I am new here.I am an LPN and interested in taking the next step to become an RN. I am thinking about to enroll in the ADN program through Excelsior College.I talked to College Network about it today.But I am still kind of skeptical about the program. Therefore, I like to hear you guys experience and maybe advices. How long did it take you guys to finish the program? Thanks for your help.
Tallahassee, just got my LPN License on the 23rd of last month and I have a two year degree with almost every nursing pre-req out there, I was asking questions because I was considering giving this program a shot. Where in Florida do you live?
I have read other reviews that state that EC will try to purposely fail you during your clinical test. I am super interested in the program...but it is a lot of money. I just need to make sure it is worth the expense.
So how does paying for Excelsior work? Do you pay up front for the tests and stuff and the can be reimbursed by financial aide?? I know the initial $75 fee will come out of my pocket, but I am wondering about everything else. I don't have that kind of cash up front.
So how does paying for Excelsior work? Do you pay up front for the tests and stuff and the can be reimbursed by financial aide?? I know the initial $75 fee will come out of my pocket, but I am wondering about everything else. I don't have that kind of cash up front.
Unfortunately the ADN program is not eligible for Federal Aid... after you pay the $75, you can take the first two nursing exams. They cost $250 a peice and I know that you can make payments on them but you can't take the exam until it's paid in full. After that you have to pay the enrollment fee which is $895, which I did in payment plan of something like $119 x 6 but my EC scholarship paid my last 2 payments :-)
They have another scholarship period coming in August, so that may be helpful to you, just make sure after you enroll you resubmit your FAFSA with the Excelsior school code on it.
If you qualify for a scholarship you will only receive it once a year. So if you get a scholarship in August you have to wait til the following August to be eligible again. The most I've heard is someone getting $500 for the whole year. So if you need more assistance paying for school than look at other options.
If you qualify for a scholarship you will only receive it once a year. So if you get a scholarship in August you have to wait til the following August to be eligible again. The most I've heard is someone getting $500 for the whole year. So if you need more assistance paying for school than look at other options.
Not necessarily, because the Excelsior school year ends and starts in July. So your FAFSA from last year is good until July. Your FAFSA for this year is good starting in July for the 11-12 school year. I got a scholarship disbursement for April which has to be used by June 30th, and because I will be CPNE eligible in August, when the new school year starts in July, I am eligible again.
The thing is that EC does not give you a check, the scholarship goes right back to EC once they issue it--so you won't get $$ in the bank, they might say we'll pay for your next two exams, or we'll pay for your graduation fee. I believe it has to do w/where you are in the program and your specific need at the time.
I spoke to someone named Valerie who was so, so, so nice and super helpful!!! She personally called me at home, talked to me about where I was in the program, listened to me cry about having no money, answered my 200 questions and then pulled up my info offered to scholarship the rest of my enrollment fee. I am so grateful for her!!! :-)
The word is, DON'T DO IT." Nearly all employers frown heavily on Excelsior graduates and will NOT hire them. I know for a fact that certain states, including California, won't grant you a nursing license if you went through this mickey mouse program.
There is nothing "mickey mouse" about the EC program, which is NLNAC-accredited. As an EC grad, I can attest that it requires a lot of effort and motivation to finish. However, it is not for everyone, and it is true that it is not accepted in some states. Do employers look down on it? Sure, if they take it at face value -- after all, how can nurses learn to be nurses online? However, once a manager gains an understanding of the program -- that it is only for people who are already healthcare providers of certain types who have had clinicals and experience -- that it makes more sense, especially when you throw in the rigorous and demanding clinical exam at the end. Say what you will about EC, but I know some excellent nurses who are EC grads.
"Do employers look down on it? Sure, if they take it at face value." You said it yourself. Look. No offense whatsoever. Personally, I won't have an issue with an Excelsior nurse taking care of me. I know the clinical exams are demanding. In fact, they are very, very hard to pass. Still, employers will learn where you obtained your degree by way of your interview and resume. It's unavoidable. The bottom line is that it's especially hard for newer Excelsior grads to gain employment. As I factually said. Some states won't even grant you a license if you go this route. Sure, if you have several years of experience, a particular employer "may" be willing to overlook the fact that you got your RN through Excelsior. Believe me. It initially sounded like a good program. Then I did a little investigating which included talking to various hospital department heads. Comparatively speaking, when it comes to landing jobs, Excelsior grads will always be at disadvantage compared to those who went the traditional route, i.e. though a universally accepted program. You can get your license, in most states, but simply being NLNAC-accredited doesn't mean hospital X will hire or even look at you.
I didn't take offense -- EC grads tend to end up with a thick skin in this regard -- although I do disagree with your assessment of EC's program as "mickey mouse." I do hope you found a program that fit your needs. :)
Thank you for being open-minded, LunahRN. In the future, I will forego the phrase mickey mouse. Perhaps "questionable" would have been a more appropriate description? In any case, I hope 2011 is treating you well.
I have never had a prospective employer inquire about my education, nor have I heard of EC graduates having more of a hard time getting employment. EC graduates who have a hard time getting employment more than likely are encountering individuals who have a personal bias. It is not the norm, since most employers are only concerned that a person has a valid nursing license and nursing experience. The same criteria is in place for EC graduates as well as graduates of other nursing programs.
lizzyreg
119 Posts
Tallahassee, just got my LPN License on the 23rd of last month and I have a two year degree with almost every nursing pre-req out there, I was asking questions because I was considering giving this program a shot. Where in Florida do you live?