LPN to BSN program

RN Zeke · Apr 23, 2005

Hi, was wondering if anyone is enrolled in ISU's LPN to BSN program? I am seriously considering enrolling, but am a little concerned since it is a fairly new program and you have to buy 4 CSM's through College Network (a publishing company) - not saying College Network is bad, just very expensive. Any information or experience anyone can share will be appreciated.

STOP ....Read other reports about buying material from any place other than from the school you are attending! Buy from your own school as thae know what they want you to learn. Save your money!!!

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2005

I agree with the above poster.... They say you have to buy the study guides to pass thoses 4 nursing class's.But, I think you could probably get by on good current textbooks.The reason those test are online with ISU. I know this because i got hung for many many dollars with the college network for the same program....Dont do it ,you can get around it.... $110/month for 48 months is what i got hung for .. Look at the other post on this site, there is a ton of anti-college network discussions . I would be happy to give you more specifics......

Hi, was wondering if anyone is enrolled in ISU's LPN to BSN program? I am seriously considering enrolling, but am a little concerned since it is a fairly new program and you have to buy 4 CSM's through College Network (a publishing company) - not saying College Network is bad, just very expensive. Any information or experience anyone can share will be appreciated.

angelcincinnati · Apr 23, 2005

txpadequeen921 are you in the ISU program, if so how is it being that it is a new program? I called ISU and they said they had a contract with College Network so I assumed that I had to buy them as she did not tell me differently so thanks for the info, I appreciate it. It is really kind of confusing. What exactly are you testing out of that you supposedly need the 4 study manuals for?

HannasMom · Apr 23, 2005

What I can't figure out...is why does the College Network advertise with Allnurses? Everytime, they are mentioned on this site it is filled with College Network advertising. Look to the side of this post and below it. All College Network. I don't trust them. So I won't support them or look at their ads.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2005

My spouse went BSN to Masters in Health Care Administration through the college network and had a positive experience. I think he started out with the College Network class or two at first and then went through Bellview University out of Omaha, NE. It was quite expensive, but most Masters distance learning programs are.

The College Network is a legit business offering degrees through associated colleges and universities. Obviously there are cheaper, better options and perhaps it's different for undergrads. Yes, they are the business of making money for themselves. But if you go, the end result after spending all that money is a degree you can use. My spouse used his Masters to get a sweet 9-5 management position in a wound care clinic.

Obviously, I would caution everyone to take heed the advise of those on this bb who have been there and done that.

fiskurwoman · Apr 26, 2005

Hi, was wondering if anyone is enrolled in ISU's LPN to BSN program? I am seriously considering enrolling, but am a little concerned since it is a fairly new program and you have to buy 4 CSM's through College Network (a publishing company) - not saying College Network is bad, just very expensive. Any information or experience anyone can share will be appreciated.

I am in the ISU program through the network..I am finishing up Chemistry and will be entering Phase II soon with 4 nursing courses and my preceptorship left to go..I have completed all other work through excelsior exams, dsst exams and clep....It has not been easy and independant study takes dilligence and hard work to be successful. I work full time and have maintained a 4.0 average..so it can be done. The cost is expensive but well worth obtaining my BSN...When I factored in all the variables it would have cost me to stop working and go PT and the distance, books, etc. involved, it just about evens out in my book.........At this point in a few months I will be finished....a light is at the end of the tunnel

angelcincinnati · Apr 26, 2005

can you tell me how they do phase 2? I know that TCN gives you 4 CSM's that are supposed to help you test out of 4 nursing courses. How do you test out of the clinical portion if you never attend the campus? Thanks so much for the info.....glad to hear everything is going well w/the program.

fiskurwoman · Apr 28, 2005

can you tell me how they do phase 2? I know that TCN gives you 4 CSM's that are supposed to help you test out of 4 nursing courses. How do you test out of the clinical portion if you never attend the campus? Thanks so much for the info.....glad to hear everything is going well w/the program.

In the Phase 3 portion you work with a preceptor who will evaluate your work. It has to be a master degree level at least ..such as a Doctor, MSN RN...etc....They are to indicate your level of competency and evaluate you in the clinical areas. I am using some of the physicians that I work with to complete my preceptor program....Phase 2 consists of 4 courses that are all completed online....I wish you luck with your course of study....

fiskurwoman · Apr 28, 2005

can you tell me how they do phase 2? I know that TCN gives you 4 CSM's that are supposed to help you test out of 4 nursing courses. How do you test out of the clinical portion if you never attend the campus? Thanks so much for the info.....glad to hear everything is going well w/the program.

I wanted to add that the books I used from the network were a tremendous help..but in no way were the only ones I used....I do feel that the network books give you an edge on what the exams are like...however...Clep exams and DSST exams are more difficult than the ones in the practice areas of the book....They do not ask a lot of specifics..like names, dates...etc..etc... but rather test your knowledge of concepts and theories....I would also like to add that I would not have attempted any of my exams without their books...I did find them that valuable...and felt the money spent was well worth it. Also..as you go along the program the exams get tougher and the info you study gets tremendous...as to be expected when you are doing upper level courses...Again..best of luck!

angelcincinnati · Apr 28, 2005

Thanks for the info!!! I sent in my application yesterday so hopefully I'll be on my way soon. I just hope I don't have a problem finding a preceptor. I've only worked LTC, so most of the RN's that I know are ADN's so would not qualify to be my preceptor. I know some doctors, but they are family practice. Anyways, I hope the university can help me out there. I guess we'll see. Thnaks again!!

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · May 9, 2005

Unless things have changed the preceptor has to have a BSN. Thats what they told me I would need to complete my clinicals at least....:)

In the Phase 3 portion you work with a preceptor who will evaluate your work. It has to be a master degree level at least ..such as a Doctor, MSN RN...etc....They are to indicate your level of competency and evaluate you in the clinical areas. I am using some of the physicians that I work with to complete my preceptor program....Phase 2 consists of 4 courses that are all completed online....I wish you luck with your course of study....