Question from a Respiratory Therapist

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Hello, I am new on here, I have read so much and gotten some much useful information and great advice just by reading past threads. Here is my question. I am a respiratory therapist interested in Excelisor. I work in a large hospital and have been a therapist for 8 yrs, so I have seen alot. Question is, do you all think that I can sucessfully complete the RN program without any formal nursing training? Also am I correct in saying that you do not do clinicals except for the weekend test at the end? Thanks so much!

By Petrosian

That is cool!! Thanks for the encouragement!! I am studying a&p. Unfortunately I went to a vocational school and my classes won't transfer.

Same here.

I "graduated" from Crestwood Career Academy that was in Tempe AZ. It closed a few years after due to the fact that they were a paper mill. I learned everything OJT after school. I passed the CRTT on the first try though. When I applied to finish my "degree" I was informed that NONE of my 62 credits would transfer, basicly because my school sucked.

I have been working on my prerequisites for PA school for 3 years with 2 1/2 to go. I'm taking EMT classes and will be working an ambulance crew by fall semester so I can have recent patient care experience and don't have to show my respiratory "degree" as proof. I'm just going to pretend it never happened and let everyone think that I'm a natural. I'll just seem to catch on to airways, breath sounds and ABGs real easy.

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Specializes in Renal, Haemo and Peritoneal.

Peeps you seem so bitter about the course of your career. I am not sure whether to congratulate you for your persistance or condemn you for being a w**ker.

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Farkinott,

Why do you think I'm bitter about it?

As far as I'm concerned, it's a great relief to not have to think that there's something wrong with me because I don't fully embrace the nursing model.

I have a clear understanding of what those in the nursing model call 'blending" of the medical model into nursing care and the reasons I don't see it.

Really, I'm not baiting you into an argument about either. I would like to know why you think that way.

Of course, if you just want to bait me into a flame war, that's all that needs to be said.

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This may not be the place to ask, but I was just informed from a person trying to apply to Excelsior that there will be as of September of this year a change in the requirements for admission. This change will require LPN or LVN training for admission to the ADN program. Is this correct? I've been on the Excelsior website, but cannot find any info on that.

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This may not be the place to ask, but I was just informed from a person trying to apply to Excelsior that there will be as of September of this year a change in the requirements for admission. This change will require LPN or LVN training for admission to the ADN program. Is this correct? I've been on the Excelsior website, but cannot find any info on that.

I recently looked at the site. Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs)and Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) are no longer considered as eligible for admission. Respiratory Therapists, Paramedics (EMT-P), and certain designations of former military corpsmen will still meet the admission criteria.

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Specializes in Mental Health, MI/CD, Neurology.
I recently looked at the site. Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs)and Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) are no longer considered as eligible for admission. Respiratory Therapists, Paramedics (EMT-P), and certain designations of former military corpsmen will still meet the admission criteria.

Thanks TeenyBaby! I've been curious as to what the latest requirements were since they seem to keep changing.

I am still wondering what a w**ker is though. Worker? Wacker? Must be wacker.

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Don't do it. Go to a formal school. Depending on your motivation level, excelsior can be very difficult. I know 3 RCP's that started the program and dropped it for "regular" schooling. The other consideration is whether your degree from excelsior will be taken seriously. You should talk to a few nurse managers at different institutions to find their take on the degree.

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I was an RRT for 18 years....worked adult ICU, Peds ICU, NICU - ECMO, transport...ground, helicopter, fixed wing, and management. Loved every minute of being a therapist. Went back to school....a traditional one and completed my RN. RRT's make excellent RN's....and a dual license is nothing to sneeze at...gives you a "leg up" after you graduate. I know nothing about Excelsior....so I will not give you an opinion one way or another. My only words of advice are....check with the BON in the state you reside in. Make sure that Excelsior is accepted and you will be able to hold a license in that state.

I worked a full time job and completed nursing school....not easy, but it can be done. My years as an RRT definately helped me through nursing school. Many people do not understand the education that an RRT or a CRTT has to complete to become licensed...."it ain't easy"! If you are truly interested in a nursing career...go for it! Good luck to you.;)

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