Im and LPN who wants to become an RN! Whats the deal with Excelsior???

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I want to become an RN.......I have been an LPN for about 6 years and I love it but I just got to a point where im able to go back to school to further my education. I want to and have wanted for a long time to become an RNbut dont really have time for class since I work and have kids. What have youi heard about online schools, good or bad, please I wanna know! I heard it would only take about 2 years is this true? Any and all feedback is appreciated :)

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Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.

Expensive, all online NO clinicals, so lots of states won't give you a license unless you go arrange clinicals on your own (good luck) or work in another state for a year or two first... and some states just won't give you a license at all EVER. Also, there is a complex practical exam you have to pass that is very very very easy to fail multiple times and costs lots of money to retake. That's all I know.

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All LPN-RN programs have good and bad aspects. I am a currently enrolled Excelsior College (EC) LPN-RN student. I am just about ready to take my final exam which is the CPNE. Here are some easy answers for you:

First and FOREMOST - Be sure your state BON accepts EC graduates. Follow this link: http://www.excelsior.edu/state-board-requirements

If your state does not accept EC graduates, I recommend a different method to obtain your RN. There are ways to get around state requirements, but why bother.

If your state BON does accept EC grads, here is my advice. EC is expensive, confusing, time consuming, and like a maze to get through sometimes. You do have a clinical exam at the very end, that is 100% pass/fail, meaning you must pass with 100% accuracy, no mistakes. The CPNE is very intimidating, and expensive. You are allowed to retake the CPNE 3x's at FULL cost ($2025) each time. If you do not pass after your 3rd try, you are out of the program. That means all your money is gone, mainly because most local schools will not accept EC credits to gain entry into their LPN-RN programs. You will have spent over $10K and end up with nothing.

That being said...If you choose EC, you will get the most bang for your buck with them over local schools. All of your exams (credits) are done by exam only. That means no sitting in class, no giving presentations, no on campus time lost, no working class into your already busy schedule. You are expected to study for each exam, and pass each exam with a C or better. D or F will not earn the credits. You CAN retake any exam you need to, if you get a D or a F. You just have to pay for each one again (abt $250 each).

Yes EC is expensive. But so are traditional nsg schools. If you pass everything first try, and enroll with at least a few college credits (EC took all of my 10+ year old college credits), EC is less expensive than most other LPN-RN programs. EC provides you with free study material for each exam, and paid practice exams for each exam. I also used internet to help me study. EC does offer scholarships, I got $1000 credit to use towards exams. But no Pell Grants, or federal assistance because it is online.

DO NOT USE RUE or COLLEGE NETWORK or anyone else trying to get you to use them as an agent for EC. I did and it was a costly mistake :banghead: . All information you need, you can get directly from EC, and any tips you need for studying for an exam, you can get from us at Allnurses.com :hug: .

EC is NO EASIER than traditional nsg school. It just works better for some of us because of time and family constraints. It can be done, and when you finish and pass NCLEX, your education is accepted everywhere, just as any other RN's education is accepted.

It has taken me 3 years to finish, and I am scared poopless :crying2: about taking the CPNE. But you know what? I did it. I am almost to the finish line. I am almost a graduate RN (once I pass CPNE)! Compared to going to tradition nsg school, I am glad I choose EC :yeah:!

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I think you have to be ready for this like any other nursing program. As fas as challenge and dedication. For the online it is at your pace, but you still need to be decipline enough to complete the require reading before taking the test.

This is the best money I've spent. There is an application fee $$$, I've only had to complete the nursing exam...there are 8 exams (8 x 250 = $2000 add $65 for practice test if you chose addition $520) 1 credit course for computer $365...When that is done you do pratical exams to test clinical knowledge...you may need to travel to NY for this. Its approx $2550. It may seem like alot but compared to flexibility and at your own pace you cant beat it.

:twocents: Different people do have different pace. Also, you may need to complete your prerequiste Micro , A&P and some other. I started in late January, I only needed to complete the nursing courses. I should finish my exams by next month...and the program sometime in Sept or October.

You should contact the college for more information as far as whats required for you.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

almost everything in this post is wrong....2 states do not accept ec and there are some others with stipulations....ec is not online and is just as cheap or cheaper than your local community college . i think my total cost was something like $5500 to 6 k the cpne is not complicated it is basic nursing but requires preparation....you don't prepare the right was expect to fail. it is a shame that people on this site post and don't know the facts. it discourages people from making an informed decision....

expensive, all online no clinicals, so lots of states won't give you a license unless you go arrange clinicals on your own (good luck) or work in another state for a year or two first... and some states just won't give you a license at all ever. also, there is a complex practical exam you have to pass that is very very very easy to fail multiple times and costs lots of money to retake. that's all i know.
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doing my LPN-RN through Excelsior was one of the best decisions of my life. I obtained my RN in less than a year through them. I worked hard and was dedicated. I also worked full time and have a family to support!

You can do it, good luck!

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almost everything in this post is wrong....2 states do not accept ec and there are some others with stipulations....ec is not online and is just as cheap or cheaper than your local community college . i think my total cost was something like $5500 to 6 k the cpne is not complicated it is basic nursing but requires preparation....you don't prepare the right was expect to fail. it is a shame that people on this site post and don't know the facts. it discourages people from making an informed decision....

i originally signed up for ec because it was the best priced program, and i would not be old and gray before i became an rn. however, when i was asked to sign a waiver about my state's bon not accepting ec, i became informed. sadly, they refunded my money and i searched for another program.

i cannot compare the cost of the general ed classes as i had all my gen ed and nursing prerequisites complete. when i compared prices and found ec's tuition very competitive, i was very impressed. sadly, the program is not for me because of my state's requirements..just my luck.

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Critical care.

thanks for being up right honest! it helps when you have others who care about the decisions thats trying to be made. i'm new on here looking for online friends to start ec summer/fall 2011. therefore any suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated!

-pooda:tku:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Long-Term Care, Urgent Care.

I am just getting started with EC myself so my experience with the school is limited (so far it is going OK), however I can say this:

*Throroughly do your research about if your state accepts EC grads

*Ignore negative posts about the school-all nursing programs have pros and cons

*Be accountable for your success or failure

*Keep an open mind and positive attitude

*This is an investment into your future so make the best of it and do what it takes to succeed

*Treat EC as if you are on campus, prioritize your time and thoroughly prepare for each exam

*Don't stress about CPNE until you become eligible

*allnurses.com is a good place for advice and online support

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Specializes in Peds,Corrections, Dialysis, LTC.
I am just getting started with EC myself so my experience with the school is limited (so far it is going OK), however I can say this:

*Throroughly do your research about if your state accepts EC grads

*Ignore negative posts about the school-all nursing programs have pros and cons

*Be accountable for your success or failure

*Keep an open mind and positive attitude

*This is an investment into your future so make the best of it and do what it takes to succeed

*Treat EC as if you are on campus, prioritize your time and thoroughly prepare for each exam

*Don't stress about CPNE until you become eligible

*allnurses.com is a good place for advice and online support

GREAT advice!!! Especially regarding CPNE. It took me 3 years to actually get started with EC because of the "horror stories" I heard about the CPNE,.... esp from people who had no first hand knowledge:rolleyes:. I don't regret my decision at all! This route for me is so much cheaper than my local community college and more convenient. This is a great resource!

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Critical care.

that is awesome you two. my motivation is going up! it would be nice to start the progam with a friend so that way ideas can be shared. so how much study time are you guys putting in for each exam? (1 month, less or more). are you guys able to work full or partime while being enrolled? is it true that there is a long waiting list to take the cpne. i'm hearing rumors that people are finish taking all the exams but its taken them another year to do cpne. i'm just trying to make a timeline to see how long this may take me.

pooda:tku:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Long-Term Care, Urgent Care.
that is awesome you two. my motivation is going up! it would be nice to start the progam with a friend so that way ideas can be shared. so how much study time are you guys putting in for each exam? (1 month, less or more). are you guys able to work full or partime while being enrolled? is it true that there is a long waiting list to take the cpne. i'm hearing rumors that people are finish taking all the exams but its taken them another year to do cpne. i'm just trying to make a timeline to see how long this may take me.

pooda:tku:

i plan on taking one exam each month until i'm done. i may take more time if its a difficult subject. i also work full-time so i find time whenever i can to study. i haven't heard or read a lot about the wait time to get a cpne test date. i'm guessing it would vary based on the amount of applicants and the sites. i've only heard that some sites have longer wait times than others.

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