I have yet to hear of anyone who has gotten past the BoN in CA with Excelisor. The only recommendation I have for you if you have to finish with Excelsior instead of changing programs (trust me, I completely understand about the financial aspects!) is to look for a job within the Veteran's Affairs system. You don't have to have a license from the state you are working in. Because it's a government agency, you just have to be licensed in the US.
If, however, you plan on staying in CA after his tour of duty is up in San Diego, I would consider trying another route, as difficult as that may be financially. The CA board has said they will evaluate on a case by case basis. My understanding of that is that they are looking for the clinical experience, which, we all know, Excelisor doesn't require. (completely overlooking the fact that anyone getting into that program has worked as an LPN....) If you have whatever the hours of experience are, and it's in ALL of the fields they require (peds, maternity, psych etc) you might be able to get by. Like I started with, I haven't seen anyone do it. (I think it's something like 500 hours)
Because my husband and I will most likely be going back to CA when he gets out of the military, I dropped Excelsior and am going with Indiana State because I can still do it distance and will be able to get my license in CA.
Good luck to you with whatever you choose. PM me if you have any questions.
PS: The CA board SUX for giving straight answers and even being able to get someone on the phone!
