LPN to RN online schools

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2013

The College Network is not an LPN-to-RN program.

In reality, the College Network is a publishing company that sells expensive books and study guides that correspond to courses offered at online colleges that offer distance-based nursing programs. In the end, your nursing degree will be issued by either Excelsior College (for the associates) or Indiana State (for the BSN).

Students have successfully completed online LPN-to-RN programs directly through Excelsior and Indiana State without using publishing companies such as the College Network. In fact, Excelsior College's website contains a warning about publishing companies.

Why pay $400+ for study materials and books through the College Network when this stuff can be obtained for a fraction of the cost at many other online sources?

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Feb 26, 2013

And I would add that if there is a community college near you, see what they have for LPN-RN. It is less expensive, it is something that may be covered in part by scholarships and/or government loans/grants. I am not a huge fan of for profit study guides that one can get a better understanding of the material by going to a class, or taking a dedicated class online (which many community colleges have a number of your general ed courses online).

Best of luck in this journey!!

ReneePlatterHodar · Mar 5, 2013

I did purchase material through The College Network. It was costly but I think purchasing through Excelsior would have been just as much if not more. Do your homework......check costs of books through Excelsior. Had to do the CPNE twice with Excelsior to pass. Very difficult and trying on the nerves!!! Would definitely recommend going to a traditional college if you can swing it time wise. I graduated from Excelsior in January and just took my boards on March 1, 2013 and found out this evening that I am an official RN!! Good luck!!

loving7 · Mar 5, 2013

Purchase Excelsiors recommended books. College network is expensive and ridiculous. You use the same books for the entire nursing program. So yes excelsior books are less expensive. You can purchase older editions if you really want to save money. I purchased all my books for under $1000. With study guides and college network wants what $600 a study guide?! Or more? Stick with Excelsior.

lucyloo1 · Mar 5, 2013

Hi Teddybear...everything I've read about the College Network was basically a joke. So many people have been swindled by them and are now in so much debt it's sad. I don't know where you're from, and what your learning style is, but I am enrolled in an online LPN-RN program through University of Rio Grande in Ohio. I am married with a 10 yo and 6 yo and NO time to report to class! I have found online learning awesome...most are intimidated but honestly, just buckle down and focus. Get your own study routine and many times you can find others near you that can participate in study groups. I am more an independent learner so I love this option. Online learning is not for "whiners" though! (many get frustrated at the lack of instruction and direction to find answers, but you just have to stay positive and tell yourself I'm going to get this figured out, and not stop until you get the answer you need. Giving up too early is why so many so they 'hate' online learning and the school they're attending, and would not recommend it) You have to take initiative versus someone holding your hand. Once you have that mind-set, it's really pretty easy. Search around, there's not many programs available though, but hopefully you find what works for you, good luck!

tbehlow, LPN · Mar 6, 2013

Thanks everyone I too was also thinking about getting my RN through college network... Now I have a better understanding of what college network is all about ...

scoffman05 · May 23, 2013

lucyloo1

How are you liking Rio Grande ? Is all class content online ? How often are clinicals and what are the hours ? Is there a minimum score to get in ? Are there stipulations if you live out of state ? Thanks

nhett9206 · Aug 21, 2013

I start my "orientation" class next week! Is there anyone @ Circleville area going to LPN-RN online at Rio? How long are the semesters? is it 2 straight years with no break? ..lol so many questions no answers...

nhett9206 · Aug 28, 2013

Hello are you still attending RIO? I just started orientation this week. How do or did you like it?Is it 2 years with no break? are the classes 16 weeks long with clinicals?

cgardner2010 · Aug 31, 2013

Thanks everyone I too was also thinking about getting my RN through college network... Now I have a better understanding of what college network is all about ...

I am with the college network working on the rest of my prereq's for ISU's Online LVN to BSN program...I DID NOT purchase the study guides because they are all online anyway and can be printed out chapter by chapter or the entire course...the only thing I am paying for is the testing fees to test out the classes I am taking...I tried the JC route and just found that with my work schedule & family life trying to get to class was such an issue and then when I was there, trying to stay awake to listen to some boring lecture. Now, I am able to study when I WANT, I have no deadlines for some stupid homework assignment, a test I need to study for, ect. I am simply VERY happy with my decision to go this route...

In additon, I read all the reviews about TCN and took it upon myself to research the company...as I stated I am very happy with my experience with TCN to the point that I have referred three people already to them who are also very happy...three more people to go and I get my entire TCN portion paid IN FULL by them...

When I signed up with them, I told my rep that I was not able to afford the down payment ($400) at that time. Instead of telling me to call back when I was able, he simply asked me what I could afford and then we ended up just enrolling in the general ed courses that I need to finish with $50 down and a monthly payment of $100. When I am ready to take the four nursing courses that need to be passed before applying to ISU, we will then add that cost in and my monthly payment will increase to $150. I also declined on the NCLEX study package which saved me $525 and also TCN is making my first monthly payment for me...I also declined the study modules which cost $35 plus tax and shipping and just print what I need from home (everything is online) so that saved me $1000 (including tax and shipping for each module)

I think the problem with some of the people that are bashing TCN is the rep that signed them...my rep was so honest and really had my best interest at heart. If you sign up with a person who cares more about the commission they are going to get, of course they are going to rob you blind...if you would like to inquire about the program, my rep would be more than happy to assist you and if you tell him I referred you, he will give you a discount on your program cost in addition to the discounts he can offer you without the referral.

All, in all this is your journey and if TCN is an option for you, then YOU owe it to yourself to get the facts NOT rely on what is posted on a forum by some people who have had a bad experience. In addition, I have a dozen or so friends that just completed the program from the TCN stage to the ISU stage and passed the NCLEX with flying colors, gainfully employed along with very happy with thier experience. That is what I listened to before signing up with them...

Best of luck to you.