Interested in Distance Learning..but which program is good?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 12, 2013

Achieve Test Prep is basically an expensive study group to prepare you to take Excelsior exams. They are not a school or degree granting institution nor are they affiliated or endorsed by Excelsior College.

If you are self disciplined why not go directly to Excelsior?

Thread moved to Excelsior forum to elicit further response.

Maria Conte · Mar 12, 2013

awesome Just, thank you..sorry if I posted in the wrong area, had a bit of a hard time navigating around...yep Achieve test prep touts an EMT to RN program, which was confusing, since I didn't think they offered degrees..thanks for clearing that part up :)

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Mar 12, 2013

Here is a great article written by LunahRN, a staff member and also an Excelsior medic-ADN/RN graduate now working on her masters at Excelsior,

https://allnurses.com/excelsior-college-online/excelsior-college-distance-808335.html

This should answer many of your questions

lexhallo · Apr 10, 2013

My experience with Achieve has been nothing like a study group; they have given me the motivation and resources I need to pass the Excelsior exams. Achieve has actual classes that focus on breaking down the material in a way that makes it easier to understand. Nowhere else have I found the detailed information and professional instructors that they have at Achieve Test Prep. Not only do they provide me with the information needed to pass the test, but they help me to understand the material. I would never be able to do this on my own. If I did choose to study in a group, Achieve has made it possible for me to meet other students that I can study with if I need to. So far, this has not been necessary as I find that the instructors and materials are all I need to pass the tests.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 10, 2013

There is no such thing as an EMT-B to RN program. There used to be eons ago but it was abandoned as one cannot transition from a 6 week EMT course to RN as there the clinical requirement is less than 100 hours compared to hundreds of hours required in a an LPN, RRT, or paramedic (NREMT-P) program.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 10, 2013

My experience with Achieve has been nothing like a study group; they have given me the motivation and resources I need to pass the Excelsior exams.

And how much are they charging you for this service?

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Apr 10, 2013

To the OP:

I would read Lunah's post that Beachynurse provided for you.

I can speak about my experience with Excelsior since I graduated from the school. I also did the Paramedic to RN route.

It was very doable through EC. I did not use any of the study programs offered out there. I found that using the content guide that Excelsior provides for you and the book list was enough to learn and pass the exams (and cheaper too). They started offering the practice tests at the very end of my time there, but I hear that they are very helpful. I earned all A's in my classes. Each exam is set up similar to the NCLEX, so when it is time to actually sit for the NCLEX, you are prepared.

I suggest you contact Excelsior with questions and for a transcript evaluation.

As for the quality, I thought it was an excellent program. Like any school you attend, you get what you put into it. I have had no problems finding employment since graduating and have worked in the ICU and ED units.

Good luck to you!

sumakwel · Jul 27, 2013

Hi, I am also contemplating in joining the program, how far along are you with the program? did you take any exams at all ? is there program working that good? can you pls help me with thanks...

sumakwel · Jul 27, 2013

My experience with Achieve has been nothing like a study group; they have given me the motivation and resources I need to pass the Excelsior exams. Achieve has actual classes that focus on breaking down the material in a way that makes it easier to understand. Nowhere else have I found the detailed information and professional instructors that they have at Achieve Test Prep. Not only do they provide me with the information needed to pass the test, but they help me to understand the material. I would never be able to do this on my own. If I did choose to study in a group, Achieve has made it possible for me to meet other students that I can study with if I need to. So far, this has not been necessary as I find that the instructors and materials are all I need to pass the tests.

Hi, how far along are you with the program? did you take any exams using there system? how good is the program? is it worth the money ? I am seriously contemplating in joining the program pls. help me with this questions thanks..

BarbaraNM, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2013

Hi, how far along are you with the program? did you take any exams using there system? how good is the program? is it worth the money ? I am seriously contemplating in joining the program pls. help me with this questions thanks..

Hello sumakwel... first, I will say 'BEWARE'... do not jump into anything offered by a third party publishing company without thorough investigation. (Also beware of posters touting the benefits of these companies that do not have a history of many posts on this site...just my suspicious nature)

Before you do anything, PLEASE read this great post written by LunahRN, which should answer all your questions about Excelsior's program. Anyone here will be happy to help you with other questions you may have! GOOD LUCK!!

https://allnurses.com/excelsior-college-online/excelsior-college-distance-808335.html

BarbaraNM, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2013

And how much are they charging you for this service?

Hmmm... no answer. :sarcastic: