like from one school to the next, as I myself, am curious to see how other schools conduct them. I found that for Excelsior the classes were good and the professors were very knowledgeable. Regarding preceptors, you have to find your own, the school really doesn't help you in that department. I had trouble finding one, but at the last minute was able to get someone to precept me at the hospital I work at. At the end of the Capstone, you fly to Albany and spend the weekend meeting your classmates. We all were apprehensive about going, but once the weekend was finished, we were all glad we got to meet face to face. I'm more than happy to give you more info.... 3 more posts to go :-)

How many classes involve the preceptor? Can the preceptor be somebody that isn't local or do you need to actually work with them in a clinical setting? Had you taken a statistics class? I haven't and maybe I need to take one first. Thanks!!

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Yes, the mentor must have a MSN.

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I think the preceptor needs to be local as you do spend time with that person, however, I think it's what you make of it.... There was one student who I believe did end up emailing her mentor for the duration of the capstone. The best thing is to perhaps email [email protected]. The preceptor needs a Master's degree, it doesn't have to be in nursing.

I've never heard of Gonzaga. All I can say is that Excelsior College is favored by the military for online education.

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Thank you for the response. I'm heavily leaning towards Excelsior at this point. The price is right and I like the idea of having 7 years to complete the program. Any thoughts on not having taken a stats class? Do you think I need to do that before even starting the program? I REALLY appreciate you answering all my questions!!!!!

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Which specialization did you choose for your MSN?

Which state are you in?

And are you looking for a new position with your current employer or a different one?

I chose nursing education and live in NC. I have been looking for a new position but sadly, I don't have the experience hospitals are currently looking for. I still may go for my post-MS in administration as I do have a BS in business. My degree may not help me much now, but it may in the future as I am 36 years old and have many years ahead of me. The one thing I will be doing is obtaining my BLS Instructor certification.

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I imagine it will be easier to find a preceptor if you have an informatics department where you work, or know someone who works in informatics. I'm worried about that too since there is no informatics department where I work. I am also concerned about the credibility and marketability of an MSN from Excelsior.

Excelsior is accredited by NLN so there should be no problems with credibility, etc. Some people haven't heard of the school, however, it is the first online school. I didn't really speak to the informatics students at the weekend retreat last month, but they all seemed to be happy and satisfied with the program.

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Excelsior is accredited by NLN so there should be no problems with credibility, etc. Some people haven't heard of the school, however, it is the first online school. I didn't really speak to the informatics students at the weekend retreat last month, but they all seemed to be happy and satisfied with the program.

Out of curiosity, what were your favorite and least favorite classes in the program?

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Specializes in cardiac, M/S, home health.

Hi,

I was enrolled in EC's MSN (Education) program this year for all of 1.5 months before I decided it was not the program for me. First, let me say I absolutely LOVE EC (I got my AS(n) through what was then called Regents College, back in the early '90's. I did not have to do the RN-MSN since I have a B.A. and EC does not require a BSN to enter directly into the MSN program) and I would recommend the school to anyone. That said, I did drop out after already paying for 14 credit units, enrollment fee, etc. and trying to "go to class". I could not get back any of the tuition costs, but I do not begrudge EC any of it. I am now enrolled in a different MSN program and it fits much better into my life. My biggest problem with the way EC's MSN programs are set up was that all courses require you to post at least 3 discussion threads per week (either you start, or you have to respond to someone else's discussion, and you have to post at least 1 of your own).

My situation is that I want to get my MSN ASAP, with an eye toward getting a post-MSN NP, so things may have been fine if I just started out with one or two classes. However, even if I had 1 class, I absolutely could not devote the hours I would need CONSISTENTLY for 15 week periods. Long story short, if you have consistent available time and can devote that time consistently, EC will be a good choice for you. Due to my life situation (F/T+ job outside of nursing field, being one of these geriatric parents, blah, blah, blah...) I am enjoying the flexibility that my new on-line program is affording me. As soon as I decided that I absolutely could not keep up on a weekly basis, I immediately enrolled in the other school. I have to do a RN-MSN now, but from what I am told, I will get my BSN along the way as well. I am having to take more classes, but they are truly done as fast or as slow (within reason) as I want.

So, I hope that helps. Again, if you choose to do the EC program, good luck to you. Even in the short time that I was enrolled, I really thought it was a good program--just not a program that fit my schedule. (Truth be told, the program I am in now reminds me a lot of how I remember my EC/Regents experience of almost 20 years ago...) Let me know if you have any specific questions.

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