Excelsior questions :)

jat mom · Oct 10, 2006

i haven't heard much either way about excelsior. I am interested in it also. I already purchased the study guides form collede network, which have me thinking tha they were affiliated, and they were not.. I did hear people say the the study guides could still be used. I am holding off on excelsior unitl I hear more, so basically I have the same questions as you. Good luck. Let me know what you hear:icon_roll

robfall · Oct 11, 2006

Just finished Excelsior's prgram; passed CPNE last weekend. Most of the info you're looking for is on the schools website. Short version:

1. You're transcripts will be reviewed to see what credit you can be granted.

2. There is no minimum experience requirement for LPN's; however you have a better chance of success if you have some exposure.

3. The 'clinicals' for Excelsior are a test (CPNE); not a teaching situation. The testing staff is supportive, but cannot instruct you during the test.

4. I've occasionally heard rumors of hosptials not hirig Excelsior grads; but every one I know personally has had not problems getting employment. You might want to talk to HR at you're ocal hospitals.

4. Good luck!

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Oct 11, 2006

I had a great experience with Excelsior and got hired in my first choice specialty after my first interview.

You can access more discussions of EC in the Distance Learning/Independent Study Forum here.

Good luck to you!

Mudwoman · Oct 12, 2006

Contact your state board of nursing to see if they accept Excelsior degrees for NCLEX and licensure.

Contact Excelsior and get a Nursing School packet sent. It will explain everything.

College Network is not in any way affiliated with Excelsior and all the College Network does is provide expensive study guides. I have all 7 of the study guides from College Network for the Excelsior Nursing Concepts tests.

OceansNurse · Oct 14, 2006

first you need to find out if your state bon accepts excelsior schooling. (many do). college network / rue.. etc... all go through excelsior. they buy excelsior programs but charge you extra.. so the best thing to do, is go right to the source (excelsior). there is a disclaimer in excelsior's site about these programs.

i recently signed up through excelsior so i'm a beginner, but you can find a lot of information on their site. they also provide you with an advisor (once you're enrolled).

first step is applying, get your transcripts in order (from other schools you attended... you can't send them in yourself, the school you attended has to).. then enroll.

you have general education requirements that you must meet (see the website) then there are 7 nursing concepts and the cpne.

once you've satisfied everything, you'll be able to take the nclex.

as far as study guides... go to ebay!! you'll find a lot of people selling theirs.. compare prices

i haven't taken any tests because i just enrolled and have started to receive all the information.. it would be nice to talk to someone who has gone through / completed the program.

ancientcitygirl · Oct 14, 2006

I went through when it was Regents and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. But it's a great "shortcut" and it increased my salary and job opportunities immediately. I've never had an employer question my "credentials," and, in fact, I think that if you can pass the CPNE you have to be a pretty smart cookie in the first place. However, I don't think I would have stood a chance had I not attended the workshop provided by the school because it basically walks you through the testing experience and gives you a solid guideline of what you need to focus on to pass.

Go for it! And good luck!!!

mumpet5 · Oct 18, 2006

Hi Everyone, I 've been looking for a website with people considering or in teh Excelsior program, I got my LVN in Texas, now living in NM, I have had my transcripts sent to Excelsior, how did those of you in it pay for it? I am also considering moving to California after june 2007 and found out to day calif. does not accept Excelsior nurses, they are working on it I was told. So now I am stuck, I tried taking nite classes, but I am a pediatric home health nurse doing shifts and the homes I am in are not always conducive to studying. Just don't know what to do. Also, I am a single mother of 2. It's too hard to go after a long days work, make enough to pay bills and then find time to study. Any advice is appreciated.

motivated_women · Oct 24, 2006

Did you finish your degree threw colleg network

vamedic4, EMT-P · Oct 24, 2006

mumpet it sounds like you have a lot on your plate...Ouch!! I find time when I can to read and study for the exams...it's not easy, there always seems to be "something" else going on. I'm sure you have times like that too...not much to do and you perhaps just "put it off til later" but later never comes.

Good luck!!

vamedic4

mumpet5 · Oct 25, 2006

I have a question about the CLEP, can y ou take Anatomy and Physiology through them / their tests?

mentalhealthman · Oct 25, 2006

Hi Everyone, I 've been looking for a website with people considering or in teh Excelsior program, I got my LVN in Texas, now living in NM, I have had my transcripts sent to Excelsior, how did those of you in it pay for it? I am also considering moving to California after june 2007 and found out to day calif. does not accept Excelsior nurses, they are working on it I was told. So now I am stuck, I tried taking nite classes, but I am a pediatric home health nurse doing shifts and the homes I am in are not always conducive to studying. Just don't know what to do. Also, I am a single mother of 2. It's too hard to go after a long days work, make enough to pay bills and then find time to study. Any advice is appreciated.

There are many Excelsior Student Sites on Yahoo groups. Go to Yahoo groups and search for Excelsior College. You will find a lot of support and information from current students.