LVN to RN via Testing

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I'm a bit confused about the process of using Excelsior to obtain licensure as an RN. I'm in Texas and Texas is completely Excelsior friendly. A little background. I'm currently a classroom teacher. I have a B.S., B.A., M.Ed. I've done two tours in Nursing school both in 2004 and 2013 both ADN programs, and both times passed with a 4.0 in each of the two semesters that I made it through. Both times I've left due to the financial burden of not being able to work full time I have a family and we couldn't afford going from teacher salary to CNA (Patient care tech salary). Well here we are in 2015 And I am entering an online program to obtain an LVN/LPN. I just want to finish and I know that I will this time, no worries about that as everything is online except weekend clinicals. My question is once I graduate with my LVN can I use Excelsior to obtain my RN via testing. I swear I've read of a few people who have done this. However, my confusion is how this works exactly. Now mind you I plan to do at least 6 months to a year acute care/ med surge prior to going for my RN.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

With your background - have you considered the Online University | Online Degree Programs | WGU pre-licensure program in Texas? I work for them in the Indiana program, and have a teacher who still works full time in my cohort. In fact, nearly all of my students work full time. You could have a BSN in 2.5 years (all classroom work done at home online) instead of an LPN. (Not dissing LPNs- i used to be one!)

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Yes Ma'am thank you so much for your reply. Unfortunately, the degree program is really expensive, and I am tapped out on financial aid.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

WGU is much, much less expensive than Excelsior. (I have an Excelsior degree in another discipline- so I know this for a fact) I'm not sure where you got the impression it was not?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
WGU is much, much less expensive than Excelsior. (I have an Excelsior degree in another discipline- so I know this for a fact) I'm not sure where you got the impression it was not?

This is very true!!! Excelsior is not a quick and easy option. Plus I believe the entry to practice option at WGU qualifies for financial aid but I know for a fact the Excelsior course by challenge examination does not meet the requirements for any financial aid.

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The Wgu program cost is expensive in comparison to the Lpn route and bridge . Plus I called this afternoon and was told my microbiology would have to be taken again... I've taken it 3 times with an A each time. I have no financial aid left so everything is out of pocket.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Excelsior is not exactly cheap though they do have a payment plan. More economical would likely be a local community college LPN to ASN/RN bridge.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Here's the thing (and this is just for informational purposes- not to bully you or anything) if you have taken micro three times- you can do it in a weekend at WGU (as you demonstrate competency quickly of what you already know) AND you do not pay any extra tuition beyond the flat fee. Perhaps after you complete the LPN program you can look at WGU again. Seriously, much much less expensive than Excelsior.

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No I don't feel bullied I appreciate the information and perspective. I'm open to all reasonable possibilities. Your advice is sound . í ½í¸‹

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Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

I took micro at WGU - it's very very easy for someone who has already had micro before.My micro was 25 years earlier and I finished the class in under a week.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Many questions about Excelsior College can be answered by downloading and reading the nursing catalog:

Excelsior College | Associates Degrees Nursing | Nursing Degrees, Programs | Distance

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