How did you like excelsior?

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I am a current LPN student who will be graduating next month. I have considered joining excelsior college as I have 100 hours toward a bachelors already from a previous degree. However, I was wondering what some people thought of the program. Does it prepare you for the nclex exam? Is it worth the money? And what is the pass rate for CPNE's? I was on another website where not one person has anything good to say about the program. From there I gather that over 50% of the people taking them fail more than once. I can get my asn where I am at now and the pass rate is really good for our CPE's we may have 5 of 100 fail and our nclex pass rate is 80% first try. I want to graduate and not waste my time but at the same time I would like to go to a quality school where I actually have a good chance at learning the material the way I need to to pass. If anyone has any thoughts about this program I would love to hear.

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

I'm a fan. :) Then again, I graduated from EC. I would bet those who aren't successful with the EC program are NOT fans. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication -- you are only responsible to yourself to progress through the exams, so it requires a lot of motivation as well as a knack for self-study. Is it worth the money? I've made up the amount I paid a few times over since becoming an RN.

The pass rate for the CPNE was 59% in 2007 -- that's the latest statistic I've found. They're probably release the 2008 numbers next month when they update a lot of their materials. The CPNE is tough, no doubt.

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

Being an LPN, and doing EC, I feel very well prepared for the NCLEX. The format of EC exams are the same for NCLEX. I also notice that the areas that NCLEX loves are the areas that EC stresses. Having attended the local CC for a year, I must say that EC is preparing me better to be an RN. However, that school didn't have a transitions program. If your local CC has a LPN-RN program, I would definately look into it.

The CPNE is not easy, but it cannot be easy. There are no redos in real life. The stories I could tell about the graduates of the local RN program could stand your hair on end. They would have never made it thru EC.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Specializes in L&D, Maternal Fetal Medicine, LTC.

I, so far, LOVE the program. As a military wife--Ive had to deal with a deployment (1 year) and PCSing (moving) across country and didnt have to "stop" school--just slowed down. I have 3 more Nursing Concept exams to take before Im eligible for CPNE--so I cant speak on behalf of that horrible beast. I have collected though--with an open mind---that alot of people will put down the entire program based on a failed attempt at CPNE. Then I take into account that they didnt study, practice, take a workshop (if affordable of course), and thought that were such an experienced LPN, etc that they could do it without. Key to passing CPNE is 'DO IT THE EC WAY, OR HIT THE HIGHWAY'. Some others make simple mistakes--have prepared, go back and pass the 2nd time and still say the program is a God-send--so its all based on the perspective of the person.

As far as the exams are concerned, I am VERY dedicated to getting this done ASAP but also want to LEARN the material not just pass the exam (boy--Im so sorry for all of the 'Shouting'...LOL) Set a timetable for each course to guide your progress and stick to it so you wont get stuck in one spot.

Being worth the money? Helpful hint---dont sign with any publishing companies. You can print the Content Guide from EC and then purchase the recommended texts off of Amazon or Half.com. Studygroup101 (studygroup101.com or sold on Ebay) are 9.99 for an entire course worth of study materials (notes, visual-aids, practice exams, flashcards, etc) or like $60 for all courses together. You can get through this without paying ~5K for textbooks (like me!).

Not sure on the NCLEX pass rate--but I hear its pretty good. I also hear that the EC exam questions are very similar to types of questions you may get on the NCLEX. Lunah and others are probably the best to speak on that one though.

Good luck---after all my rambling---I tried to answer as best I knew...

Felicia

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

I :redbeathe EC!!!! I graduated Feb 20,2009. I was a LPN for 2 months when I started the program and finished within a year. Its a tough program that requires dedication. The CPNE is tough but if you prepare you can pass it. Yeah,the pass rate is in the 50's but alot people have no clue how hard it is when they take it. When I took my CPNE, only 4 out of the 8 actually knew about the EPN or Allnurses. All four of us pass that weekend. The rest were unsuccessful.There are alot of EC success stories on this board. You have to do the program for yourself and stay away from negative people. Hang out on this board, we will give you the encouragement that you need!

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Thanks for all of your words of encouragement and for the honest comments about the program. I was worried because of the pass rate mainly. Right now I have like a 3.8 and have passed all of our CPE;s on the first attempt. I will def. be looking into it. I would like to work full time as an LPN when I graduate for experience instead of just doing school full time for another year but we will see :) Thanks again!

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