Has Excelsior figured out a way to improve CPNE wait time yet?

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Specializes in ER.

I've been reading the forum as well as the Excelsior website to research the school's LPN to RN program. What I've uncovered is that there have been issues related to scheduling for the CPNE exam. I know that the school shut down or stopped using a couple of testing sites also. So the issue is that the average wait time has increased from 2 to 4 months give or take...to 8 to 10 months give or take.

Does anyone know if Excelsior is making any progress on improving the wait time? Or could it be that this is being done on purpose to limit the number of RN new graduates being produced for economic purposes???

These are just questions and thoughts...I'm not trying to start any fights. I'm changing careers and starting an LPN program so I'm looking ahead for the next move. Yes I could just get an ABSN or RN first and then a second bachelors, but the LPN route allows me to work sooner, costs will be paid by WIOA, and I'm much older now. So two years of no work is not what I want. My next step is to contact the school via phone, but I'd appreciate any insight you all.

Thanks!

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

It has never been 2 to 4 months. As a matter of fact, the wait time is published in the catalog every year; many people just don't bother to do the research. It was a 7-month wait for me in 2008. This is nothing new!

Excelsior's program is really best for those who have no in-person alternatives. A lot of people start the program because they think it will be fast and/or easy, and they are mistaken. Kudos to you for doing your due diligence!

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I came into it knowing the long wait time but am now hoping for a relatively short wait time. Have a deployment coming up and would like to be done with everything before then.

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Would it be an idea to send a letter to the Dean asking for an exception because of your upcoming deployment? Maybe they would grant that you be placed at the top of the cancellation list or moved up? By the way, Thank You for your service!

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Specializes in ER.

Ok, well I actually got my averages from an Excelsior guide and a survey of average wait times over many years. According to the data, the wait time has increased.

Thanks All. That's all I need on this topic.

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

The survey of average wait times, while interesting and fun, is definitely not scientific. It only considers Facebook users who are members of certain groups on Facebook. Here are the wait times from the school itself:

November 2008 - 7 to 9 months

November 2009 - 7 to 9 months

October 2010 - 7 to 9 months

October 2011 - 3 to 5 months

September 2012 - 3 to 5 months

September 2014 - 6 months

I am only missing 2013 out of this set, but as you can see, it's not unusual for the wait times to ebb and flow. :) Another consideration in the informal survey is that many students call a couple of times a day to secure a last-minute cancelation spot — that is truly the way to go if you are on fire to finish quickly!

Another item to mention: the reason that Excelsior has now instituted major changes to its acceptance policy is to limit the number of people enrolling. They no longer allow RTs or students who have completed a certain percentage of a traditional nursing program, they are requiring students to qualify via the TEAS exam, and they are requiring verification of student experience via a form signed by students' supervisors, and that form must be periodically resubmitted. I believe part of the increase in wait times is due to an increase in CPNE failures, and those students get back in line to test again and increase those numbers.

Best of luck with your educational goals! My advice, for what it's worth — ADN programs usually aren't too much longer than LPN, and then you can do an RN-to-BSN bridge while working if you desire. LPNs are very underutilized in some areas, so while it might be a faster path to licensure, it might not give you that experience you're seeking. But given that you have looked into this, I can imagine you have done your due diligence there as well. :)

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The average wait is 8 months, longer if your in Texas (10 months). I got a date in 4 months BUT that was calling every single day. I called on May 25, 2015 and got a date June 7, 2015. 9 days from getting a date set to taking the test at Chambersburg, PA. It can be done. Good luck!

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Last week I received an email from Excelsior stating the wait time has increased to 12 months!! I haven't stopped crying since I read the email - I am already nervous about the CPNE and now the wait time has increased significantly. I don't think my nerves can wait one year! (still crying). Does anyone know how long do you receive your ATT to sit for your NCLEX after you have passed the CPNE?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Last week I received an email from Excelsior stating the wait time has increased to 12 months!! I haven't stopped crying since I read the email - I am already nervous about the CPNE and now the wait time has increased significantly. I don't think my nerves can wait one year! (still crying). Does anyone know how long do you receive your ATT to sit for your NCLEX after you have passed the CPNE?

ATT will depend on your state BON requirements. When did you apply for the CPNE?

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Hi Nurse Pixie! I haven't applied for the CPNE yet! and I got the email last week...I am getting ready to register for head-to-toe because I finished everything else. That is why I am so nervous (and still crying). I will have to do head-to-toe and then register for the CPNE - I was so excited until I received that email. Thanks for answering my question (my state is NY); However, I know that there is a payment plan for the CPNE - will I be required to pay the entire balance before being given a test date? or can I be given a test date with more than half of the payment but they will not release my paperwork to my state BON to sit for the NCLEX until all is paid in full? - thanks for your knowledge!

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

I believe you have to be paid in full 30 days before your CPNE date, but it doesn't affect you getting a date. There is a lot of good info here: Excelsior College | Application & Payment

There is information about payment plans linked there, as well as wait time info.

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Thanks Nurse Pixie!

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