To enroll now or later in Excelsior???

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 30, 2009

You do not have to enroll until you're ready to take the third nursing exam (Essentials of Nursing Care: Chronicity). You can take the first exam (Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Safety) before enrolling, and as an LPN, you'll be able to waive the second exam (Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Differences).

Good luck fighting TCN -- I hope you win!

Nurse Elizabeth · Mar 31, 2009

Yes I am currently a LPN.So which classes do I need to take now before enrolling?? Guess you could say Im clueless. I suppose I can ask Excelsior but you guys are much quicker I am going for my Associates/RN Im trying to see how many tests all together I need to take so I know how much I need to save before I enroll officially.Thank you for your help :)

Blessings

Elizabeth

Hooked on ER · Mar 31, 2009

Hey!

Here's my suggestion. Take the first course and all your gen ed before you enroll. Take as many CLEP and DSST as you can for your gen ed. They are a lot easier and a lot cheaper.

The part about buying books is up to you. Personally, I bought all the books recommended for the first nursing course through Amazon.com used. The books arrived and I took one look at the 3 foot stack and was so overwhelmed that I put them all away and have never taken them out again. I bought Lisa Arends notes and My Study Group 101 notes off of e-bay. That is all I have used for all the nursing courses. I finished all of them in 4 months. I got a B on two tests (totally my own fault, I just didn't study) and an A on the rest.

Definately take the practice tests. They are worth every penny. They are just like the real exams.

Good Luck!!!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 31, 2009

I bought some textbooks, but not all of the recommended ones. I bought them used and paid much less!! But I'm also a big fan of StudyGroup101 (http://www.studygroup101.com). I don't recommend relying only on notes -- I used textbooks and the EC practice exams, too -- but that's just how I roll. Your mileage may vary. :)

Elizabeth, your best bet is to pay the $75 application fee to EC and have them do your unofficial evaluation -- this will tell you exactly which classes you need to take, no guesswork. It is essential to have this done before you start any testing, really. TCN has NO business telling you which classes you'll need! They should have also told you that you can take a CLEP test for about 1/4 the price of the EC exam for the Lifespan Developmental Psychology exam -- there is a CLEP called "Human Growth and Development" that EC currently accepts in lieu of Lifespan. CLEP info is here:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html

There aren't any nursing exams available through CLEP, nor are Micro or A&P if you need those, but a lot of general ed credits can be accomplished for less through CLEP. There are some CLEPs they don't accept, so it's always a good idea to run it by an EC adviser first -- I used to get it in writing via email. :)

Nurse Elizabeth · Apr 2, 2009

Lisa,

Thank you so much for your help!! I spoke with Excelsior a little while ago.A gentlemen there was so great to talk with.He spent an hr on the phone with me explaining everything ,including CLEP exams which you mentioned.He explained all my options.I feel more at ease and ready to roll

Ladies

So first up I will study for the Human growth and Development as he explained to me this Clep would count for 6 credits and be in place of their Lifespan exam.The cost is much cheaper also,which will be a big help to me.My question now is Has anyone taken the CLEP exam for Human Growth and Development? What are the best study guides/options for this exam? As always TIA for helping me! You all are so great!! HUGS! Elizabeth

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 2, 2009

REA has some good CLEP guides -- REA.com. I'm also sending you an email. :)