Question about Excelsior and CPNE

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Specializes in infection control, peds, home infusion.

Hi everyone,

I just signed up here, and I have to say- this seems like a great forum! Very informative. I have been an LPN for 9 years now, my experience is based mostly in LTC, home care and administration. I am interested in Excelsior' s program, as I already have a BS in Community Health. I think the only pre-req's that I am missing are A&P and Microbiology.

For those of you who have completed Excelsior's program, how long did it take for you, what was your time commitment like, and did you save any money vs. the traditional brick and mortar route? Also, is the CPNE doable for someone with mostly LTC and home care experience, especially if they have not worked in a bit (4 years)?

Thanks in advance!

Jenn

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Welcome-

I chose EC because I wanted to work full time, it was a comparatively good deal, study on my own. I started my prereqs November of last year and studied and passed the Nursing Concepts exams by May. Been waiting since for the CPNE which I will take next week and hopefully pass. It's doable.

I think LTC and homecare experience is perfect and will serve you well should you choose EC.

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Specializes in infection control, peds, home infusion.

Thanks so much for your reply. I am seriously thinking about Excelsior b/c I have two newborn twins at home, as well as a two year old. A traditional program's clinical req's would have me out of the house much more as compared to Excelsior's weekend CPNE.

Good to know that my LTC experience is beneficial. DId you/are you doing any CPNE workshops before the exam?

Thanks,

Jenn

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Specializes in ICU.

It took me a couple years, but I waited a long time between finishing all the exams to scheduling the CPNE.

It isn't any cheaper than B&M nursing school but the great thing about Excelsior is that I worked full-time (and then some) the entire time. That makes all the difference when you're the one paying the bills.

If your income isn't paying the rent, the B&M might be a better option for you. You'd be out of the house but you'd have a concrete timeframe.

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this is probably a stupid question...

but i am thinking about excelsior lpn-rn and i was wondering when can you apply for your cpne?? after you are all done w. tests nc1-nc7? w. the exception of nc2??

or is it when you apply for the nursing program? i'm confused, please help?!

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The tests have changed, nmotto. It used to be that all nc exams had to be finished.

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

CPNE is a doable exam regardless of background. But as far as money goes, it costs some people more money and some about the same. Depends on if you do any workshops, order extra videos or learning aides, etc. It is really up to you and your own personal comfort level. There are certain costs such as travel that you can anticipate and prepare for as you go along too. Travel costs will depend on where you plan to take your CPNE and how far you have to go. Good luck!:D

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Specializes in infection control, peds, home infusion.

hi everyone, i actually finished the program september of 2007. i took the nclex-rn in december of 2007 and have been working as a rn ever since. thanks so much for all of your replies re: excelsior. it certainly worked out for me!

jenn

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

Congrats, Jenn! Glad to hear that things went well!

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Yes, Jenn. Nice to hear things worked out well for you!

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