Question on enrolling in Excelsior now or later??

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Specializes in hospital,telemetry,geriatrics,agency.

Hi Fellow Nurses

I am currently an LPN and want to do the LPN to RN program for my associates degree.Well to make a long story short I signed up with TCN,then realized I didnt have to go through them? SO I tried cancelling.I was within my 3 days.They are currently giving me the run around.Anyhow Im currenly studying the TCN guide and I study smart notes on Life Span Development Psych.My question is do I need to enroll now with Excelsior?? Or can I take this test without officially enrolling.I plan to enroll with excelsior in the long run but do I need to right now to test out of these specific courses? I am a single mom on a budget so Im trying to be frugal.Also if I do enroll in Excelsior are you made to purchase the required course books ect? Thank you so mcuh in advance for reading thus far! This board has been a huge help to me already reading all the informative posts.

Blessings

Elizabeth

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Specializes in Anesthesia, CTICU.

Hi Elizabeth,

I did not use TCN to get thru the Excelsior program, so I don't have any first-hand experience with TCN.

As far as I know, you only have to be officially enrolled with Excelsior to register for Nursing Concepts 3 and up. (ie you can take NC1 & NC2 before enrolling). Other exams you do not need to be enrolled, but you will have to register with Excelsior (username and password) in order to pay for the exams online. I took A&P, Life Span Development thru Excelsior before paying the 'enrollment' fee.

Most ppl get the unofficial transcript evaluation (which runs maybe $100, and is applicable to enrollment fee if you do so within 1 year) so they know exactly what they need to take. Once everything, including the first 2 Nursing Concepts exams, is complete pay the enrollment fee (which can be spread over 6 months), and get everything done within the next year so that you don't have to pay the next year's matriculation fee.

FYI - If you've completed everything, and are just waiting for the CPNE (practical exam), Excelsior will waive the matriculation fee if you call and ask...

GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING!

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You don't have to purchase the required books, though some are necessary. DON'T enroll with TCN, it's way too expensive. Buy notes and study guides on Ebay, used but still current. Excelsior is a great program, you just have to stick with it. Good luck!

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Specializes in hospital,telemetry,geriatrics,agency.

Yes I am currently a LPN.So which classes do I need to take now before enrolling?? I suppose I can ask Excelsior but you guys are much quicker ;) I am going for my Associates/RN Im trying to see how many tests all together I need to take so I know how much I need to save before I enroll officially.Thank you for your help :)

Blessings

Elizabeth

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