Hi! Newbie with lots of questions abt independent study vs. university settings!

[AngieGilmore]

Hi! I'm Angie and new to this website. I have some questions about the distance learning programs and would appreciate ANY answers and/or advice!

First of all, I'm currently an EMT Basic... one of the last classes to go through as strictly a basic without the IV course included. I graduated from paramedic school and am currently awaiting results from my National Registry. However, I am ready to go on to nursing. I am currently enrolled in a university working towards my BSN. However, a coworker of mine brought up the idea of Chancellor's distance learning program. I'm not sure if I am elligible for the program since I am not yet a paramedic. I am waiting for a response from Chancellor's, but thought I would post here as well.

Second, what is the best program out there? Is a university setting better than independent study? I am better doing things at my pace than sitting in a classroom listening to lectures, which is why I think this would be a good idea. Out of the independent study programs, which one is the best, or what are the benefits to each one? I have only heard of 3: Chancellor's, Rue, and EC... but I can't find the website for EC and do not know what EC is.

Third, has anyone attended a university or college AND participated in an independent study program at the same time, doubling up on classes, to finish faster? I am considering starting both ASAP so I can get through school quickly so I can go on to med school. (As you can tell, I'm taking the long way getting to med school! )

Lastly, what are the prerequisites required for the independent study programs? I have heard Chancellor's has no prerequisites, that you can obtain all of them through their program, but I have also read people in the programs talking about EC having A&P and micro as prerequisites.

I GREATLY appreciate ANY help or advice anyone can provide! I'm kinda lost in making these decisions and would like to hopefully find someone that has had my same questions, or at least knows the ropes. Thanks in advance for any responses!

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

The first thing you should know is that Chancellor's isn't a nursing program- it's a publishing company that basically provides study materials for the EC (Excelsior College) nursing program. So, not only will you be paying Chancellor's, but you'll be paying EC as well.

Now, if you are getting your EMT-B solely to get into a distance nursing program, and have no intention of getting patient care experience with that EMT cert. then I don't suggest going the EC route- unless you can get a nurse extern slot in a teaching hospital while you're completing your studies. I say this because you are going to need some kind of clinical experience to safely perform as a nurse after you graduate.

https://www.excelsior.edu/portal/page?_pageid=57,53097&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Here is the EC school of nursing web address.

Check directly with an EC academic advisor before you take the plunge- I know they made some policy changes last year regarding EMTs, so you might at the very least need a certain amount of clinical hours as an EMT to be admitted to the program. Good luck!

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi Angie!

This is just my opinion, but once you obtain your national registery paramedic certification - you would really need some experience under your belt for the Excelsior program.

Which degree course is better: traditional university or independent study? I guess that really depends on the person, his/her strengths & weaknesses, life situation etc.

I'm just curious...why are you working so hard on obtaining all of these different degrees and certifications and not really getting any experience in any of them? Why don't you just go to medical school if that is your ultimate goal?

Good luck to you!

[deej]

Also, Excelsior doesn't accept EMT-Bs anymore, only EMT-P.

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

She said she was waiting for results from her National Registry certification for paramedic. :)