Wanting to start Excelsior ASAP but don't know what to do first???

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Hey, Hopefully someone can help me out. I have researched Excelsior pretty extensively and have decided to begin my studies there however I definitely need some guidance in how to get things started. I graduated with my LPN diploma from a trade school, therefore, I know I will need to take all gen-ed exams as well as the core nursing exams. Can someone tell me what I should do first. Should I enroll first then begin the exams? Or I believe there is a class or two you can take without being officially enrolled.....As far as the gen-ed courses do I need to have them completed elsewhere and then apply to excelsior? What are my options as far as where to take these courses? I've heard a few different names on this site, one of which is r. salado??Any insight to all this would be greatly appreciated. I am super excited to start but just need a little direction......:confused:

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it depends some of us clep and some (like me) took all of them at a community college. i would contact them ask to speak with an advisor, you can take 2 classes without enrooling i would suggest you do that. good luck!!!

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Specializes in ED.

I used a combination of clep and community college. I am borrowing Lunah's phrase: " I have a masters in indecision." I have done a degree sheet for someone with no college credit though. Since you have nothing I will message it to you.

As I tell my soldiers who go this route I suggest doing English with the local community college if you think you are going to pursue further education, as sometimes the Clep English isn't accepted. Besides that I highly recommend Clep. Though a great RN to BSN solution that does accept English is Thomas Edison State College. Though I'm probably giving too much information. I will message you the Clep list based off the degree breakdown and let you go from there.

Oh and I recommend saving yourself some money and doing as much as you can before you enroll. Which includes your general eds and the first two exams.

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I knew I made the right decision posting my question here. You guys are awesome!! I have been looking online today and it looks like the CLEP route for as many classes as I can would be a pretty good option as I have zero time to go to a campus somewhere due to working 2 jobs and taking care of my 2 children. Can someone tell me the names of the exams that may be taken before you have to officially into Excelsior? Thanks in advance for everyone's help......

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Specializes in ED.

My two foot terror (read: 7 month old) has been needy all afternoon so I haven't been able to get the spreadsheet in your email yet, but when I get her down in a bit it will be my priority.

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MsPC you ROCK!!!!!!Thanks so much for the spreadsheet. It was exactly what I was looking for!

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Specializes in med/surg, geriatrics, corrections.
I knew I made the right decision posting my question here. You guys are awesome!! I have been looking online today and it looks like the CLEP route for as many classes as I can would be a pretty good option as I have zero time to go to a campus somewhere due to working 2 jobs and taking care of my 2 children. Can someone tell me the names of the exams that may be taken before you have to officially into Excelsior? Thanks in advance for everyone's help......

The two exams you can take before enrolling are: Health Safety and Transitions to the RN role. Since Excelsior charges $440 a year to stay "active" AND you only have seven years to complete the program from the date you enroll it is VERY important to get as many prerequisites and the two exams I mentioned out of the way before you enroll. Also, another option for you to check out is straighterline.com they do offer several courses you will need and you get pay $39 per course when you use the $99 a month subscription. This a cheap easy way to get credit while leading a busy life. This is just another alternative along with CLEP so you have other options to research. One other thing, stay in touch, you will find a wealth of information from many posters here. ONE last thing....STAY AWAY from RUE, and The College Network. They will try to tell you the only way to get an LPN to RN education is through them......this is just not true. Your degree will still come from Excelsior(I know you didn't ask for that info but it seems everyone eventually migrates to that)

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Cardiology, Gerontology, Occ. Health.

I'm also starting from scratch! One thing I need to mention: Excelsior doesn't even accept the English CLEP test! I'm taking most of my prereqs in the form of Excelsior tests. I'm spending my 1st year on prereqs and then I'll enroll next year and do the nursing portion. I'm not in a huge hurry, I can't leave town to do my CPNE until my 7 month old is finished with breastfeeding. :)

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Specializes in 6 Years Hematology and Oncology.

Does anyone have a study guide for Transitions exam?? Dummy me registered for exam but no class is formed as of yet....thanks in advance for any help and or suggestions! :D

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I would take as many of the general ed classes as possible in your local community college to transfer in before applying to EC. You will save enrollment time and money that way. Enrollment time will be spent completing the nursing portion and not wasted on general ed requirements, and you will be less likely to spend as much in yearly admin fees.

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