Excelsior MSN

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Hi, I am about to finish my BSN at WGU in Dec. and am wanting to go straight on for my MSN. I was going to do it at WGU because it would have been a smooth transition but you have to do a research project at your place of employment for the Capstone. I am not currently employed and would like to finish my degrees while we can afford for me to be off work. I was wondering if anyone knows how long it takes to complete an MSN at Excelsior? I like the idea of Excelsior anyway because they offer an MSN in Informatics. I talked to them on chat but the link the guy sent me was a time completion calculator and it said it would take 0.0 years to complete, obviously that's wrong hahaha! Anyone done it in a year or less, or know if that's possible?

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

FYI, there is now a Facebook group from EC MSN students. Just search for "Excelsior College MSN" and it should come up. :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Psych, Addictions..

Cali does not accept your initial licensure if it was Excelsior. She didnt get her initial RN from Excelsior.

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I just completed my first 3 classes with Excelsior's MSN program. I'm so exhausted. lol. I'm looking forward to this Xmas vacation. Classes start again on Jan. 6.

Lunah, I'm thinking about Informatics now. I'm concerned about those 3 classes in the Informatics specialization. How intense are they? Will I have to find a Preceptor IN Informatics or can the person just have an MS or MSN?

I LOVE the online format with EC. This is my first online schooling experience and I put it off way too long. Now I'm so anxious to be finished.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Lunah, I'm thinking about Informatics now. I'm concerned about those 3 classes in the Informatics specialization. How intense are they? Will I have to find a Preceptor IN Informatics or can the person just have an MS or MSN?

NUR521 and NUR551 were a bit much when taken together. I did that before I deployed, and I nearly lost my mind! lol. But I was way too busy all around. I am taking NUR680 starting January 6. Your preceptor for capstone, as I understand it, must be MSN-prepared and working in the field of Informatics, but doesn't necessarily need an MSN in Informatics.

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Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

I was thinking about the MSN in informatics - I have my application on hold right now as I just can't afford it (I pay cash, don't want any student loans), but when I expressed concern about the preceptor they said they would help me if I got desperate.

I live in a rural area and am willing to bet we don't have an MSN working in informatics anywhere within 50 miles. However, EC is in Albany NY and I am about 50 miles from there - so they may actually be helpful in my case and know someone. Maybe. :)

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Lunah, thanks for responding.

FeatherzRN, I had my application on hold for months. I'm glad I started. I'm paying out of pocket also. I never had a student loan and do not want one. I see EC has a payment plan, also. I'm not too sure how it works. You would have to complete 9 classes before the Capstone. You have time so I was thinking to put an ad on craigslist, or finding someone on ANIA.Org or AMIA.org. I have 2 people at my job willing to help, but one has an MS and the other has an MPH. You could start with 502 and 514. I just finished those two 8 week classes ALONG with a 15 week class, 541. Got all As. I was (still) highly motivated! Come on!!! I'll be your motivator!!!!

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Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

Come on!!! I'll be your motivator!!!!

LOL thanks for the motivation! My reticence is due to the cost (I can afford it, just not sure I want to), and the usefulness of the degree. I was a software developer for a decade, so informatics would be perfect, but I just don't think there are any jobs out here for that sort of nurse. I'm teetering between excelsior and going back to WGU for an MBA in Healthcare. Which probably isn't useful either, but would be a heck of a lot cheaper. :)

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I understand you and especially where you live......who knows if the degree is worth it for real!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I am also an Excelsior student, although I'm going extremely slow. I've taken 3 classes so far with too many breaks in btwn. My job does offer tuition reimbursement but I still have to pay out first which is hard. Last semester by the time I was ready to register and pay, all of the classes were full so yet another semester wasted :(

I was originally under informatics but have since changed to Education.

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Lilmamita, why did you change? I'm curious. I've heard I'll be more marketable with Informatics instead of Education and that if my concentration is Informatics, I would be able to teach anyway. I'm not too sure how true that is.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

FYI I just changed my screen name. That name was from over 10yrs ago lol. I just came back to these forums.

I just didn't think I would truly love it however marketable it might seem. Plus, my BS is in Health Education so it just seemed like a better fit.

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LuvaNurse, what classes are you taking this semester?

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