jrcravens

What specific information are you looking for? Cost? Program requirements? Clinical requirements? Courses? I am looking into Excelsior as well, and have done extensive research, maybe I can link you to what you need.

My understanding of excelsior is that the program can be completed completely online and there is no traditional clinical requirement. That being said, the program does culminate with a three-day clinical exercise called the CPNE which takes place in only certain locations around the country. Once you pass the CPNE, you are done with the program. But a caveat, the CPNE is very expensive, I have heard very difficult, and travel expenses are on the student. If you decide to go the Excelsior route, be prepared- the CPNE itself is 2035 plus travel expenses each time you take it. I know I couldn't afford to fail. Also, because Excelsior is a testing-based program, you cannot get federal financial aid to help with costs. You can use private student loans, though. For myself, just needing the nursing courses (I have all the co-reqs) I am looking at a total of 6700.00 not including study materials or travel expenses for the CPNE. If money is an issue, you may be better off looking in other places.

I personally am going LPN to RN bridge on-line because school is competitve where I am. In fact, we only have one school in the whole state that offers a nursing program. I also have three kids and need to work, so something I can do on my own schedule is a higher priority than cost- especially since I am a veteran and have financial aid because of it. If schedule wasn't a factor, I would go straight to BSN. In the area I am at, doing that would take less time than bridging and then going RN to BSN. I think the correct answer is really an individual one that depends on the costs of the schools around you and whether you plan to go full time or part time.

I am looking into the lvn to rn program at Excelsior as well, and cost-wise, this is what I have found if you already have all the non-nursing classes: Apllication fee: 80.00 Enrollment fee: 975.00 Graduation fee: 495.00 8 nsg exams 8x 275.00= 2200.00 FCCA exam: 450.00 CPNE: 2035.00 Student services 465.00 TOTAL: 6700.00 The total takes into account that you only take one year to complete the program as you pay the student services fee each year. So if you take more than 12 months, your total would increase by 465.00 for each additional year. It also does not take into account any study materials or travel/lodging/workshops associated with the CPNE. I noticed another post addressing costs, but it was missing a couple things. This list is all inclusive according to a rep at the school who I spoke to earlier today. Anyway, thought it would be useful info for others considering Excelsior. I plan to star in June, as I am moving cross-contry next month. Would be awesome if there were others starting around the same timeframe! Good luck and best wishes on getting that R.N.- be it at excelsior or elsewhere!