Questions about Self Study LPN-RN programs

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Hi,

I am an LPN, I have been for 20 years. I SHOULD have gone on for my RN before husband and children, BUT... oh well. I am always getting offers for LPN to RN programs.. at my own pace. I have never actually talked to anyone who is doing, or has completed them... are they worth it? Is it a good program? Any help would be MUCH appreciated!

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JTig,

Excelsior College was a great option for me. I was able to obtain the degree while working full-time and land a great job.

I moved the thread to the Distance Learning/Independent Study Forum so you can get more feedback from those who have taken similar paths. Good luck in whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
JTig,

Excelsior College was a great option for me. I was able to obtain the degree while working full-time and land a great job.

I moved the thread to the Distance Learning/Independent Study Forum so you can get more feedback from those who have taken similar paths. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Eric,

I've read that many states aren't acknowledging Excelsior grads any longer. Do you have any information on this? Thanks, Jules

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That's correct that some states have restrictions on licensing EC grads. California's decision on the matter has been the most public since it went to court. In the end, CA does not license any EC grad who enrolled after a specific cutoff date in 2003.

Some states (like FL) won't accept EC grads for initial licensure, but have no problem licensing them by endorsement from another state. Some FL Excelsior graduates have applied for licensure in another state, not worked there a single day, then turned around and applied for FL licensure by endorsement.

LPN's enrolled in Excelsior have options in a few more states than students with other licensure or certification. There are some states that are fine with licensing EC grads who have previously been LPN's, but not with EC grads who were previously medics, RT's, or other providers.

We've also discussed here that VA nurses can work anywhere in the US with licensure in one state, so that's an option for some nurses who live in states that don't typically recognize Excelsior.

While I don't have a complete list of states that fall under these restrictions, I do know that Excelsior has a State Boards Office that publishes information about EC's status in various states. If you call them, I'm certain that you can get the information you need. I know that while the California legal issues were ongoing, they were advising prospective students from CA not to enroll.

I also know that there are some curriculum changes being planned at Excelsior, including an expanded clinical program, which may affect which states accept EC.

Because I live in Texas and don't ever foresee a move, Excelsior was a great program for me, but it won't work for everyone. Prospective students should carefully weigh their options before enrolling.

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Some states (like FL) won't accept EC grads for initial licensure, but have no problem licensing them by endorsement from another state. Some FL Excelsior graduates have applied for licensure in another state, not worked there a single day, then turned around and applied for FL licensure by endorsement.

What you are describing sounds more like Georgia, not Florida.

Florida has no problem with LPN's getting their RN degree from EC.

What you are describing is more of a scenerio of what a paramedic or other non-LPN would have to go through to get a FL RN license.

LPN's in FL can apply directly for RN licensure in FL upon graduation from EC without having to get a license in another state.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Thanks Eric.

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Loved Excelsior and I am a paramedic as well as an RN. I am in Oklahoma but licensed in Texas because of the OBN's stance on EC but they will endorse me once I show experience else where. Kansas does not accept EC but Arkansas has a sign on their site that states they welcome them. Most states will endorse you no matter where you grad from once you gain experience in your home state. Some states require additional clinicals/preceptorships before you can license (Washington and Kentucky). EC has a state board booklet on their web site you can download and print for free that explains each state's idiosyncracies. Also I do not recommend signing up with the study guide programs like TCN or RUe as you can pick their stuff up cheaply on ebay if you need it. EC has everything you need.

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What you are describing is more of a scenerio of what a paramedic or other non-LPN would have to go through to get a FL RN license.

That's what I was referring to. Sorry for the confusion, as I know the original poster's question was about LPN's and I digressed from that.

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