Has anyone graduated from Excelsior College? Need advice

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Hi All,

I need some advice with regards to Excelsior College, first let me explain my situation briefly then hopefully it will be easier to answer my question. I am currently an LPN however I already completed a 4 year BSN program with honors only to be terminated at the end because I couldn't pass the hesi exit exam out of the school, we had three shots but I couldn't do it, the anxiety was too overwhelming by the third time and I think I buckled, anyhow I had enough clinical hours to sit for my LPN boards and passed them on the first attempt, needless to say the debt I incurred during those 7 years of school and for going to a private, catholic college has now become a mortgage.

For my question, I am currently enrolled with TCN ( the college network ) and will soon be taking my first NC exam for excelsior's colleges LPN-ASN program. I reside in CT and was wondering if there is anyone out there who had graduated from EC recently and if you have any studying tips or advice to be successful on the nursing exams? The study material that TCN gave me seems very straight forward and the information doesn't appear to be too difficult as I have already gone through a traditional 4 year nursing program. Also I have heard about the difficulties some have had with the CPNE, can anyone recommend a good site and also a good workshop prior to testing? My plans were to go to New York for the CPNE because it appears to be the closest to me. I have taken several online classes so this program through excelsior seems like it would be a great fit for me, working and being a mom etc. and also I can't fathom having to go through another traditional program starting all over and having to redo my sciences again, I have invested too much money and I am not getting any younger.

Any advice would be so greatly appreciated?

Thanks Holly-hopefully soon to be RN :nurse:

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I did EC. Use the study guides and texts. DOn't worry about the CPNE yet.

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You are a perfect example of why the Excelsior program is useful. You can do this. Like Sue said, don't worry about the CPNE until the time comes, concentrate on getting your nursing exams over with. Good luck.

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Thank you both, I am using the study guides from EC with the study material for the modules that TCN is providing me with, I opted not to purchase the textbooks through excelsior because I have spent so much money already on nursing textbooks that I have from my previous schooling, I know there has been a lot of controversy on TCN, but they have been very helpful and provided me with financing for my modules and exams, I did it more so for the convienence, do I have to purchase the textbooks from EC? Or can I refer to my NCLEX book or other nursing books if needed? I do plan on purchasing the EC practice exams, I heard they are very helpful. TCN also provides me with two practice exams per module, so that will be 4 practice exams for each module to test my knowledge, I did one already and scored an 86.

Thanks Holly

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I am considering applying for Excelsior College and Im super nervous but its great reading all the information that is provided. I wanted to know, Are the study modules a great way of knowing if you will pass the test, I know thats what they say but is it true for you all that have taken the monthly(7) courses?

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Jezzy, I'll let you know I am finishing up the first module and will be scheduling my first exam with TCN tomorrow, I plan on doing the practice exams TCN gave me as well as purchasing the excelsior practice exams to test my knowlege before taking the actual exam on health safety, I read that the students who purchased the practice exam from excelsior found them to be very helpful and did well on their actual exam..

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I just started Excelsior and have no idea what to do or where to start. If anyone knows, please inform me!!!!:uhoh3:

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Hi Deb, have you spoken to an advisor yet? They should have looked over your transcripts to tell you which gen ed courses need to be taken, if any, and which nursing modules you need based on where you are..are you doing LPN to ASN or RN to BSN, I didn't go straight through excelsior, I used the college network, which there seems to be some controversy on that, but so far I have been happy with their support. I plan on enrolling with excelsior after my first or second nursing exam, but if you are enrolled with excelsior then I would call an advisor and find out where you need to start...hope this helps..Holly

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Head into the Distance Learning Forum. There's a ton of EC information there!

I don't know if you need the texts. They're all I used.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, PP.

I'm taking my last nursing exam tomorrow. :lol2: I've use TCN, Saunders NCLEX review,a Med Surg review book, as well as a few used text books I picked up from a used book store for about $40 (mental health & maternal health) - I've gotten A's in everything except Chronicity...got a B in it. TCN module for Chronicity was not too good...a lot of info on the test was not in the modules, so you may want to get the recommended book for it. ( also you could check out chegg.com if you want to rent a few books instead of buying...it's cheaper!)

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Thanks Holly, let me know how it goes. I still havent signed up yet but I am hoping to in the new few weeks.

Jessica

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I'm taking my last nursing exam tomorrow. :lol2: I've use TCN, Saunders NCLEX review,a Med Surg review book, as well as a few used text books I picked up from a used book store for about $40 (mental health & maternal health) - I've gotten A's in everything except Chronicity...got a B in it. TCN module for Chronicity was not too good...a lot of info on the test was not in the modules, so you may want to get the recommended book for it. ( also you could check out chegg.com if you want to rent a few books instead of buying...it's cheaper!)

Dana, How long has it taken you so far? Did you complete one class every 4-6 weeks or longer?

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