Question for LPN's in Excelsior program

[jonathanjse]

Hi,

A friend who is considering a career change to Nursing asked me for advice about his education options. I am studying with the EC program right now (I am a Paramedic), and I told him that he could enroll in a traditional Nursing program at a local college, or he might consider becoming an LPN first, and then enroll in Excelsior College - an approach which I believe would give him more flexibility to work while he's studying. Are there any LPN's out there who became an LPN with the INTENTION of then going on to study for your RN with Excelsior? How has it worked out for you? Would you advise others to do the same? I imagine there are probably good and bad points to that approach (as opposed to doing a traditional 2 year program). Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[caliotter3]

Excelsior was Plan B for me when I couldn't finish my brick and mortar RN program. I highly recommend it for people who can not get admitted to or can not wait for traditional programs and also for those who otherwise do not prefer brick and mortar programs for one reason or another. When a friend of mine and I first became involved with Excelsior many years ago, their requirements were different and she had no problems completing the program in a short period of time. However, I, like so many others, find the idea of the CPNE to be anxiety provoking. There are many who can not finish Excelsior because in the end they are defeated by the CPNE. That is the part that I find unappealing. But at this point for me, there are no easy alternatives, as there are no easy ways to get a seat in a regular program. I think it is a good idea for your friend to do Excelsior if he really needs to work. Not many employers will accommodate someone going to a regular program. Sometimes they say one thing during the hiring interview, but once the person is on the job, then there are stumbling blocks to scheduling both school and work. So it would probably be a good option for your friend. Give him our regards and best wishes.

[tgb3rn]

Hi,

A friend who is considering a career change to Nursing asked me for advice about his education options. I am studying with the EC program right now (I am a Paramedic), and I told him that he could enroll in a traditional Nursing program at a local college, or he might consider becoming an LPN first, and then enroll in Excelsior College - an approach which I believe would give him more flexibility to work while he's studying. Are there any LPN's out there who became an LPN with the INTENTION of then going on to study for your RN with Excelsior? How has it worked out for you? Would you advise others to do the same? I imagine there are probably good and bad points to that approach (as opposed to doing a traditional 2 year program). Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I did just that, LPN first then RN through EC. The EC program is easy if you are an LPN first anyway. Almost all of it you learn in the LPN program anyway. I worked at a hospital while I was an LPN and they helped pay for 75% of the EC program.

I worked 2 full time 12hr shift night jobs while finishing my RN through them.

Tell him to go for it.

Tom