Excelsior students going on to get NP

KimberRN · Jul 13, 2010

Hey..

I graduated from Excelsior with my ADN in 2004. I went on to complete an RN-BSN program and now I am getting ready to start NP school in August! I completed all of my pre-reqs through a community college and I would definitely advise you to do the same! Most Universitys/Colleges will not accept EC pre-reqs but they will accept CLEP exams. You do not want to repeat those courses!

Also, I had a bit of trouble when applying for my RN-BSN program because I did graduate from EC. A couple weeks before I started my RN-BSN program I received an email stating that they won't accept EC nursing courses! Luckily, I was able to jump through some hoops and do the program! For my Nurse Practitioner program it is a non-issue because I completed all pre-reqs at a traditional college.

I believe EC has a great nursing program and really prepares you to function well as an RN! I learned more studying for the CPNE than I learned during the entire time I was enrolled in a traditional nursing program! Do they still require the CPNE?

caliotter3 · Jul 13, 2010

An acquaintance of mine who graduated from EC got a NP license a couple of years back. I have no idea how difficult it was but she did accomplish it, so I know it can be done.

sierra101504 · Jul 13, 2010

Thanks for the replies! Yes you do still have to take the CPNE. I am really nervous about it but think I can handle it. I went though a vocational school to get my LPN so I have never been in a traditional college setting. I have already taken 3 general education courses through EC. Before I started EC I called the NP programs I was interested in and asked if they accepted EC graduates... They all said yes but I didn't even think about asking about gen edu requirements. I just figured if they accepted the nursing courses they would accept anything. Guess I need to email them and check. I would be really upset if I spent all that money for nothing! Thanks again for all the input.

KimberRN · Jul 13, 2010

I would be surprised if any BSN or MSN program would accept EC exams in lieu of pre-reqs, which doesn't make sense to me because they accept CLEP exams and they are the exact same thing! You can take online courses from a community college and they will transfer....they are easier than those EC exams anyway :)

Is the pass rate still 60% on the CPNE? Since you have experience as an LPN you will do fine! I made flash cards on all the critical elements using acronyms..it really helped!

Definitely call about those EC exams before you take anymore! Keep us posted...

medicrnohio, RN · Jul 15, 2010

I have my ADN and BSN from EC and I am currently enrolled in an MSN-FNP program. I took some of my general ed requirements through EC and some through colleges in my local area. It really wasn't an issue at all though. The school looked to see if I had my BSN from an accredited school. The only question that came up about coursework was a stats course during my undergrad. With that being said, I think it would be beneficial for you to do any of the courses that typically have a lab component (micro, A&P, chem, etc.) at a community college or somewhere near you that offers the lab component. From what I have heard from other EC grads, those courses are usually the sticking points. Good luck!

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2010

i am a ec rn will graduate with my bsn from texas tech in december and i am applying to fnp schools as we speak for the spring semester.... all of my core courses was done at a community college and i had no ec courses (other than nursing) or clep to transfer in .......it can be done

meg2465 · Jul 19, 2010

I'm a year into the acute care NP program at UMDNJ, got accepted with an Excelsior ADN and BSN. The Excelsior BSN teaches you how to manage your education independently, which comes in very handy for grad school. Good luck!

sierra101504 · Jul 29, 2010

Just wanted to say thanks! all info is greatly appreciated!!!