New to you

Congratulations on such a big step and welcome. It doesn't take that long to get a reply from EC. If I were you, I would wait to see what classes they accept and know where you stand on the non-nursing requirements. It is better to get all those done and out of the way before beginning the nursing tests.

Thanks for the reply. Would you know if I will be accepted into the nursing program before the prerequisites are completed? I should have done this a couple years ago but was lead astray by the person in charge of education at the VA hospital in Milwaukee. They have a tuition reimbursment program for accredited nursing schools and she told me that it did not apply to EC because a few people started and did not finish. If I get accepted I will research to find out if that is nationwide VA policy or just this womens decision. She is also the person who told me go to Cardinal Stritch, after being accepted she told me I did not qualify for the program because it would take 5 semesters.

Best of luck to you! I have a similar background, I have been a FF/Paramedic for almost 9 years now. I took the 2 prerequisites I knew I had to take, NC 1 & 2 and then I enrolled in EC. I wanted to make sure that the particular method of study was suitable for me prior to making any commitments. People do many things differently when it comes to this program, it depends on what you decide to do.

I learned a lot through the RN journey and enjoyed it. I hope you have the same experience!!

Best of luck to you! I have a similar background, I have been a FF/Paramedic for almost 9 years now. I took the 2 prerequisites I knew I had to take, NC 1 & 2 and then I enrolled in EC. I wanted to make sure that the particular method of study was suitable for me prior to making any commitments. People do many things differently when it comes to this program, it depends on what you decide to do.

I learned a lot through the RN journey and enjoyed it. I hope you have the same experience!!

How long did it take for you to finish N/c 1 & 2? I was working in the ER at the VA hospital in Milwaukee and didnt have time to pay attention. I transferred and now have hours to work on the classes. (I work night shift).

How did you do in the practical? I am proficient in all the nursing disciplines in the ER, Probably started 10,000 I.V's in my career, ACLS cerified 20 times. I am assuming the practical will be a challenge but not the Hell weekend that I have read in the posts. Thanks for the reply

I have just applied to EC for the ADN program. I have been a licensed Illinois paramedic/firefighter for 25 years with 10 years hospital ER experience. Hopefully I will be accepted and look forward to becoming an RN. I saw a post saying you could take classes before being accepted, is that a good idea?

Hi. I am an EC grad in Indiana. You will want to check out your Illinois board of nursing before pursuing your EC grad any further. Last I knew, Illinois required 2 years of RN experience in another state prior to being allowed to become licensed in that state. Would hate to see you waste all that time than find out!

Hi. I am an EC grad in Indiana. You will want to check out your Illinois board of nursing before pursuing your EC grad any further. Last I knew, Illinois required 2 years of RN experience in another state prior to being allowed to become licensed in that state. Would hate to see you waste all that time than find out!

I have been a licensed paramedic in Illionis for 25 years but have moved to wisconsin. I called the nursing board in wisconsin and they said they accepted Excelsior if it is the one in Albany NY. I assume that means it is o.k. Thanks for the reply. Gary

I am in IL too and that was my understanding also - you might want to check that out. Things do change though too.

May I ask where you live in IL? I'm near Peoria.

I used to live in Villa Park. I now live in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. The wisconsin nursing board told me they accept Excelsior if it the one in Albany N.Y. so I assume it is O.K. My sister lives near Peoria, not sure where, never been there.

I did look at the IL Proffessions Board and indeed they do specifically list that the Excelsior school is not accepted because of the lack of concurrent clinical and theory.

Thanks.