How to navigate the ISU option?

[csharea]

I know that this topic has been discussed before but I am looking for current posters who are just starting or who may have recently graduated from this program. I am now looking into the ISU program and have heard mixed reviews mostly related to the association of The College Network. From what I have read it seems you purchase materials from them, study guides or modules in order to pass the exams necessary to be enrolled in the ISU program. Is there another way for you to prepare for these test without spending such an extreme amount of money for four classes. Does ISU offer any exam preparation materials? I also read that some people purchased old material from ebay or amazon will these be sufficient to pass the exams? My personal thoughts are that the school should directly provide the resources but I will let you know later because I plan to call them. I would also like to know if anyone has used them and still have the resources would they be willing to sell the materials they used (to me of course) to others since they no longer need them. Honestly, this is my plan "B" trying to see if I have gotten into a traditional program at the end of the month. Oh yea, about how much time did it take to complete the program, I know that some people will already have prerequisites and others will not so I would like to hear from both sides.

[eebs3]

I just talked to *** at the university LPN-BSN program and he advised me to go to my local community college to get the pre-req's done and have them transferred. He said the programs that are also offered are ok but you don't get a grade you get credit so it doesn't give you a gpa. He didn't seem like he was a fan of them at all and pretty much dismissed it. I'm now trying to find a school that offers the pre-reqs that will transfer correctly...I'd love to find an online school that does. If I can't I probably won't go this route and just wait until I can do the traditional program at my community college.

[monkeyhq]

If you are considering the test prep company, please read the following story posted this week regarding a certain company...

Test preparation or predator? The College Network faces complaints, lawsuit Test preparation or predator? The College Network faces complaints, lawsuit

[DisneyRNMSN]

I was one of the lucky ones. I only needed a few of TCN's "courses" and I did those pretty quickly and paid off the loans right away. I had no idea I could have found the same materials for much less. I did like how quickly I was able to get through the few courses I had to take. As for ISU, I liked my LPN-BSN program, for the most part. The instructors were great and very helpful, especially when I couldn't find clinical sites in Chicago. They let me go down to the school and stay in the dorms (for free) and complete clinicals at the hospital there. I'm looking at schools now for my doctorate and I'm leery of any school that has a clinical and/or practicum component because I dread finding my own site and preceptor. It can truly be a royal pain in the ***.