I have looked at The College Network and Excelsior.

Laurenrobertson · Apr 12, 2011

I am currently doing my LPN-RN through Excelsior College. Not a bad program, but not a great one either. I believe if you are VERY self motivated and try to stay on track, then this is the program for you. I made the mistake of enrolling through the college network, mind you, the college network is a tutoring service.. IT IS NOT A COLLEGE! I am paying for a service that I do not use. The college network modules have not help me to pass any of the Excelsior exams. So I believe if you would like to work as a full time LPN (like I do), it is possible to achieve your RN degree through Excelsior. Excelsior is not that expensive, and I dont even bother buying any books. I download study modules through studygroup101.com and use my LPN med-surg books. The tests are pretty difficult, yet passable if there is enough studying put into it. What I dont like about the program is that it is not structured (ex: there is no hw, quizzes, etc). You just have to learn the material, pass the test. Thats all. There is no saying what is really expected to learn for each section. Excelsior does have study guides though, which I find to be helpful in pointing you toward the right study direction. I hope this helps and good luck with your studies!!!!

MyLady23 · Apr 13, 2011

Make sure your BON accepts Excelsior! California for example does not, so be sure to check their website. Good luck!!

heathert_kc · Apr 13, 2011

yeah, check with your state-that is good advise... Also you might want to ask around in your state's forum to see if any of the public schools in your area or state have started offering online or partially online programs. I know that they have one such school in Kansas, Pratt Community college, that has limited on campus visits and local clinical groups in your area and other schools are picking up on this trend. I was a fairly new LPN when I started looking into bridge programs and given your relative lack of hands on experience I would be very very hesitant to encourage an online program without real clinicals throughout the program, that is what made me decide against excelsior.

Good Luck

DesertRN2, MSN, APRN · Apr 13, 2011

Look for bridge programs at your community college. I did and found one to fit my schedule. Now an RN after 17 years as LVN. You can do it! Be wary of Excelsior have not heard good things about them and many states will not accept the education you get from them.

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2011

It is good advice to check with your BON. There are not MANY states that do not accept their education and Excelsior in an NLN center of excellence school and has been around for a looong time. Many students that complain either thought the program would be easier than an in person program or expected a more spoon fed handholding style program. You do need discipline but the resources are there. The study guides (free) breakdown the exam including what percentage of a topic the test will consist of. I would do my own homework and talk to the school. They gladly answer your questions www.excelsior.edu Most importantly DO NOT sign with the College Network without doing a search on these boards.

caliotter3 · Apr 13, 2011

Please do some reading on this forum and spend a good amount of time on the Excelsior website. You will soon see that you can save yourself more than $5000 by avoiding The College Network and their contract. If you want to buy their study guides, get them on ebay for $15 to $30 apiece.

mdenney · Apr 13, 2011

Thanks so much for all the responses. It is helping me decide what to do.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2011

stay clear of the college network...that is bad news....however, let me clarify some incorrect information you have received on this thread.....there are two states that does not accept ec not "many" so if you don't live in these states or plan on moving to these states then you are clear...there are some states that have stipulations extra clinical hours and such...overall ec is a bargain for the money and gives a great option for students who cannot sit in class..... :yeah:

upstatenygirl, LPN · Apr 26, 2011

i graduated in december with my lpn. i am looking for continuing my education. i have looked at the college network and excelsior. i am not for sure about which to do or any other online nursing school. do they make it easy to understand? i know they are self paced and really need to be dedicated to do them. can someone tell me there experiences? how about books?

:down: go to your local community college. you will save alot of time, money, and effort.

see this link:

http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/excelsior-college-c115933.html?sort=datea&page=2

OneFlyNurz, MSN, RN · Apr 26, 2011

; don't get why people who never tried Excelsior have such bad things to say, n as far as TCN goes ppl ppl listen up one more time IT IS NOT A SCHOOL!!!! They sell study material n offer tutoring!!!. I signed up with TCN in 2008 and their sales rep sat his ass in my living room and told me I didn't have to put up a red penny for the program, n all kins of other lies but I learned the hard way. I'm currently enroledin Excelsior and it's one of the best decisions I've made ever. I'm a single mother working full time, don't have a big suport system so I cannot sit in someone's classroom right now. Excelsior is the perfect option for me and a lot of ppl that share the same sentiments. U just have to be dedicated enough to find the material and put the work in. Don't knock it till u try it! I sincerely love Excelsior College and the opportunity I was given to further my education and advance in my career!!!! Stop talking about the school as if u KNOW if ur not a past or present student!! Btw, it is no walk in the park, u gotta put in work!!!! Thanx!

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2011

ec is a great option and is affordable as your local community college plus it can be done quicker. however, its not for everyone and you must do your homework ....like staying away from places like the college network.....there are a lot of complaints about the cpne in this thread you provided....ive said it time and time again...many people think just because they have been in health care or a lvn/pn for 50 years they can walk in and pass this test...not so ...if you don't prepare properly then expect to fail....

go to your local community college. you will save alot of time, money, and effort.
see this link:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/excelsior-college-c115933.html?sort=datea&page=2