I have looked at The College Network and Excelsior.

CrissiQ · May 19, 2011

Wow! Unable to figure out why such bad reviews about Excelsior college? :confused: It's a wonderful college with staff who really care for there students. I completed my ASN with them and currently are enrolled in the BSN program. If you have been through the program first hand you have the right to discuss it. If not please don't even attempt to try. The program is designed to prove that you have the knowledge of an RN. It is a series of 8 written (well computerized) tests to be taken. Each one seemed to me to be more difficult than the one before it. Then at the end there is one Clinical exam referred to from many as the holy whopper called the CPNE. Then you graduate and take your boards. Poof... you are an RN. Okay well not quite as easy as that but give Excelsior College a chance by at least going to the home page and checking it out for yourself. One word of caution do not use any publishing services (College Network) you do not need them and the college tells what is needed who each exam. Good Luck!

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · May 19, 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?

The first thing to decide is do you want a distant learning program. Second is the program you seek authorized by the BON in your state or the state you wish to work in?

As far as distant learning programs, there are a number. Some like Excelsior do not have clinicals that coincide with the classes but one must pass a hands on test at the end. There is a DL program in Washington State that is an ADN program and it consists of distant learning and every semester for a week or two the entire DL cohort group meets in Washington state to do their clinical at a prearranged site. There is a program such as Indiana State Univ which it is very similar to a brick and motor program. Instead of sitting in a classroom, you do your didactic on line and it corresponds to the clinical taken the same semester that is done in your area.

Another thing to consider: some programs have a 5 year max on the science lab classes. If you took the class 5 years and one month before applying to the program, they will require you to retake the class(es). Some colleges/universities do not have a five year rule.

Another thing to consider: do you want your ADN or BSN.

Costs vary as well as how long it takes to get your ADN or BSN. May I suggest that you go to the distant learning board and read about the various schools out there. It shoujld give you the pros and cons of those who are attending the institutions.