Distance Learning

Nursing Students Online Learning

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I am in need of some guidance.......After 4 years of being a LPN, I have decided to go for my RN degree. Going back into classroom is not an option! Need info. about the distance learning programs. I have heard good things about excelsior and understand that many of the other programs are just "branches" of excelsior. ??? I would really appreciate info. from people who have successfully completed programs, or from people who are currently enrolled. Thanks so much!!! ~~~BeWell~~

I went thru excelsior to go from my LPN to an RN. I started in november of 2002 I finished in november 2004

It worked for me, it is not for everyone but for my own situation it worked for me. You do have to be determined and have the ability to self study because there are no deadlines or assignments. It is up to you to do what you have to do.

One thing I will add is that the clinical weekend at the end is NO joke. Everyone makes fun of it but believe me that was a very very stressful hard weekend and when I was going thru it, they claimed to only have a 65% pass ratio

Specializes in LTC, Sub-acute, correctional.

I am currently enrolled in Excelsior. I have only two exams left, NC6 and NC7, plus the CPNE. If you truly believe you will make yourself study (even when the weather is beautiful), then I highly recommend this program. You don't need the outside publishing companies like College Network or Rue, as long as you can read nursing textbooks and comprehend the info. Other study supplements I recommend are the practice tests (excellent feedback, and point you in the right direction for the actual exam), and Lisa Arends CD study guides on eBay (not endorsed by Excelsior, but I find them logical and helpful). One caution, it's easy to slack off since nobody is watching your progress. I have a friend who started at the same time as me, and guess how many exams she has completed? Zero! As long as Excelsior is your priority, you'll do well! Good luck.

Specializes in LTC.

Passed the clinical in DEc of 2006. Passed my boards in Feb 2007. I would recommend Excelsior for someone who knows that they can not sit through the traditional classroom. I worked full time while I did this. It is not easy. YOu have to have the discipline to say this is my number one priority. Make your self study. I used the books from College Network. But you can get your books directly through Excelsior. The CPNE is the most stressful thing I have ever done in my life. YOu have to pass the three days with a 100%. It is not a teaching clinical. It is to show skills of a first day graduate RN. I think the pass rate is only 65%. I did fail the first time I took the CPNE. Having a great husband for a support system is what got through the program.

If you are seriously considering Excelsior (and I highly recommend it), then I'm just reminding you that you should enroll before Sep. 30, as the curriculum is changing on Oct. 1. You will want to get in under the present curriculum as it is set up. I hope you decide to start. And I also agree, that you can save a lot of money, and possible disappointment, if you avoid the publishing companies like The College Network and Rue. You can get all your study material, (including material from the publishing companies) elsewhere at a fraction of the cost. A good source to study for the exams are the various NCLEX study books. Good luck in making your (in less than two weeks, I hope!) decision.

Specializes in Geriatrics.

Hi,I have been an LPN for 14 yrs. And finally enrolled in Excelsior.

I Wish (Like so many others):o I would have done this years ago!!

I have taken 4 pre-reqs so far and started out with 0 credits!But enrolled now to beat the Oct.1 deadline.Takes several weeks to send in app.And get enrolled! I don't know if you would have time now.But if you are interested I would call the school and find out if there is time to get in before the deadline!Even under the new guidelines I would still do this! Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Excelsior College has online application and enrollment processes. So if you can pay the enrollment fees with a credit or debit card, you should be able to be enrolled prior to Oct. 1. As far as getting your evaluation of previous credits, etc. done, you can request that transcripts be sent to Excelsior at any time. When Excelsior receives your transcripts or evidence of other credit (DANTES, CLEP), your updated evaluation will be sent to you. Also, they allow anyone to take the Nursing Concepts 1 test prior to admission. You can register for this test online and pay with a credit/debit card. Go to the Excelsior website: http://www.excelsior.edu to get copies of the nursing school catalog and the study guides for the nursing concepts exams and to read about their policies. Again, good luck to anyone deciding to take this route.

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