Has anyone on here had any experience with the Indiana State University, LPN to BSN program that Brian is talking about?
I have been told that in order for me to keep my current position I have to get my RN.
I'm just looking at different options right now. There is a community college in my area that does the LPN/RN fast track program, but there is a waiting list and no guarantee that I would get in.
Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.
I actually called the college network for info, just to see what they would tell me. they (CN) told me that ISU would refer me to them anyway (i don't really believe this since i can't see why any college would want you to turn your money elsewhere) Anyway, CN said that i could begin with them even before i get my LPN (i finish up this year) to get my gen eds CLEP'd out basically...but i'm thinking i can do that on my own (except i don't know how to go about doing that, so any info woudl help) CN also said that there was only like 5 or 6 states that don't recognize the degree...CA, AZ, MO, MN, MS, and KS (i think that was all) and that TX, OH, Ky woudl be ok (thank god casue those are the states we're pretty sure to be in, though the army is liable to change their minds at anytime!) But anyway, i'm just so lost in all these transition type programs, and i'm not to interested in Excelsior now after speaking with them. and like i said before, with the almost sure possibility of moving with the army, then i don't want to do a traditional college and move my credits/classes continuously, and i really want to eventually get my NP so a BSN would be the best option for me. I don't have very many undergraduate credits, and my GPA was pretty poor since i did it all when i was 18 and i was so immature at that time when it came to education. CN also told me that i can tell ISU where i would prefer to do my clinicals at and they would make every effort to comply (if possible) but the way you keep talking is that only the state's basically around Indiana will be able to do the clinicals/be part of the program. Have you found any additional info on this? i've contacted ISU but have not heard back yet. keep us updated please, i'm very interested in this program if i can do it, that woudl be so NICE!
Tasha
(army wife, and dealing with deployment...5 months down, who knows how much longer to go! lol)
Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.
oh the other thing...when you graduate from ISU, do you take the NCLEX and become a nurse of the state of Indiana or of the state in which you took the test at? that's the other confusing thing about distance learning! lol, thanks
Specializes in Progressive Care Unit/Observation, Critical Care.
I actually called the college network for info, just to see what they would tell me. they (CN) told me that ISU would refer me to them anyway (i don't really believe this since i can't see why any college would want you to turn your money elsewhere)
They have NEVER referred me to CN
Anyway, CN said that i could begin with them even before i get my LPN (i finish up this year) to get my gen eds CLEP'd out basically...but i'm thinking i can do that on my own (except i don't know how to go about doing that, so any info woudl help)
Ask your hubby to show you where the Education Office is on base. You can take CLEP's and DSST's there to obtain credit.
CN also said that there was only like 5 or 6 states that don't recognize the degree...CA, AZ, MO, MN, MS, and KS (i think that was all) and that TX, OH, Ky woudl be ok (thank god casue those are the states we're pretty sure to be in, though the army is liable to change their minds at anytime!)
CN must have info not available to other people. A BSN degree from ISU would gain licensure, especially via reciprocity, in "any" state. CN might be crossing hairs with you about completing a program at Excelsior.
But anyway, i'm just so lost in all these transition type programs, and i'm not to interested in Excelsior now after speaking with them. and like i said before, with the almost sure possibility of moving with the army, then i don't want to do a traditional college and move my credits/classes continuously, and i really want to eventually get my NP so a BSN would be the best option for me. I don't have very many undergraduate credits, and my GPA was pretty poor since i did it all when i was 18 and i was so immature at that time when it came to education. CN also told me that i can tell ISU where i would prefer to do my clinicals at and they would make every effort to comply (if possible) but the way you keep talking is that only the state's basically around Indiana will be able to do the clinicals/be part of the program. Have you found any additional info on this?
Yes, I have heard this directly from them. For instance, I live in GA (just got out) and will be moving to TN. ISU's program is not available in GA or TN...so I'll have to do my clinicals in KY.
i've contacted ISU but have not heard back yet. keep us updated please, i'm very interested in this program if i can do it, that woudl be so NICE!
They are never prompt with returning emails or telephone calls. The blame it on the volume of inquiries received. While that might be true in part - having a continuing source of revenue seems to me to motivate their customer service enterprise.
Tasha
(army wife, and dealing with deployment...5 months down, who knows how much longer to go! lol)
I am so sorry about your hubby's deployment. That can be hard. Keep the lines of communication open.
Specializes in Progressive Care Unit/Observation, Critical Care.
oh the other thing...when you graduate from ISU, do you take the NCLEX and become a nurse of the state of Indiana or of the state in which you took the test at? that's the other confusing thing about distance learning! lol, thanks
You would take the test in the same state where you performed your clinicals and then would apply reciprocity if you moved.
Ask your hubby to show you where the Education Office is on base. You can take CLEP's and DSST's there to obtain credit.
CN must have info not available to other people. A BSN degree from ISU would gain licensure, especially via reciprocity, in "any" state. CN might be crossing hairs with you about completing a program at Excelsior.
But anyway, i'm just so lost in all these transition type programs, and i'm not to interested in Excelsior now after speaking with them. and like i said before, with the almost sure possibility of moving with the army, then i don't want to do a traditional college and move my credits/classes continuously, and i really want to eventually get my NP so a BSN would be the best option for me. I don't have very many undergraduate credits, and my GPA was pretty poor since i did it all when i was 18 and i was so immature at that time when it came to education. CN also told me that i can tell ISU where i would prefer to do my clinicals at and they would make every effort to comply (if possible) but the way you keep talking is that only the state's basically around Indiana will be able to do the clinicals/be part of the program. Have you found any additional info on this?
Yes, I have heard this directly from them. For instance, I live in GA (just got out) and will be moving to TN. ISU's program is not available in GA or TN...so I'll have to do my clinicals in KY.
They are never prompt with returning emails or telephone calls. The blame it on the volume of inquiries received. While that might be true in part - having a continuing source of revenue seems to me to motivate their customer service enterprise.
I am so sorry about your hubby's deployment. That can be hard. Keep the lines of communication open.
Steven King
Hi Steve,
I am in California right now, but am thinking of moving to a state where ISU had agreements to do clinicals at. Once I complete this LVN/LPN-BSN degree, can I move back to Cali and apply to take the CA NCLEX?
How about if I take NCLEX in the state where I did my clinicals at, and then endorse the license to California?
I assume that California would be okay with distance education as long as you have hands-on clinicals, right?
I am in California right now, but am thinking of moving to a state where ISU had agreements to do clinicals at. Once I complete this LVN/LPN-BSN degree, can I move back to Cali and apply to take the CA NCLEX?
How about if I take NCLEX in the state where I did my clinicals at, and then endorse the license to California?
I assume that California would be okay with distance education as long as you have hands-on clinicals, right?
Specializes in Progressive Care Unit/Observation, Critical Care.
Hi Steve,
I am in California right now, but am thinking of moving to a state where ISU had agreements to do clinicals at. Once I complete this LVN/LPN-BSN degree, can I move back to Cali and apply to take the CA NCLEX?
Sure, then you're transfer guy with reciprocity.
How about if I take NCLEX in the state where I did my clinicals at, and then endorse the license to California?
Yes, transfer by reciprocity. *note* check with State Board of Licensing in Cali...they can answer reciprocity related questions...like, "Hey, I got my BSN in blah, blah, blah...can I transfer to Cali?"
I assume that California would be okay with distance education as long as you have hands-on clinicals, right?
If you have a regionnally accredited BSN then you'll be accepted in most states. Even states that seem...off...will allow reciprocity after "some" time.
my sister attended ISU and got her BSN there. She did not do the distance program though. She went to the regular college. The distance program was not available then.
I don't understand, if you take your clinicals locally, how do you get a preceptor. I live in a small rural community, small hospital. Wouldn't you have to get permission from the hospital to do clinicals there? I know this sounds stupid, but, I just don't understand how all this works. I've worked in LTC for years.
Hi-ISU requires 40 credit hours of nursing for LPNs and 30 for RNs to reach the BSN. They also require 2 years or so of General education credit hours, which can be transfered from other universities or acqired through CLEP testing. They accept up to 94 credit hours in transfer toward the BSN. The last 30 credit hours of schooling (a year's worth of full-time schooling) must be completed at ISU. Looks good to me. I'll be keeping an eye on the program (I'm in LPN school right now). I know that KS and some other states have stated that they will not allow Excelsior grads to NCLEX test, so keep your eyes open. I think the ISU program is a good one. :)
Hello, I am from NC and I am a LPN. I have looked into ISU and it seems to be a great opportunity. I am getting all my info. together to apply for the spring semester. Have you checked out Deconess College of nursing in MO. They offer a program very much like ISU as well.:nuke:
TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN
1 Article; 1,715 Posts
I actually called the college network for info, just to see what they would tell me. they (CN) told me that ISU would refer me to them anyway (i don't really believe this since i can't see why any college would want you to turn your money elsewhere) Anyway, CN said that i could begin with them even before i get my LPN (i finish up this year) to get my gen eds CLEP'd out basically...but i'm thinking i can do that on my own (except i don't know how to go about doing that, so any info woudl help) CN also said that there was only like 5 or 6 states that don't recognize the degree...CA, AZ, MO, MN, MS, and KS (i think that was all) and that TX, OH, Ky woudl be ok (thank god casue those are the states we're pretty sure to be in, though the army is liable to change their minds at anytime!) But anyway, i'm just so lost in all these transition type programs, and i'm not to interested in Excelsior now after speaking with them. and like i said before, with the almost sure possibility of moving with the army, then i don't want to do a traditional college and move my credits/classes continuously, and i really want to eventually get my NP so a BSN would be the best option for me. I don't have very many undergraduate credits, and my GPA was pretty poor since i did it all when i was 18 and i was so immature at that time when it came to education. CN also told me that i can tell ISU where i would prefer to do my clinicals at and they would make every effort to comply (if possible) but the way you keep talking is that only the state's basically around Indiana will be able to do the clinicals/be part of the program. Have you found any additional info on this? i've contacted ISU but have not heard back yet. keep us updated please, i'm very interested in this program if i can do it, that woudl be so NICE!
Tasha
(army wife, and dealing with deployment...5 months down, who knows how much longer to go! lol)