Excelsior College

[xrayjenn]

I would like to know if anyone has attended Excelsior College and was it difficult to find a RN job afterward since it is not traditional training. This seem like a good oppertunity to futher my education I just would like some feedback before I waste my money. I live in PA and I am currently a LPN. I pland on just getting my ADN.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Jen, you won't have a problem getting a job as long as your state accepts Excelsior.

Go to the Distance Leraning Forum. A lot of us are in the program.

[caliotter3]

I read accounts of there being problems and a "stigma" being attached to an RN from Excelsior (then Regents) many, many years ago when the Excelsior program first started out. Most of that had to do with the fact that people could just walk in off the street with absolutely no clinical healthcare experience at all and navigate their way through the program. These people would fail on the job and cause a negative view of the school's graduates. Such is not the case today. Your LPN clinical practice experience will go a long way in helping you to be successful with Excelsior and you won't find any prejudice against your school. You will find employers happy to see another RN walk through the doors. :wink2:Good luck with your decision to get your degree with Excelsior.

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Thread moved to Distance Learning forum to encourage more responses.

[Melinurse]

There is still somewhat of a "stigma" regarding EC graduates. I just graduated from EC and found even though my employer is a test site and in spite of being a good LPN on the floor, I was questioned about clinicals, and adequate training. I pointed out how I'm an independent thinker who is creative in finding and utilizing resourses. My boss was going to hire me anyways but she said she knew that anyone who could get through EC had to be a quick learner and a good independent thinker which makes for a great RN. If your state does not accept EC graduates consider working in another state for a few years first before applying to your state boards. Friend of mine looked into that possibility, she graduated from EC ( works on another floor ) and wanted to move to Colorado. They wanted her to take a semester of clinicals before she could practice there.( she'd been a RN for 6 months ) Instead, she postponed the move and after working at our hospital for 2 and a half years is being accepted in Colorado without having to take a semester.:yeah:Just have to be creative, where there's a will there's a way:D.

[treeriver1966]

Pennsylvania does acknowledge Excelsior. You will have no problem finding a position in Pennsylvania - (I know in Central PA). I was in a traditional program and transferred to Excelsior. I have spoken with several large teaching hospitals and small community hospitals in Central Pennsylvania. You will be appreciated and welcomed aboard. Being an LPN will only add to your resume and bring you additional opportunities. I have done research on this because of my concerns prior to enrolling in Excelsior. My experience consists of three semesters of traditional school RN clinicals, a summer nurse extern position in OHICU, and being a Patient Care Technician/CNA. I will be taking my CPNE this August. I continue to practice, practice, practice, study, study, study and can't wait until the day I have GN then RN behind my name.Good Luck and continue with your education. You will be just fine.