doing two programs at once?

[k1207]

I applied to excelsior a few weeks ago and am waiting on evaluation right now, but I am also looking at ISU. So I had a thought I want to ask you guys about...

I was thinking since I cant even start at ISU until fall '09 I could go ahead and do the excelsior program and I am hoping I would be CPNE eligible and waiting on the date by the time fall '09 rolls around so I'm thinking I could apply for ISU LPN-BSN program in May or June and still finish the excelsior program. I dont know if I can do that though becuase the CPNE would overlap the ISU program.

Now let me explain why I want to do this so screwy. If I do my RN thru excelsior I could work as an ASN RN while finishing my BSN, I want to do the ISU LPN-BSN instead of RN-BSN becasue after I'm done I can use my LPN-BSN degree to avoid any problems with having an excelsior degree and use it to further my degree to a masters. The biggest plus would be avoiding any problems that may arise from having a degree from excelsior like states not accepting it because I would have a BSN from my LPN not my RN (makes sense? because thats sounds confusing)

Another reason I want to do the excelsior program right now is if I dont get into ISU (GPA could still be too low) this fall it wont be so bad because I will be finishing up my excelsior degree so I'll still get my RN. So I guess my ultimate question is 'Can I start ISU LPN-BSN program and still finish the excelsior program? or can programs not overlap like that? Would I have to wait and finish EC then do an RN-BSN or could I finish EC get my RN and still do an LPN-BSN program?

:bugeyes:Hope that makes sense, Thanks in advance!

[NC Girl BSN]

I think you could,but why on earth would you do it that way? You can complete your degree through EC and go through a local university and do an online RN-BSN that would take about a year to finish. ISU takes 2-4 years to complete depending on how many prerequisites you have taken.

The EC program cost anywhere from 6000-10,000 on average. The ISU program can run anywhere from 11,000 to 20,000.

I think you should pick one and focus on that. If you really want to get into ISU, why don't you focus on making A's on thier prerequisties. I know with that program, you have to complete a lot of prerequisites, 4 undergrad nursing exams and take the TEAS test before you can get into the upper division. If you have completed all their prerequisites and taken the 4 nursing test, then you will probably get in the fall. But if you have not, then you should focus on getting "A's" in those classes. That's just my 2 cents. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you all the best!

[caliotter3]

One problem with doing two programs at once is that you run the risk of dropping the ball twice. You would be surprised how many people start a distance program and for various reasons, lose their steam. Twice the risk for two programs. Be careful with your plan about thwarting those who don't recognize EC. When you take the NCLEX, you would have to submit your ISU transcripts to avoid the onus of EC being your basic nursing school. If you take the NCLEX with your EC transcripts, you will always be considered to be a graduate of EC for the purposes of establishing your eligibility for the RN licensing exam. You can't get away from it. This is a moot point if your state of residence accepts EC when you test. Once you have gone through the process, they won't go back and "recall" your RN license. If anything happens while you are in the middle of things, you should be grandfathered. CA grandfathered students, GA is not grandfathering. Sounds like a good plan. If nothing else, the pre reqs you complete for ISU should fit in just about anywhere. Just make sure you don't bite off more than you can chew, either time management wise, or financially. If you can afford two programs at once, well, why not? Good luck.

[caliotter3]

Oh, thought of something else. Do a careful read of the EC School of Nursing catalog. Years ago, there was a statement somewhere that concerned something about a second nursing school. Either you can't be simultaneously enrolled, or if you are you must divulge this info and include the transcripts from the other school to EC. I'm not quite sure. It was years ago that I read this. I don't remember the exact details, and I don't know if that rule is still in the catalog.