Excelsior or Traditional?

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Hi! I was hoping to get feedback on several questions as I weigh out Excelsior's RN program vs an evening and weekend RN program at a traditional local college.

  • My research leads me to believe that credits earned through Excelsior are generally not accepted for transfer whereas the traditional credits would in most cases. Does anyone have insight into this?
  • I have read enough reviews of the CPNE to fear it. My anxiety has a strong track record of dropping my IQ like a rock and I fear going through everything for nothing and then NOT being able to transfer credits. Are there substantial resources out there that are affordable/accessible to help prepare myself as best as possible?
  • With 6 years of LPN experience in a specialized clinic setting, I have reservations that this would qualify as "significant" experience that Excelsior states their program is designed for. I have a deep knowledge base in a very specialized area. What kinds of backgrounds do the successful CPNE candidates have? Is this more of a preparation and work ethic issue as opposed to an extensive and varied experience base?

Thank you for any input and guidance you all can offer! The potential to finish in around 18 months vs almost 30 months while not being away and missing my kids is definitely an attention grabber! However, I am also well aware of the saying, "If it sounds too good to be true..."

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My advice is to save Excelsior as your Plan C or D. Go with a traditional program, where you don't have to rely on a good testing "rapport" with total strangers for the CPNE.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Most students finish Excelsior in 2-3 years, not 18 months. The wait time for the CPNE alone is 12 to 14 months at the moment. EC's program is best for those with no traditional alternatives.

Regarding transfer credits, are you talking about if you don't finish EC's program and you want to go elsewhere to finish? Nursing programs in general aren't very accepting of other program's credits. But if you're talking about continuing your education after graduating from EC, that's not a problem. It has program and regional accreditation.

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Oh wow, thank you for the advice! The time frame differs greatly from what I was told, which contributed to that gut feeling. I was also worried about the "what if" possibility of a catastrophic event causing me to not being able to finish with EC.

I cannot thank you enough, you've helped me have peace with a big decision. :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Oh wow, thank you for the advice! The time frame differs greatly from what I was told, which contributed to that gut feeling. I was also worried about the "what if" possibility of a catastrophic event causing me to not being able to finish with EC.

I cannot thank you enough, you've helped me have peace with a big decision. :)

It certainly CAN be done faster, but typically it's a bit longer. People have received cancellation dates for the CPNE as well, so the wait was about 9 months. But those are not the norm. It's a highly individual program, so much of the pace is up to the student, while the rest is unavoidable. At least you'll know that EC can be there as a back-up plan should your other options fall through. Best of luck!

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That's a very good point! They make it sound so good when you speak with them, it's easy to forget that. I am gearing up to start my pre-req's this fall going evenings and weekends. Thank you!!

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Thank you so much! I'm getting prepared to start my pre-req's at the local community college this fall, taking advantage of evening and weekend classes. :)

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