Excelsior

Kir · Oct 9, 2003

This is going to be of no help to you but I am in the same situation you are. I was a 91-B, ('89-'96) therefore qualify for admission to Excelsior. I had the fortune to be hired by an ex-Navy doc who's father actually instructed at Ft. Sam who told him to hire me.

I have been getting my prereqs at a local college. I almost signed on with IStudySmart but didn't at the last minute (thanks to all the posts re Moore!) Where are you in the admission process? Have you run into any problems with your MOS? How are you financing all of this? As I understand Excelsior tuition is not tax deductable.

Kirsten

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Oct 9, 2003

I was in a simalar situition. I took a test every two weeks to every month. and got the whole thing done in 9 months. I kept kicking myself that I hadn't done it earlier. If your motivated, it's easy.

Just remember that there is a little change in mindset from the Medic/Paramedic route. If your doing remote med, I'd say make sure you get yourself into an RN-BSN or MSN program as soon as you can after you grad.

If you've got any questions, email me.

anba · Oct 9, 2003

You don't have to be enrolled in the college to take the pre-req or NC 1 & 2. You have to enroll however for NC3 and up.

Yes, for the most part... you study, take the test, and get the credit if you pass.

Some of the pre-reqs can be taken as CLEP or Dantes which, from what I understand, can save you some money.

I am not much more help as I have only just started working on my first pre-req (Human growth and development CLEP...for Lifespan), but I have done alot of research over the last few years.

HTH

Kir · Oct 10, 2003

I guess I am not understanding this. I was in contact with EC yesterday and they indicated that before any nursing classes I would have to be admited into the nsg program. I just sent off my application for general admission as well as a copy of my DD214 so I anticipate having to apply for the RN program as well now. Do you know if letters of recomendation from my fellow staff, DRs, NPs, BSNs and ADNs would be of any help? Also, how much are you finding yourself spending on each class including the test? I was talking to someone on another BB that said it took her nearly a grand for each class. I find that to be a bit skewed, how 'bout you?

Coldfoot · Oct 10, 2003

What prereq's are you doing? If you have the medical history that allows admission, you need the general ed courses and the nursing courses. Most of the gen ed courses can be CLEPed or you can do them on your own/through excelsior. I spent about $700:eek: on the A&P 1 I'm taking now and am kicking myself. Their are a lot cheeper ways to go out there, dependining on how you want to train. Mine is an online class with lab.

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Oct 10, 2003

I don't recall any of the tests themselves being more than $200. Most are less than that. The cost goes up when you use aftermarket study guides. Most people who have used them seem to say they aren't worth it. You get the study outline and reference list for free from excelcior.

If your paying $1000 per class your getting robbed.

As to reference letters. They aren't needed. If you meet the posted admition requirments your good to go.

Kir · Oct 11, 2003

I only have to complete Micro and all of my prereqs are done. I don't have a lot of $ (who does?). All of you who submitted DD214s did they nail you with having your 'nursing' courses greater than 10 years ago? I discharged in 1996.

I am one of those people who look for something to happen...

LOL

Kir

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Oct 12, 2003

maybe when ec told you that they need to have you registered in the program before you could do any of the nursing courses, they meant that they wouldn't get the grades until you were registered. i guess the grades from first 2 nursing course exams (nc1 and nc2) just kind of "hang out" in the test center's computer system until you are registered. then once you are, ec gets the grades.

or did they mean that they should do an official review of your transcripts first? sounds to me like you'd be good to go, but with everyone, they have to review each course discription under a microscope and make sure that everything in your course was what is in their course and then it will transfer.

and to answer your question about will this work for you----- oh, totally!!!!!!! i think you should jump in!

good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Oct 12, 2003

forgot to add........

I believe that someone could spend that much on each course, if they bought every single text that EC recommends on their list for the nursing courses, and they bought every single book from the EC bookstore or somewhere else on the pricey side. I slide through each course on a couple of books, and none of them were brand new.

debRNo1 · Oct 12, 2003

Originally posted by Coldfoot
I spent about $700:eek: on the A&P 1 I'm taking now and am kicking myself.

I am an Excelsior grad '01

It took me five years at my own pace to obtain my degree, I started shortly after my LPN program. I started with A&P and micro which I studied for independantly and passed both. I didnt use a high-priced "third party publishing company" :nono:

I used the study guide- provided for FREE, I used a text with workbook. For A&P I used the coloring workbook with the text we used in LPN program. I had ZERO college credits and I wasnt brave enough to "challenge" the general ed courses which I took at Comm. college. The best are the summer and winter "mini" sessions which are kinda like rat races and you complete the course in just a few weeks.

The cost of the exams has sky-rocketed over the years and my A&P exam in 1996 cost me $60.00 six credits for $10 bucks a credit !!!! CHEAP !!! Back then you were able to take quite a few exams prior to enrolling and I beleive that has changed now ?

Never thought I would see the day when I was an RN but it came, I passed the almighty CPNE (with no repeats ) and then the boards. It worked well for me and glad I didnt HAVE to fight for a seat in a program and commit for too long.

If you are able to study independantly I say GO FOR IT !!!!!

DO NOT sign with a publishor who promises that you will pass, get a GOOD med-surg and basic nursing text, use the internet theres a world of info at your fingertips.

If you have any questions feel free to EM or PM me.......

good luck

deb

Kir · Oct 13, 2003

Deb,

How long after you applied did it take for them to respond to your application? Where did you take clinicals? Would you (or anyone else) reccomend a good Med-Surg text please?

I feel I have the ability to do this as I have been studing online for two years to get prereqs. I am nervously awaiting my acceptance. I forwared a copy of my military transcript, I was a combat medic (91-B) and therefore qualify for admission. I hate this not knowing/waiting time!