Has anyone gone through Excelsior College for their LPN to ADN bridge program?

[Mary Ann McMahon]

Hi, I have 2 more quarters to go for my LPN from Columbus State and went in to talk to the head of the head of our program, Naomi (sweetest woman ever!), about the 1 year transition into the RN program here at CSCC and was shocked and disappointed to learn that it would be '14 before I would even start and that is if I get excepted. I would like to do distance learning to be done sooner and would any of you know of a good distance college that offer the one year bridge for ADN? I have checked into Excelsior College and they look pretty good, yet the critisisms I see have to do with almost impossible standards they have for their clinical and you would have to pay $2000 more than once to get through it. Any thoughts?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

There are plenty of EC students and graduates in this forum (I'm a grad). Browse around and check it out. Distance learning isn't for everyone, and yes the clinical exam at the end (CPNE) is tough, but many of us pass on the first try. Just be aware that EC isn't accepted in every state for licensure because it doesn't offer tradition clinicals:

http://www.excelsior.edu/state-board-requirements

Welcome to allnurses!

[EverNurseRN]

Hi :) I passed the clinical this weekend first try..it was stressful but doable :)

[nursetaminator]

I just finished my clinical weekend and will test for NCLEX in January or February. I've been very happy with EC. Distance learning worked great for me. I plan to start the BSN program with EC in the spring. It is a lot of work and you have to be committed. But there's tons of help from folks on the internet. I hated the thought of having to go through a class room setting again. Ugh.

[RNBearColumbus, BSN]

Hi there! Ohio LPN here (CSCC Cohort 3!) and current Excelsior student. Excelsior is more than doable, just be careful not to get hooked into a long term study materials contract with places like College Network or RUE. You can get all the study materials you need directly from Excelsior.

The Ohio BON does accept Excelsior grads, so that isn't a problem for you.

If you are worried about the CPNE at the end of the program, there are a few places that offer CPNE prep courses, some with very good "pass rates"

[LoopsRN2]

Hello!

I have completed the ADN program with Excelsior as well and was able to pass my CPNE on my first attempt. I hope to continue with Excelsior for my BSN/MSN. I will agree with Luna, distance learning is not for everyone and it takes a fair amount of discipline. I would not have been able to attend a traditional school because of my work commitments, so I feel blessed for this opportunity.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Since my parents are retired and are spending half time in Florida and half time in Arizona I'm going to enroll in Excelsior College. I'm from CA so there are issues, but it looks like I'm going to move to either Florida or Arizona and both states don't have a stick up their butt when it comes to Excelsior College. I've already sent in my transcripts and am awaiting for evaluation. Good luck to everyone.

[BeachieRN84]

Nurse Cubanita, just be aware that Arizona does have some hoops to jump through for Excelsior. A friend of mine just passed her CPNE earlier this month and has to complete a preceptorship of something like 1500 hours before she can get licensed.

I live in Florida and we have no stipulations at all for EC as of right now. I am waiting for a date to open up for the NCLEX!!!

Good luck to you :-)

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Thank you for the information. As a matter of fact I read about the preceptorship requirement in Arizona and I have no problem completing this requirement as long as I'm able to be licensed. I believe it's a 120 hrs in a variety of settings.

[NursePooda]

hey cubanita keep me posted. maybe we can start together or around the same time. my evaluation has been completed. my next step is to pay for enrollment and speak with an advisor because i dont even know where to start i'm so excited! it also says i need to complete a literacy exam (whatever that is) but, all my prereqs are completed.

can anyone give me advice? are you all purchasing text books for prep for each exam or are you all just using study guides. what needs to be purchased for each exam. i see some people are using sg101 and lisa. are those good sources or do i need to look into something else. any advice is greatly appreciated!!

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

hey cubanita keep me posted. maybe we can start together or around the same time. my evaluation has been completed. my next step is to pay for enrollment and speak with an advisor because i dont even know where to start i'm so excited! it also says i need to complete a literacy exam (whatever that is) but, all my prereqs are completed.

can anyone give me advice? are you all purchasing text books for prep for each exam or are you all just using study guides. what needs to be purchased for each exam. i see some people are using sg101 and lisa. are those good sources or do i need to look into something else. any advice is greatly appreciated!!

i already got my evaluation back and i need information literacy and all the nursing exams except health differences. i'm excited to finally move forward. which exam were you studying for? i'm doing health and safety. i'm using studygroup 101 to see how well i can do.

[NursePooda]

I already got my evaluation back and I need information literacy and all the nursing exams except health differences. I'm excited to finally move forward. Which exam were you studying for? I'm doing health and safety. I'm using Studygroup 101 to see how well I can do.

I haven't started. I'm going to do health safety first as well. Im going to go ahead and purchase sg101. Can you tell me where I need to go to purchase it? Then I'll get started and we can go through this together. Do I just go in and register to get EC study material for health safety and pay for the exam only when I'm ready to take it?