online LPN-RN or LPN-BSN

[DCAMG]

Does anyone know of some good LPN-RN or LPN-BSN online schools? I recently found out that the RN program I got into was not having a nights and week/end program this year after I applied, took the TEAS and was accepted and all that then I was told only a day program. So I am doing a LPN program instead at night and on the weekends, does anyone know of any good programs for LPN-RN that are at night or week/ends in Kansas City? I am basically reaching for anything here, I want to get my FNP but hardest part seems to be able to find a school that offers nights and week/ends in my area. Just want advice early on where to get my RN or BSN after my LPN so I have a plan draw out that way I don't waste time by missing application dates or anything like that.

[mjm1979]

OSUfan1, can you tell me a little about Rio's online program? I am taking the NLN entrance exam hopefully in Nov or Dec to get into the program next year. I don't personally know anyone who's gone through the program so I don't have much to go by.

There are two people I'm corresponding with via email who are getting ready to start the program. They just completed the online orientation that goes over all the info you need for the online program, such as getting into areas to talk to other students, getting into areas with study guides, the blackboard area, etc. But then I had someone PM me who said that this program is the equivalent of give someone a Med Surg book on Monday and telling them to study chapter 5 and 6 and then having a test on Friday with no study guide, power point or anything.... was this your experience? One of the ladies I'm talking with said she met a woman during her PN clinicals who had taken the program and she thought 'if she did it, so can I.' So, now I'm concerned...

also, I'm worried about the transition courses. From what I understand the Sciences transition program is the equivalent of two A&P course and a Micro course and it's all done in eight weeks. I asked the secretary if it was very intense and she said it was. I'm considering doing some heavy A&P and micro studying from textbooks before taking the transition course.

Anything you can share will be helpful... thanks a lot!

[OSUFan1]

mm1979 the rio program is very intense even though all classes are online, the first semester is a computer workshop, then in Jan the 2nd semester the first 8 weeks is lpn/rn transition not bad just boring, the 2nd is A&P alot of reading and discussion board every week that need to be done by wed. mental health is in the summer which is when clinicals start, i did mine at Kings Daughters in Ashland Ky. next semester is when med/surge starts and where they weed out alot of people alot of reading on your own then test every week at a proctor site and clinicals one day a week 12hrs. This is where I stopped and had to withdraw for personal reasons. But the people who I know who finished said the rest of the program sorta eased up a bit not as strenuous until it came to the hesi which i think they needed a 900 most all had to take it 2-3 times bfore passing. Hope this info. helps and I recommend you DO NOT work full time. Alot of studying on your own.

[mjm1979]

OSUFan1, Thanks so much for your reply. So, when you said the transition class wasn't really intense, but boring, is that the sciences transition class as well?

When you test at the proctor sites, is that somewhere such as Pearsonvue? do you have to pay fees for every test? That could get pricey if in some classes you're tested weekly.

How many times do you get to take the HESI? I've never taken it. I took ATI as an exit exam after my PN program.

How often did you get breaks and generally how long are they?

Thanks again!

[mjm1979]

Also, do the students have access to study guides or a powerpoint to know what they want you to know for the test? thanks.

[OSUFan1]

mjm1979,

You do get a syllabus of what chapters to read out of the required book you have to purchase which is aroung 600.00 for the bundle which is every book needed for the program. I tested at a JVS close to my house free of charge, but some sites cost around 15-20 dollars and of course you could go to rio free but it was an 1hr drive. You have 3 chances at the HESI "NO PASS-NO GRADUATE". Yes the 1st actuall nursing semester is 8weeks of transition to RN, then 2nd 8 weeks is A&P. alot of reading, renal system, nervous system, water and electrolytes etc. very intense 8 weeks. You have breaks whenever the university is between semesters some were about 3 weeks. Good program for working people but you do have deadlines everyweek and they post power points on blackboard and even recorded some of the lectures to listen to which helped out alot. But the only complaint I have that it seemed that the online students were put on the back burner, sometimes I would email or call with a ?? and not get a response until after I have already taken the exam..no use to me then. Clinicals are within a hr. of the university so all mine were about a 1 hr drive for me. there were people from dayton that would drive 2hrs so i really could not complain and it was only once a week. Good luck if you have any more ??let me know.

[nrsbettyo]

I am preparing myself to enter the University of Rio Grande's LPN-RN accelerated program, and I am trying to gather as much information as I can, from current students or past graduates before I make a commitment to this program.

Can anyone out there tell anything about the courses? Do any of the online hybrid courses end with a dosage calculation/ pharmacology test? If so, what percentage do you have to get to pass?

My weakest skill is math, and I would really like the chance to "beef up my skills" beforehand. Any pointers, or information on what formulas they use would be most helpful.

I am also seeking information on the HESI entrance exam. I am told it is not the A2, but a HESI to test LPN knowledge. Any tips on how to study for this?