So Confused:(

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Specializes in LTC.

Okay, well Im a little new at this sooo...here we go. I have recently passed my Nclex-pn and Im still not even working yet, but ever since the middle of PN school I have been searching for a good LPN-RN program. I recently had my eyes on Indiana states distance learning program, but it is a 4 year degree and pretty costly. Ive been reading up on Excelsiors program, and I am totally lost. I feel like an Idiot because I just do not understand whats going on. Im so lost from the clinicals to the cost, It just kinda seems like a big headache. Can someone PLEASE lay it out for me?? I feel like Im going in circles here..........;)

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Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

kpeace, relax...let me help you out.

Excelsior's program can be a good thing if you know what you're doing.

First off, check into the curriculum and make sure its something you want to do- because it involves a lot of work on your part to learn this information.

Excelsior's program is made up of examinations taken at affiliated centers, and each exam covers specific content areas, all of which are available online (content guides). I enrolled in 1996 and I have to take 5 exams and pass a clinical performance in nursing exam (CPNE) in order to be NCLEX eligible. The rules have changed, however..so I don't know exactly what the new exam schedule is so go to the Excelsior website to get the full facts.

I know that they allow you to take the Nursing Concepts I and II exams prior to enrolling to see if this actually is for you. For anything above NC II, you must be enrolled.

You pay an application fee, just like with any college. They evaluate your college credits, and they apply those that they can toward the degree you wish to pursue.

Excelsior nursing students pay fees: Student services annual fee (paid every year you are an enrolled student), and fees for testing (payable when you register for the test). The other fees you pay: Enrollment fee..it's a big one.

Once you decide to become an enrolled student, you pay the enrollment fee..it's like $900 or something (I don't know what it is now, but when I enrolled it was $895). That's a chunk of change so if you're not serious about it...don't do it unless you have money to burn.

You'll also pay a graduation fee..I'm not there yet so I can't tell you.

Hope that helps.

vamedic4

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Specializes in LTC.

Thanks so much......that helps some. Maybe Im just looking to deeply into it and need to get some sleep!! Once again, THANKS!!

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Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

You're welcome...now get some sleep. It'll still be here when you wake up!

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