Questions about Excelsior

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Specializes in tele, oncology.

Given the recent spate of LPN's being fired from hospitals in my neck of the woods, I'm leaning towards doing EC for my bridge. I get the feeling that time is of the essence, and I wouldn't be able to get my RN through the CC until May 2011.

It looks like I have all of the pre-reqs that EC requires done already, and would be able to go straight into nursing modules. So, a couple of questions:

Do you just study the material and then go do the tests when you're ready, or is there an online component where assignments/papers/etc. are due, like traditional online classes?

How quickly can you do the classes? I'm very motivated, been a LPN for over eight years now, over six years in acute-care setting, most recently five years in tele. I've done online/self-directed learning before and have no problem with that format.

I'd love it if someone would tell me that I can get my RN within about nine months...

What kind of a wait is there for the CPNE (I think I got that right...) once you're eligible to apply for a date? I have to admit, the thought of a few days' worth of pass/fail clinical exam is intimidating. But not so intimidating that I'm willing to pass up the peace of mind, and money, that would come with finally having RN behind my name.

Thanks all for your time and any input you can give to me!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Welcome to Allnurses!

I recommend that you go to the website http://www.excelsior.edu.

-Down load the Nursing Catalog and it tells you about the program and classes to take.

-Send them your transcripts and apply online and wait to hear back from them.

-Meanwhile download Essentials in Healthcare safety. Pay for the exam, buy a good fundamentals book and read. Schedule the test at pearson vue learning center.

EC gives you 9 months to take each test but you will not need that long.

-There are about 8 test(along with a paper and pencil FCCA assessment that you complete after CPNE. Most likely it will be on computer by the time your eligable)

-Once you pass Essentials in Healthcare safety and are admitting into the Nursing program, You have to pay

$895 enrollment fee to finish the rest of the exams.

-Eack exam cost right at $300.

-CPNE is $1900 and there is about a 4-9 month wait depending where you apply.

I started EC last Dec 12,2007 and if I pass the CPNE Dec 7,2008 in Utica NY. I would have taken me less than a year. My friend started in February 08 and Passed the CPNE Nov 2, 2008. So she finished in 9 months but she has to wait till Dec 19 because she is finishing up prerequistes at CC.

So to answer your question, you can get through the program pretty swiftly if your motivated but the wait for the CPNE is long for everyone, but you will need the time to prepare.

Good Luck to you! The local hospitals where I live don't hire LPN's anymore so that is why I was so motiviated to get my RN.

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Mama, you're making a wise decision.

Excelsior is tests, not classes. You will get a study guide for each class. What I did was sticky each chapter it said to read and then read. I also scheduled the exams because that was the only way I would study.

I got that RN last week. The doors that have opened to me were worth it.

Took me 1 1/2 years to do all the tests - I didn't take any for 10 months - and then I waited for the CPNE, failed the first time, took it again, and passed. Then, the NCLEX-RN. So August 2006 until now.

:)

Do NOT get sucked into the College Netowkr or the other publishing companies. You do not need them and they are notorious for taking your money and not letting you out of the contract even if you get hit by a truck.

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I finished the nursing tests in about 4 months (once I get motivated I tend to be driven). Had to wait to register for CPNE for about a year (finances), my app was accepted 11/3/08 and now comes the long wait. Good luck to you:)

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

i had to wait a long time as well before applying to the cpne. finished in jan 08 applied july 08... i could have been done by now....

i finished the nursing tests in about 4 months (once i get motivated i tend to be driven). had to wait to register for cpne for about a year (finances), my app was accepted 11/3/08 and now comes the long wait. good luck to you:)
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It seems like it takes forever...between work, kids, ballgames, studying, etc. I guess it is good we have await...but not that long!!!

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"even if you get hit by a truck."

Too funny but TRUE!!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

mama_d, it took me one year, one month, and one day from the date of my first exam to the date I completed the clinical exam. Not bad! I had more exams than just the nursing ones, though, and I know people here have completed the LPN-RN in less than a year (suzyQ did). It all depends on your motivation and free time to study and test! :) The longest part of my year&month&day was the wait for the CPNE -- I applied for the CPNE in November 2007 and didn't test until June 2008. So if you apply to a CPNE testing region like the Northern region for the NY test sites and take a cancellation date, you'll decrease your wait time for the CPNE. Some of those students test within 3 months of application.

We're here for you. Good luck!!

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