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Hey everybody, Im new to this so hope I am doing this right!! I have been a LPN for about 6 years now and want to go back to school to get my RN. I work full time and love my job so I was interested in doing my bridge program online. I was wondering if anyone could help me and give me their opinions to which online program they would recommend in central florida. I have most my pre reqs done so I would like the program to incorporate this if possibel. Thank you in advance!!!

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

I don't know about Florida but thought I could chime in to say to be prepared to have little, if any fully online options, available. Unlike the RN-BSN bridge, the LPN-RN bridge will still have required clinical time and most likely skills lab time for the few skills LPN's aren't aloud to do.

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The only "online" LPN to RN (Associate's Degree) program I am aware of is Excelsior College, but you will need to check with your state board of nursing to see if a degree from Excelsior meets requirements. You can review their details on their website.

Please note: Test-Prep companies like The College Network, Achieve Test Prep, and Rue ARE NOT NEEDED AT ALL for Excelsior College, and have no affiliation with Excelsior College whatsoever. In fact, their test-prep products are inferior to what you can get--mostly for free--directly through Excelsior.

But first you need to see if Excelsior is an option for you with the Florida Board of Nursing.

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My friend had found RUE online. Not familiar with it but worth looking into. I think it is an 18 month program from the sound of it.

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RUE is NOT a school or nursing program. It, like other Test Prep companies, often confuses prospective buyers with their marketing strategies, then they get you to sign a contract that you cannot get out of (whether you use their 'study guides' or not). You will never get your money back. They ARE NOT SCHOOLs, they provide things like extremely over-priced study guides for 'general' courses...study guides that are available from the Colleges and Universities direct to students for FREE (for the most part). You do not need any Test Prep company.

In fact, TCN is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission because of the volume of complaints the FTC has received about TCNs misleading and deceptive business practices. Rue is just like TCN--again, these companies are NOT schools and they CANNOT give you a degree in 18 months.

Google "Federal Trade Commission College Network" and see for yourself. TCN's Motion to Quash is a public document that you can view for free (their motion was denied). The investigation is active and just began this year.

Please let your friend know that RUE is not a school. If she proceeds without knowing that, she might land herself in trouble. If she understands what it is and still makes that choice, that is entirely up to her. But if she doesn't understand what they actually do, it could be devastating to her financially, and academically.

Be well, and happy nursing!

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Thanks for the info! I will definatley be sharing this with her.

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Specializes in ER.

Also, Excelsior grads are not eligible for licensure as am RN in California if that was where they received their initial RN licensure if they started after 200-something. I think 2009.

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