Questions about Excelsior???

[bw358]

I am using Jenny Renee's questions from another thread and adding my own. I am in a similar situation as Jenny Renee.

1. What is the criteria for admission

2. When can you start the program

***I have read that you have to take I think it was 7 classes and take the exam for each of those...

3. But how are clinicals done and where do you do your clinicals

4. I also read a post about a CPNE (sorry if thats not right) but what exactly is this...and where do you take this

5. If I live in the state of Texas can I take boards here

6. Typically how long does the program take

7. Are there any negative aspects at all that anyone has heard of....

8. What are their NCLEX pass rates?

9. Do employers generally pay tuition reimbursment for Excelsior?

10. Can you get financial aid (the same as at other colleges)?

11. What is the approximate cost?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

1. Have a license/certification as an LPN/LVN, paramedic, or respiratory therapist. There are a few other admission routes, available on the website, www.excelsior.edu .

2. There's no time like the present. Rolling admissions.

3. No traditional clinicals, but a clinical examination (called the CPNE) given over 3 days covering the basics of entry-level nursing. That's why you have to already be involved in patient care. CPNE sites are located in several states. Texas has sites in Plano and Amarillo, but you can go to any site. Be prepared for a decent wait between finishing your classes and taking the CPNE (often 3-4 months, possibly shorter or longer).

4. See #3.

5. Yes.

6. Varies widely depending on your prior credits, motivation, and whether you have to repeat the CPNE.

7. Somewhat understandably, some people (including some people on Allnurses) have a negative perception of a program that doesn't have standard clinical hours. Many of your coworkers will not be familiar with the program. The program only works if you're self-motivated.

8. ~90% last time I looked. That was '04 or '05.

9. Most do, I think. Mine did. Some may not.

10. I think financial aid may work a little differently since EC is not a Title IV school (I think that's right - someone correct me if not), but the college publishes a list of sources for financial aid.

11. It's going to vary with the number of credits you still need. Best to call or email the college.

Good luck!

[resqyou35]

i am a florida paramedic looking into going through rn program through excelsior. i know florida only lets you sit for florida's nclex only if you have lpn before completing excelsior's rn program. does anybody know the details on this? i know the "back door" way is to take say for example, south carolina's nclex and then apply for endorsement from florida. i don't really want to go that route though..even if this is possible. any rn in florida that went through excelsior..i would love to hear from you.