LPN to RN w/ Advanced Standing?

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Feb 20, 2011

Currently I am a student more than half way done with my LPN program, expected graduation date in June! I'm thinking about continuing school for my RN. Originally I was trying to get into the program at my local community college, but it was very competitive and got sick of waiting. On the community college website it states that an LPN can test out a few of the nursing courses including Fundamentals, some Med/Surg, and Maternity. These are Excelsior exams.
Has anyone tested out of courses with these exams? Are they very difficult? Is there study material available?

You may want to read the info posted on the distant learning site. There is much posted about Excelsior. Before you sign up for any program, check with your local board of nursing to see if the program is accepted in your state. Some states do not accept all distant learning programs. Oh, also make sure the program is certified with the National League of Nursing--I think that is the organization. No need to do all the work and find out that the school is not certified or accepted in your state.

amtspn · Feb 26, 2011

Thanks, I will check it out. The only thing is its not a whole online course, its just one exam to test out of taking a course at the college. Has anyone done something similar?

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Feb 26, 2011

Excelsior is totally on line and then at the end of the program you must be tested on all your skills. There are many other online programs; some require clinicals to accompany the DL program. Go to the DL learning site; many have posted info about various programs.

caliotter3 · Feb 26, 2011

I took advanced placement exams but they were not the Excelsior exams. They were NLN exams. I took them at the school and was given credit for the courses they corresponded to. This option is limited to the schools that offer it and you have to score high enough on the tests to meet their standards. Standard study material to cover the test contents can be found in typical nursing textbooks and review books. You should ask someone at your program to recommend study resources.

amtspn · Mar 15, 2011

Thanks for your help. I think it might be more beneficial for me to actually take the course than to just test out of it. I looked into it and its just the actual exam you take at the school. It isn't an online class or program.