Excelsior

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 3, 2017

I have moved your post to the Excelsior College forum to ensure maximum responses.

I graduated from the ADN program in 2008. It worked well for me and I passed the CPNE on my first attempt, as many do.

Devon77 · Jul 3, 2017

Thank you for moving the post, I'm new to the forum so didn't know there was a section for excelsior. Thanks for your response as well.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 3, 2017

No problem! :) Welcome to allnurses.

RNBearColumbus, BSN · Jul 3, 2017

Loved Excelsior! Graduated in May of 2016, passed CPNE on my first attempt. It IS doable. Went from being a LPN in long term care to being a RN at a major hospital in my area.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jul 4, 2017

I passed on my first attempt as well. Graduated in 2010 with the ASN.

Devon77 · Jul 4, 2017

Thanks for the input...how long did you have to wait to test?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 4, 2017

Thanks for the input...how long did you have to wait to test?

The wait for the CPNE right now is about 12 months. The school is doing what they can to shorten the wait time (they have opened a couple of new sites, they are constantly trying to hire new MSN-prepared nurses who have weekends to spare), but unfortunately they lost a few sites to local schools who needed the clinical space. This program is neither easy, nor fast; if you have local options, they are worth considering. Most students take at least 2-3 years to complete this one.

Devon77 · Jul 5, 2017

Lol well I dont think any nursing program is "easy"hahaha...but I work full time so am just looking into excelsior, I do have a local option lined up, but will not be able to start until 2019 due to the fact I need to RETAKE ALL of my prereqs since they are all over 10 yrs old. I'm in the process of doing that now..after I start the program it will be three yrs long (its the only part time BSN in the area). So believe it or not this is my faster option. There are full time, faster routes locally for someone who only has to work part time, or not at all but that is not an option unfortunately.

Thanks for the response :)

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 5, 2017

Lol well I dont think any nursing program is "easy"hahaha...

Good, because a lot of people have the misconception that you just take a few tests, do a clinical "check-off," and you're done. Then they find out that it's difficult, takes work, the "check-off" is complex, and they complain about the program. Eyes open is the way to go. :)

Devon77 · Jul 5, 2017

The one thing I dont like about excelsior is the "test out" option..take the test, and if you pass you don't need to take the class. That's what put me off at first, it is faster to do it that way I guess but I rely on what I learned in nursing school at my job almost every single day and I'm so grateful I was one of those nerds that hung on every word the instructor said..and turned almost every note into an index card and recited them till I knew it by heart lol. By the end of nursing school I was burned out for sure but I don't regret it because I still use all that info now. I just hate the idea of being 40 already and knowing I still have 5 more years left of school with the local option due to prereqs. All I'd have to do for Excelsior is retake the TEAS and I can get started! It s a tough decision...

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 6, 2017

Definitely make yourself a list of pros/cons. If it takes you 2-3 years to complete Excelsior's program, that will be an ASN vs. the BSN you can get at your local program, and you may be limited in endorsing your license to other states (State Board Requirements - Excelsior College). What about cost, have you looked at it from that angle?