How do I get around NOT using The College Network for Phase 1 of LVN to BSN ISU

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I am looking at the Indiana State University LVN to BSN program. I had The College Network rep come over today and it sounds like a great program for me. He was very clear that they are only a publishing company. And Ive been reading for HOURS all the threads here about ISU, and TCN. But I still dont understand one thing- how can I get through Phase 1 without TCN? It seems like, from what Ive read, people buy the study guides on ebay- but the rep showed me that all the study materials are online. Do people print these out and then sell them on ebay?

I have 4 basic study classes I need to complete before Phase 2- Technical Writing, Into. to Computing, Chemistry, and Microbiology. If anyone knows how I can test out without using TCN can you please let me know.

Also, once I get to Phase 2- wont I need TCN for the material for the 4 nursing classes? Or by then I am with ISU and get the material from them? In the brochure the rep gave me it says CSM's of Phase 2 purchased through TCN.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any info. The threads are so long on ISU and I havent found anything answering my questions and Ive been looking all day.

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I met with the rep this morning and I have the exact same questions as you! Unforunately neither one of us has an answer yet! LOL :eek:. I would love to get around using TCN and keeping my money. I just wish I had a little more guidance. I will post back if I find anything that can help us.

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Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Volunteer Nursing.

Hi there

I spoke to someone directly from the college yesterday and was told I do not have to use them.I asked if it was mandatory and she told me no.They do have a partnership with them but we dont have to go through them to do the program.I am currently doing Phase 1 myself.I recieved an email from the college yesterday with the steps to complete the degree.I had emailed them a few weeks back and it took them awhile to get back with me.Hence my post on the DL board ;).Was trying to see if anyone could help me sooner.Now I have all the info I need.I am Clepping as much of the pre-reqs as I can and then I am taking I think 2 of them online at the local college,then I should be ready to roll.I hope this can be of some help.........Wish I could post the emails they sent me to be more helpful but they are full of attachments......

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Specializes in HH, Med/Surg, SCI Rehab.
I met with the rep this morning and I have the exact same questions as you! Unforunately neither one of us has an answer yet! LOL :eek:. I would love to get around using TCN and keeping my money. I just wish I had a little more guidance. I will post back if I find anything that can help us.

Just try to find the study guides online or on this site if you know which classes you need. I would not advise using TCN either. It costs a lot of money and I am sure you could find what you need somewhere!

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I've read that the best way to find used copies of the study guides is through using the student contact info on the ISU website. You know, where you log into the ISU site and can talk to other ISU students. The ISU version of the electronic peer network on the Excelsior College website. That would be my first effort. Secondarily, you can just prepare for the individual tests "cold". If you are taking a test on pediatric nursing or cardiac nursing, then you find yourself some good study resources on peds or cardiac nursing and study the subject. HTH

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I've read that the best way to find used copies of the study guides is through using the student contact info on the ISU website. You know, where you log into the ISU site and can talk to other ISU students. The ISU version of the electronic peer network on the Excelsior College website. That would be my first effort. Secondarily, you can just prepare for the individual tests "cold". If you are taking a test on pediatric nursing or cardiac nursing, then you find yourself some good study resources on peds or cardiac nursing and study the subject. HTH

You can rent any textbook you want from Chegg.com. They are very reasonable and reliable. Shipping the books to me was fast too. I am not making any money off Chegg.com. I am just sharing the information I found because I find them to be an excellent alternative to buying expensive textbooks that get outdated fast.

They even have NCLEX stuff, or pediatric nursing stuff. Whatever you like. Just go to http://www.chegg.com

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You can rent any textbook you want from Chegg.com. They are very reasonable and reliable. Shipping the books to me was fast too. I am not making any money off Chegg.com. I am just sharing the information I found because I find them to be an excellent alternative to buying expensive textbooks that get outdated fast.

They even have NCLEX stuff, or pediatric nursing stuff. Whatever you like. Just go to http://www.chegg.com

This is my first term renting from Chegg and I have to agree they are the best. I have received my rentals way ahead of the stated shipping time. Rented one on Tuesday night, received book on Friday in time for the next class on Saturday. Rented a book one edition old, (acceptable per instructor), for $11.99 for the term. You can't beat that unless someone gives you the current edition for free. Highly recommend their service.

However, I do not know if they offer the ISU study guides. Still think the best source for these is from other students who can be contacted through the ISU student portal.

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You can't get TCN books from Chegg. Chegg only does real textbooks.

You can get TCN books from ebay. If you want details, PM me.

I'm just saying that if you have the time (deadline is not till June 1 anyway), you can study textbooks and still be able to pass the test. TCN guides will only save you time. (time does cost money, I'll admit). Anyway, if you buy the TCN guides, don't get into a contract. You should only buy the 4 guides that you need. As much as they want you to believe, you CAN purchase only those 4 TCN study guides without a contract. They cost $495 each. (it was a bit much for my limited budget). I paid less for all 4 of mine than you will for 1 TCN study guide going through TCN.

I'm just saying that there are choices and alternatives. If I had to go through TCN, I would not be able to afford it as I am not willing to carry that much debt, ever. (some people paid as much as $20,000 for the contract -- I don't have that kind of money).

There are always choices in this world...and that wasn't one of them for me.

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Thanks for all the info. I looked on ebay but i didnt see much. Some were outdated. I have to look a little harder on the isu website for the student contact network. Maybe ill be able to find something there.

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So if you get the study guides yourself, how do you go about taking the tests? Who do you contact?

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when you are ready to take the test, you notify the ISU person and you pay the fee to the bookstore. You pay the first half of the test and then you take the test (find a proctor, etc).

When you pass the test, you pay the 2nd half of the test. THey will let you know what to do.

There is a form to fill out (proctor form). When you submit that, the person at ISU will tell you how to go about paying for the test.

Your proctor will receive a password and when you take the test, the proctor will enter the password into the computer so you can take the test.

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