Excelsior

opalmRN · Feb 22, 2004

I posted this question on the Colorado forum, but didn't get a response. I see that there is alot of information about Excelsior, so if anyone can give me advice I would appreciate it. My first question is about the clinicals, how would you get hired or take the NCLEX exam if you haven't did any clinicals? Can this be done? Next does anyone know if Colorado accepts EC grades? This is where I reside as of now.
I have been looking into this for sometime, but just need this information to make my mind up. I just took my exam for re-certification for Surgical Technologist and I can now apply to EC. I do not want to pay for all this to find out no one will hire me. So if someone or anyone has any information I would appreciate it.
:)

I don't know of any facility (other than CA and I don't live there so I can't speak for this state) that looks at anyones clinical time. The facilities I have worked at want to know if you have your license and that is what they check. There are several individuals who frequent this board who are current/former students of Excelsior who would be able to provide insight into the program.

Good luck whatever you decide!

lmr · Feb 22, 2004

Thanks for the response I really appreciate it. I will keep looking on the threads to see if I can find the information.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 23, 2004

Please look at your states board of nursing. Illinois doesn't accept Excelsior grads unless they have experience as RNs

deej · Feb 23, 2004

Straight from the EC website...

Q: If I complete an Excelsior College nursing degree, can I apply for licensure in all 50 states?
A: The Excelsior College Nursing Programs are designed in accordance with the requirements for Registered Nurse programs in New York State. Other states have different requirements, and you are responsible for determining the legal criteria for licensure in the state where you wish to practice.
If you live in the state of Florida, Louisiana, or Washington, you must already be an LPN before applying for licensure. If you are not an LPN, you will not be able to sit for the licensure examination in these states. Illinois is the only state which does not accept Excelsior College nursing students for licensure.

Also straight from the EC website...

For answers to questions about state board issues, contact Rosemary Casale at 888-647-2388. At the automated greeting press 1-3-1-5 and your call will be connected to a nursing support staff member who will direct your call.

DJ

lmr · Feb 23, 2004

Thanks for responding I will give them a call. LMR

Straight from the EC website...
Also straight from the EC website...
DJ

NurseRatchet26 · Feb 23, 2004

Do a search of the site. I found a bunch of posts on Excelsior. I plan to start as soon as I get my LPN switched from another state to Va. As for the clinical aspect, there is a 2 or 3 day clinical evaluation after you complete all the coursework. Here is their website:

http://www.excelsior.edu/nur_home.htm

This is the site for the Colorado state Board, you should bookmark that, you may need it in the future. I would email them any questions you have .

http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/

Hope that helps.

lmr · Feb 23, 2004

Thanks for responding! I really like this board it has so much information and so many others looking for the same answers.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Feb 23, 2004

Hi. I'm a current EC student, and I just wanted to recommend the CPNE workshop to you later on down the road when you get closer to doing the clinical eval. Since you're not already a nurse, you'll have to learn to do things the "nursing way" and the workshop could help with that. Good luck in your pursuits. I hope you like EC as much as I do!

Thanks for responding! I really like this board it has so much information and so many others looking for the same answers.

lmr · Feb 24, 2004

Is this CPNE a class room? Do you know where you take this? Is this the final class to be taken after all your other classes?

deej · Feb 25, 2004

Is this CPNE a class room? Do you know where you take this? Is this the final class to be taken after all your other classes?

The CPNE is a three-day long clinical evaluation, where they throw various patient care situations at you (some simulated, some on real patients) and you are expected to perform at the level of a 0-day graduate nurse. There are several hospitals scattered throughout the country where you can take it. Long Beach, Plano, Albany, Atlanta...a few more that I can't think of off of the top of my head. The list (along with everything else you would want to know about the CPNE) is at http://www.excelsior.edu/enrolled/nur_csum.htm.

For the ASN program, you have to complete all of your nursing concepts tests before you can take the CPNE. I don't know what the requirements are for the BSN program but they are slightly different.

DJ

lmr · Feb 25, 2004

I will check the site out. This helps alot because I am still deciding whether I want to enroll or not. I am not looking at the threads, but did you say that you were enrolled? If so how is it going so far?

Thanks!