HEY EVERYONE,
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
IS ANYONE OUT THERE TAKING MICRO? DO YOU FIND IT HARD, OR DID YOU IF YOU HAVE TAKEN IT? IT HAS 41 CHAPTERS, AND I NEED ENCOURAGEMENT TO GET THRU IT.
LOVE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE OUT THERE THAT IS IN THE COLLEGE NETWORK.
I signed up for the College Network about 3 years ago with a friend of mine. Not one of us touched a book:( . I have about 15 books collecting dust. I really wish I can get into it but I don't find it "easy reading" like they said. I started Sociology & read about 1/2 chapter about a year & a half ago. I really should get into it. How are you doing with it?
-Jen
If you have any ideas on how I can get myself going, I would be really happy to hear them.
What is the College Network?? Is it and online program. How much is it (if you dont mind me asking). I am going to a vocational school to get my LVN right now and....wow...its expensive $26000+ for one year. I have taken micro. The only adivice I can give to you is stay up on the reading. It was not one of the easiest classes I have taken, but you can get through it. It was as difficult to me as physiolgy was. Let me know if you have any questions I did end up passing it with a lot of work. Does it have a lab with it? Its actually a very interesting class...kinda scary some of the things that they talk about. GOOD LUCK!!
rmccormick, I just looked into the college network. I am an lpn, but I also have my BS from another area. So, you had to only take a few courses to get your RN? I was told by a perspective employer I should take a refresher course inLPN. I might as well get my BSN, it will probably take the same amount of time, am I right in my thinking? It will definitely cost more though. I have been a stay at home mom for the last 8 years, and am thinking of getting back into nursing soon, and trying to do my best option. Please respond your advice. Thanks so much, amy
Dear Amylpn,
I Would Have Taken The Lpn To Bsn But, I Wanted To Get My Assoc. First , Work Make Some Money And Then Take The Rest. With College Network, It Would Take Me 1 Yr To Get My Assoc. And Then Go Back And Get My Batcholors Degree - Taking Me 1 Yr. Then My Masters Taking Me Additional 1 Yr. If I Didnt Need To Get Ahead In My Current Job, So Many Opportunites For Rns Out There, Then I Would Have Gone On.
But If You Can Do It, I Would. There Is Much Discipline In Studing, You Ask My Husband. I Study About 2-3 Hours Everynight.
Email Back If Any More Questions, Or If You Happen To Get Started With It..would Be Curious On How Long They Say It Would Take You.
I just recently signed up for college network few weeks ago. I am currently working full time and going to school at my local community college but as soon as I am done with this semester, i will start doing the college network study modules. does anyone out there have a success doing this lvn to bsn course via ISU? i want to know so at least i have inspiration. i have seconds thought sometimes wether i want to get my rn undergraduate level through community college or lvn to bsn through college network/idiana state university (ISU). please, i need some advice!!!
Hi. I'm new to this site. I'm interested to see how everyone who's posted and using the College network is comming along since the begining of this thread? I am waiting for my books. I've been an LPN for 27 years. They tell me my college credits from over the last 20 some-odd years will transfer. I have to take A&P 1 and 2 and micro though. I'm kindo of nerdy and love to read so I hope I can pull this off. Please tell me how you all are making out with the program 4 months later?
Thanks,
Debbie
:)
i met with a rep today, im in california and they no longer will accept asn. im currently thru excelsiors and doing grat im seriously wanting to do it. is it working and is it ok in california???
So are you saying that College Network does not offer LPN to ADN? Only LPN to BSN? I am looking for an accredited on line program where I can get my ADN. I am currently an LVN. Any thoughts?
I'm completely new here and wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing the TCN-ISU-SSU LVN-BSN program in Modesto, CA area and was wondering if anyone was doing the program in CA. I'm just working on my prereqs. right now. I started with TCN with at least 30 credits. I've tested out of Fresh College Eng and Tech Writing and working on completing Ethics and Life Span Development in the next month. It's incrediably hard to find others in CA who are studying on their own. Another LVN I worked with dumped TCN/ISU/SSU when she failed her first test and got on with University of Pheonix here. They started a LVN-BSN program that costs $62k after she's done. She's got virtually no credits. Anyways, I know TCN is alittle expensive and doesn't do any degree granting but I figured I'd give it a try on my own. It will cost me about $24K when I'm done with everything. I'm curious to know if anyone knows what Sonoma State University's approved clinical facilities were? They're the ones contracting with ISU to get the CA BSN clinical requirements. I would be curious to know if anyone is in the same program me?! Thanks!
Let me warn you all, please, AVOID the college network. I joined over 4 years ago and I still don't have my RN. I have been lied to and drained financially. They lie in the seminar. The "study guides" do not prepare you for the tests. I had to buy additional study materials. The college does not endorse them. Once you finally enroll in the college there is a long waiting period for clincial, while you continue to pay annual fees. I wish I had never done this program. Please, take my advice and don't sign up. You'll regret it.
Lady m, I'm thinking about starting the college network for the lvn-bsn with ISU. I have a co-worker that just started and she's happy with the decision she made. She still doing the general ed. classes though. Just think, $24,000 is much cheaper than $62,000. Good luck and stay focused. It beats waiting 3-4 years at a j.c. for an Associates.
I would not go with any quote the College Network reps give. They gave me a quote that ended up almost tripling. They didn't even tell me about one course I had to take (I found out later from Excelsior) so that was added on to the total, along with the colleges yearly fee, almost $500 per year. They don't tell you it's a yearly fee. From what they put on my paper it appears it is a one time fee. But as long as your are enrolled, you will pay it, or you won't be enrolled. The clinical waiting period adds even more, because you are still enrolled while you are waiting. Keep in mind also, any test that is failed has to be paid for again.
Believe me, they don't tell you about all of the hidden costs. They fail to tell you about the waiting period for the clinical portion of the exam (given by the college) that starts after the required coursework is complete. If you ask them why they didn't tell you, they claim they have "no control" over what the college does. In other words, they lie to the student by omitting that information. By the way, the colleges want the entire clinical fee upfront, regardless of how long you wait to take the exam. I asked them why students have to wait. They said they didn't have enough instructors. It would have been nice to know this tidbit before I signed up.
The college network also claims to care and to help you. Don't believe it. Once they make sure you are paying your loan you will not hear from them. They could care less. They did not call me or contact me, even after my tests. If you contact them they are little or no help. They are dishonest. I just don't want others to find out the hard way, like I did. I regret not researching it better or talking to others. I talked to someone I worked with who said the clincial is very hard to pass. I read something another nurse said, saying that first time students had a 50% failure rate. Yet another nurse I talked to said that they fail students in order to make money. I wish I had talked to these people 4 years ago.
Hi. I joined the college network. I have to take 8 classes including nursing.
Maybe it's just my experience but the person who came to my house to speak with me was very honest about everything so far including all costs and the fact that there are yearly charges.
I have called TCN several times and always had prompt, encouraging responses. I've even called them re: study tips and they were quite helpful.
Unfortunately, I can not say the same for Excelsior, or it's test site, Pearson Vue. It took me almost a month after paying for the 1st test to get a test date! I'm hoping the next 7 tests will go smoother.
I knew this wasn't going to be easy. Let's face it, self study isn't for everyone. I will do whatever it takes or costs to see this through.
Hello.
The problem for me was not self study. I was easily motivated. I studied on breaks at work, and could be found at a local resturaunt with my study guides studying while eating. My husband helped quiz me, etc.
The problem was that the study guides did not properly prepare me for the test. When I took the test I found that there were questions about things not covered in the study guide. The study guide either didn't cover it or was too vague. Not to brag, but it's not that I'm stupid either. I had high scores in LPN school. I got the highest score in a class of 24 students on the dreaded Endocrine system test, missing only one question. I passed the boards the first time. Once I started using other materials for the tests I was able to pass, but it was hard because I had to cover a lot to make sure I didn't miss anything. Read what Excelsior says about the College Network on their site. That was a rude awakening for me.
Have you taken any tests yet?
The College Network was dishonest with me, and far from helpful. Did they tell you that there is a 6-7 month (or more) waiting period for clinical? And you can't get on that waiting list until after you complete the course work? Did they tell you that Excelsior raises it's prices at regular intervals, and that they charge a high annual fee to stay enrolled? Did they mention the computer course you have to take?
I don't mean to be negative, but I truly regret taking this program. Yep, there is waiting to take the tests. Oh, and Kern schools will contact you regularly about selling your name. You have to sign something periodically and mail it to them or they will sale your name. The greed never ends.
Ashley Anne wrote:What is the College Network?? Is it and online program. How much is it (if you dont mind me asking). I am going to a vocational school to get my LVN right now and....wow...its expensive $26000+ for one year. I have taken micro. The only adivice I can give to you is stay up on the reading. It was not one of the easiest classes I have taken, but you can get through it. It was as difficult to me as physiolgy was. Let me know if you have any questions I did end up passing it with a lot of work. Does it have a lab with it? Its actually a very interesting class...kinda scary some of the things that they talk about. GOOD LUCK!!
Ashley Anne,
I know it's been quite awhile, but are you saying that it cost you 26,000 dollars to go to LPN school?
I really can't complain about TCN. I just passed NC1 and although it was not easy I didn't see anything that wasn't covered in the book. I would say that you need to know the book from cover to cover and make sure you have the updated version.
I was lucky that the person I signed up with was honest about everything with me including the wait for CPNE and comp class. I was told to get my nursing done and can take electives while waiting. Also, I spoke with someone at excelsior and was told you if all classes are complete you can have the yearly admission fee waived while waiting for the CPNE.
Christiangal wrote:Let me warn you all, please, AVOID the college network. I joined over 4 years ago and I still don't have my RN. I have been lied to and drained financially. They lie in the seminar. The "study guides" do not prepare you for the tests. I had to buy additional study materials. The college does not endorse them. Once you finally enroll in the college there is a long waiting period for clincial, while you continue to pay annual fees. I wish I had never done this program. Please, take my advice and don't sign up. You'll regret it.
Thank you! Finally, someone is being honest. I have been trying to figure out if this program is any good, but there is no way of telling.
Christiangal wrote:I would not go with any quote the College Network reps give. They gave me a quote that ended up almost tripling. They didn't even tell me about one course I had to take (I found out later from Excelsior) so that was added on to the total, along with the colleges yearly fee, almost $500 per year. They don't tell you it's a yearly fee. From what they put on my paper it appears it is a one time fee. But as long as your are enrolled, you will pay it, or you won't be enrolled. The clinical waiting period adds even more, because you are still enrolled while you are waiting. Keep in mind also, any test that is failed has to be paid for again.
Believe me, they don't tell you about all of the hidden costs. They fail to tell you about the waiting period for the clinical portion of the exam (given by the college) that starts after the required coursework is complete. If you ask them why they didn't tell you, they claim they have "no control" over what the college does. In other words, they lie to the student by omitting that information. By the way, the colleges want the entire clinical fee upfront, regardless of how long you wait to take the exam. I asked them why students have to wait. They said they didn't have enough instructors. It would have been nice to know this tidbit before I signed up.
The college network also claims to care and to help you. Don't believe it. Once they make sure you are paying your loan you will not hear from them. They could care less. They did not call me or contact me, even after my tests. If you contact them they are little or no help. They are dishonest. I just don't want others to find out the hard way, like I did. I regret not researching it better or talking to others. I talked to someone I worked with who said the clincial is very hard to pass. I read something another nurse said, saying that first time students had a 50% failure rate. Yet another nurse I talked to said that they fail students in order to make money. I wish I had talked to these people 4 years ago.
This is not fair. After all, we work hard for our money.
Christiangal wrote:Hello.
The problem for me was not self study. I was easily motivated. I studied on breaks at work, and could be found at a local resturaunt with my study guides studying while eating. My husband helped quiz me, etc.
The problem was that the study guides did not properly prepare me for the test. When I took the test I found that there were questions about things not covered in the study guide. The study guide either didn't cover it or was too vague. Not to brag, but it's not that I'm stupid either. I had high scores in LPN school. I got the highest score in a class of 24 students on the dreaded Endocrine system test, missing only one question. I passed the boards the first time. Once I started using other materials for the tests I was able to pass, but it was hard because I had to cover a lot to make sure I didn't miss anything. Read what Excelsior says about the College Network on their site. That was a rude awakening for me.
Have you taken any tests yet?
The College Network was dishonest with me, and far from helpful. Did they tell you that there is a 6-7 month (or more) waiting period for clinical? And you can't get on that waiting list until after you complete the course work? Did they tell you that Excelsior raises it's prices at regular intervals, and that they charge a high annual fee to stay enrolled? Did they mention the computer course you have to take?
I don't mean to be negative, but I truly regret taking this program. Yep, there is waiting to take the tests. Oh, and Kern schools will contact you regularly about selling your name. You have to sign something periodically and mail it to them or they will sale your name. The greed never ends.
I'm sorry that you had to go through that. I guess I'll stick to getting my education at Florida International University.
Christiangal wrote:Hello.
The problem for me was not self study. I was easily motivated. I studied on breaks at work, and could be found at a local resturaunt with my study guides studying while eating. My husband helped quiz me, etc.
The problem was that the study guides did not properly prepare me for the test. When I took the test I found that there were questions about things not covered in the study guide. The study guide either didn't cover it or was too vague. Not to brag, but it's not that I'm stupid either. I had high scores in LPN school. I got the highest score in a class of 24 students on the dreaded Endocrine system test, missing only one question. I passed the boards the first time. Once I started using other materials for the tests I was able to pass, but it was hard because I had to cover a lot to make sure I didn't miss anything. Read what Excelsior says about the College Network on their site. That was a rude awakening for me.
Have you taken any tests yet?
The College Network was dishonest with me, and far from helpful. Did they tell you that there is a 6-7 month (or more) waiting period for clinical? And you can't get on that waiting list until after you complete the course work? Did they tell you that Excelsior raises it's prices at regular intervals, and that they charge a high annual fee to stay enrolled? Did they mention the computer course you have to take?
I don't mean to be negative, but I truly regret taking this program. Yep, there is waiting to take the tests. Oh, and Kern schools will contact you regularly about selling your name. You have to sign something periodically and mail it to them or they will sale your name. The greed never ends.
Just go on Ebay and purchase the study guides from Distance Learning. Also, purchase the notes and questions.
Christiangal wrote:Hello.
The problem for me was not self study. I was easily motivated. I studied on breaks at work, and could be found at a local resturaunt with my study guides studying while eating. My husband helped quiz me, etc.
The problem was that the study guides did not properly prepare me for the test. When I took the test I found that there were questions about things not covered in the study guide. The study guide either didn't cover it or was too vague. Not to brag, but it's not that I'm stupid either. I had high scores in LPN school. I got the highest score in a class of 24 students on the dreaded Endocrine system test, missing only one question. I passed the boards the first time. Once I started using other materials for the tests I was able to pass, but it was hard because I had to cover a lot to make sure I didn't miss anything. Read what Excelsior says about the College Network on their site. That was a rude awakening for me.
Have you taken any tests yet?
The College Network was dishonest with me, and far from helpful. Did they tell you that there is a 6-7 month (or more) waiting period for clinical? And you can't get on that waiting list until after you complete the course work? Did they tell you that Excelsior raises it's prices at regular intervals, and that they charge a high annual fee to stay enrolled? Did they mention the computer course you have to take?
I don't mean to be negative, but I truly regret taking this program. Yep, there is waiting to take the tests. Oh, and Kern schools will contact you regularly about selling your name. You have to sign something periodically and mail it to them or they will sale your name. The greed never ends.
Try Distance Learning Systems. They have class one day a week. They also tell you about the computer class. They might the most honest thus far.
Wanted to follow up with what I've been doing and to reply the messages. Yes, I do believe TCN is alittle pricey and most of the books do prepare you for the test. I have passed Fresh Eng Comp w/essay (hard!), Tech Writing, and Ethics (hard, hard, hard!!). I have to retake Amer Hist2 (but that book that TCN supplies is right on the mark with the test), and I'm sched to take World Religions the 1st week of August. I had to purchase Lisa Arends CD on Ebay to suppliment Ethics book to pass it. You can in a sense purchase all of your prereqs TCN books on ebay if you're sauvy in getting what you need in the preqs for ISU from the TCN rep. Guess I could've have done it that way but I wanted the up-to-date versions. The TCN agreement is quite extensive and it does say what is priced and when and what and exactly when you can get into ISU. There's NOTHING omitted on those documents that you sign. I read the entire fine prints and all fees that were due. You can not enter ISU until you have finished ALL required prereqs. You cannot do ISU/SSU clinicals (CA requires 495 hours) until ALL 4 NURSING MODULES ARE COMPLETED thru ISU. And ISU has more online classes during clinicals that are required. It is all there in black and white. I'm not saying I'm supporting TCN, but in CA there's nothing here that is on-line or self study that really supports LVNs becoming RNs. Everything is so traditional here, jcs waiting lists and lotteries and there are even now LVNs going abroad (Phillippines) just to get into schools by private pay. It's happening here especially. CA RN boards makes it so hard for CA residents just to become RNs and the CA RN boards are trying to get rid of all LVNs its a no-win circle for LVNs. But here I am trying. I hope that helps everyone.
To anyone that is interested in the College Network please learn from my very costly mistake and don't do it!!! I signed up about a year ago after I graduated PN school. At that time CA was the only state that would not accept your licensure through this program. No big deal to me since I don't plan on living in CA. My husband is active duty military and we currently live in MO but are planning a move to IL in about 9 months (where we are originally from and where our family resides). Since then I completed two tests and was working on my third when I recently visited the College Network website and found out several more states will not accept your licensure through College Network including IL. And of course they claim they can't help what the state board of nursing decides so I can't get out of my contract. So I am paying a lot of money for absolutely nothing. My prediction is that within a few years no states will accept this program, so if you're doing it you better hurry up and if you're thinking about doing it forget about it!
Boy, there is another thing I didn't know about. I am a fellow victim of The College Network. You can read my posts and warnings in this thread. The degree comes from Excelsior College. Is that what your state will not accept?
I have heard so many negative comments about The College Network and Excelsior. I wonder why more nurses don't warn other nurses or complain more. It seems they've been ripping students off for many years now. You'd be amazed at how much worse it gets once you enroll in the college. Of course, TCN never bothers to inform you of the hidden fees. I regret doing this program, and just to thank them for their dishonesty I plan on spreading the word and warning other nurses.
Check out some consumer web sites. You will see other dissatisfied people there. I wish I had researched it more.
I have not heard one person here mention that The College Network is not a actual school, but a publishing company. They do not offer degrees and are not affiliated with Excelsior at all. It is very sad how so many people want to continue their education and get caught up in mess like this.:)
I know that the College Network is only a publishing company, but they often start the ball rolling which leads to Excelsior College. Excelsior College is not connected with them, unlike what the College Network leads you to believe. However, they are scam artists just like The College Network. They failed me at the clinical for some minor charting thing they pulled out of the air. They failed a lot of people at the labs. But the billing dept works fine, and they offer you another chance to take the clinicals. Of course, you have to cough up serious cash to do it.
People get "caught up" in it, as you say, because they don't know they are dealing with liars, for one, and for another, not enough nurses will go out and tell other nurses to avoid it. Nurses don't stick together that way, that is why the profession suffers. I am out here warning others, and I will continue to warn others as much as I can.
See, the program does pass some students, and some will say good things about it. That makes it hard to judge. You can't tell if someone is just mad over failing or if they are accurate. But I can tell you from talking to others and doing in depth research, and my own person experience, that both the The College Network and Excelsior College are scam artists.
I am a LPN...looking to do an at home study or online college for my RN...I have a friend who just signed up for TCN...after reading some of these posts, I'm not sure if thats the route for me. Anyone out there with any suggestions for me...I am looking for people who have taken this route & were successful. The classroom is not an option for me at this time...I am diciplined enough to complete a program online or through home study. I just don't want to be taken advantage of financially & get envolved in something that is never going to end.
AUC wrote:I am a LPN...looking to do an at home study or online college for my RN...I have a friend who just signed up for TCN...after reading some of these posts, I'm not sure if thats the route for me. Anyone out there with any suggestions for me...I am looking for people who have taken this route & were successful. The classroom is not an option for me at this time...I am diciplined enough to complete a program online or through home study. I just don't want to be taken advantage of financially & get envolved in something that is never going to end.
I wouldn't do it if I were you. Once you enroll in the college you will be charged a yearly enrollment rate, along with tons of other fees, and they go up on a regular basis. TCN lied to me. The total cost was three times what they quoted. They completely left out one course I had to take. All they care about is "sign up, sign up" and once you do, you'll be paying a long time, in more ways than one. You have to go take the test at a testing center, you can't take it at home. Keep that in mind. Also, you will have to travel for the clinical unless you live near one of the few sites, and it is strict pass/fail, with insane expectations so that it is subjective and you can easily be failed. I'm not talking about normal, safe, nursing expectations. I'm talking about any reason they can find to fail you. Think about it, the incentive is there for Excelsior because you can't take the clinical until the academic portion is completed, and you can't get your degree until you pass this way overpriced test, which includes no instruction, only your performance. If you want any study help with anything other than a book, it will cost you big time. If you attend a conference you will have to travel to it and pay a lot of money, on top of what you paid for the test, which was almost $2,000 when I took it. I have ran into a few nurses who had problems with TCN and Excelsior as well. My advice is don't do it. But you have to decide for yourself. Good luck either way.
Decisions about your education are very important and can often be difficult and confusing. There are many educational options and an overwhelming amount of information to sort through, interpret, and use when it comes to furthering your education. It is important that you make a well-informed decision that suits your lifestyle, educational needs, and your budget. With so much information, it is often easy to become confused or misinformed. That is why The College Network always provides free academic evaluations and highly recommends you research all of your options. We also know questions will surface along the path to your degree, which is why we are always available to work with our customers.
The College Network wrote:Decisions about your education are very important and can often be difficult and confusing. There are many educational options and an overwhelming amount of information to sort through, interpret, and use when it comes to furthering your education. It is important that you make a well-informed decision that suits your lifestyle, educational needs, and your budget. With so much information, it is often easy to become confused or misinformed. That is why The College Network always provides free academic evaluations and highly recommends you research all of your options. We also know questions will surface along the path to your degree, which is why we are always available to work with our customers.
This is a typical response from the College Network and Excelsior. If things go wrong, it must be the student's fault. It couldn't possibly be theirs. They will say the student is confused or they didn't pick the right program or they didn't give it their all. However, I can easily prove I was lied to in the seminar with my paperwork. They left one entire course out, they told me my previous credits would be accepted (they were not) they claim if you pass the test in the back of their textbook you will pass the acutal exam, and several other things I found out were not true. They don't tell you that Excelsiors fees go up on a regular basis and that some of them are repeated yearly. The figure they gave me for what my education would cost and what I actually paid are worlds apart, with the latter being far higher. At the seminar they have to sign students up I was hesitant when the high pressure salesman was practically salivating over the table for a check to start the program with (he said if you wait it will take a long time to get your first book). My husband encouraged me, and I really wanted my RN. How I wish I had done what another nurse in the room did. She was suspicous as well and she left without signing up, despite his pressure. One of the reasons I went in the first place was that the card I got in the mail advertised clincials in your hometown. However, when I got there I was told that was for RN to BSN only, not LPN to RN.
As for their so called "availablity" for their students, they hung up on me once, and when I complained about the course they left out, I was asked to fax my paper from the conference for proof because they did not believe me. When I did and it showed I was telling the truth I asked what they planned to do about it. I got silence. What's it to them? It's me that has to dish out another outrageous fee, not them.
I think they are interested in one thing only, money. I never even heard from them after 3 months. They don't call to see how you're doing, or even when you finish the academic portion, or how your clinical went. Once they have your money, they don't care about anything else; that was my experience.
I met with a representative of The College Network today, 3-20-2007, I was obviously a scam form the first word. He treated me like a off the street junkie from word one even though I have been a paramedic for over 5 years now. I asked him specific questions that he had no direct answers for. Instead he referred be back to the great "benefits" of the program. When he attempted to get me to sign the gauranteed finicial agreement at 12% I asked about the highlighted statement at the bottom of the page....."The College Network is in no way affiliated the Excelsior College." At this point in time he informed me that the listed Excelsoir College charges were outside The College Network Charges. He then informed me of the additional 6,000 dollars in College Newtork charges at the 12% interest rate. I advised him I would not take the high interst rate and would look into my own finances. He was on a bee line out the door! I asked him a question, a loaded question, reference to Excelsior being accepted in my state. He then stumbled and gave me an "addendum" that stated I would have to test out of state then request endorsement by my home state to be reviewed to become licensed in my home state. Watch this scam and ask the questions.... They will become uneasy and leave you "with information to call them back." Do your research here.
fyrefyter14 wrote:I met with a representative of The College Network today, 3-20-2007, I was obviously a scam form the first word. He treated me like a off the street junkie from word one even though I have been a paramedic for over 5 years now. I asked him specific questions that he had no direct answers for. Instead he referred be back to the great "benefits" of the program. When he attempted to get me to sign the gauranteed finicial agreement at 12% I asked about the highlighted statement at the bottom of the page....."The College Network is in no way affiliated the Excelsior College." At this point in time he informed me that the listed Excelsoir College charges were outside The College Network Charges. He then informed me of the additional 6,000 dollars in College Newtork charges at the 12% interest rate. I advised him I would not take the high interst rate and would look into my own finances. He was on a bee line out the door! I asked him a question, a loaded question, reference to Excelsior being accepted in my state. He then stumbled and gave me an "addendum" that stated I would have to test out of state then request endorsement by my home state to be reviewed to become licensed in my home state. Watch this scam and ask the questions.... They will become uneasy and leave you "with information to call them back." Do your research here.
I think you mean '08. : ) Nothing you said surprises me. Their goal is to get you to sign so that they get money. FYI, Excelsior College isn't any better. They raise their prices regularly, and I found most of the clinical instructors (examiners, I should say, they don't let you call them instructors because they don't give you any instruction) to be unprofessional. I heard from someone that they got into trouble because they failed too many students in clinical. I think this happened in the 90's sometime. I think they're back to their old tricks. I was in clinical with a girl who had just been told that her state no longer accepted Excelsior credits, and she said they took so long to send her the study guide for clinical that she had no time to study. The whole time you are enrolled at Excelsior there are fees, and getting them on the phone means a maze of "press one" "press two" and usually long waits, you know the game. But when you owe you're annual enrollment fee, or any money, you will be contacted via mail and/or email every time you turn around until it's paid. I just wish I had done a better job investigating. I'm glad that you did. You don't realize how much grief and money you saved yourself.
Let me begin by saying that I work for The College Network but I certainly do not present our programs the way it has been described here. In fact, most Program Advisors I know really have the welfare of the person in mind when they meet with them.
Several members have been unhappy with online programs in general. That is really unfortunate and I wish that wasn't the case for them. There are several that are happily making progress in their programs - I know because I ask them, if they don't mind, to call me after they take their exams. They all happily call and tell me they passed! :)
This isn't about one student is better than the other. It is about which mode of learning are you most comfortable with. Like the moderator Rica indicated in her post in 2007, some of us need to be in classrooms. But keep in mind, we meet quite a number of LPNs who did the classroom route, and they didn't complete that program either.
Having said that, I know there are several LPNs who are left with no choice but to do distance learning because of circumstances. Full time jobs (at times 2 jobs!) and a family. And yet they yearn to be an RN because it is fulfilling financially and psychologically. In my last presentation with LPNs two days ago, I emphasized the fact that online programs aren't for everyone, that it is challenging and there will be times when you will be tempted to hang the hat. However, one of the LPNs stood up and said the following: The obstacles are just ways to prove to yourself how much do you really want something! I asked her if I can quote her in my future presentations.
So, if becoming an RN is something you truly want - believe that it is yours. You manifest it in your life. Don't rush into making decisions. Test it out yourself and see if you can do distance learning by reading a novel (preferably a boring one) and see if you can stick to a self-imposed schedule. If you do your due diligence, you are likely to make good decisions. And remember - You become what you think about most. Think you are an RN, and you will soon be one!
successfulintentions wrote:Let me begin by saying that I work for The College Network but I certainly do not present our programs the way it has been described here. In fact, most Program Advisors I know really have the welfare of the person in mind when they meet with them.
Several members have been unhappy with online programs in general. That is really unfortunate and I wish that wasn't the case for them. There are several that are happily making progress in their programs - I know because I ask them, if they don't mind, to call me after they take their exams. They all happily call and tell me they passed! :)
This isn't about one student is better than the other. It is about which mode of learning are you most comfortable with. Like the moderator Rica indicated in her post in 2007, some of us need to be in classrooms. But keep in mind, we meet quite a number of LPNs who did the classroom route, and they didn't complete that program either.
Having said that, I know there are several LPNs who are left with no choice but to do distance learning because of circumstances. Full time jobs (at times 2 jobs!) and a family. And yet they yearn to be an RN because it is fulfilling financially and psychologically. In my last presentation with LPNs two days ago, I emphasized the fact that online programs aren't for everyone, that it is challenging and there will be times when you will be tempted to hang the hat. However, one of the LPNs stood up and said the following: The obstacles are just ways to prove to yourself how much do you really want something! I asked her if I can quote her in my future presentations.
So, if becoming an RN is something you truly want - believe that it is yours. You manifest it in your life. Don't rush into making decisions. Test it out yourself and see if you can do distance learning by reading a novel (preferably a boring one) and see if you can stick to a self-imposed schedule. If you do your due diligence, you are likely to make good decisions. And remember - You become what you think about most. Think you are an RN, and you will soon be one!
Take care . . . . .
Oh I should be a RN, but Excelsior makes more money when they fail students in clinical (for nothing) and ask them to cough up another $2,000 plus to retake clinical. After the unprofessional attitudes I dealt with I'd rather be a LPN the rest of my life than give them another dime.
I will say it again. This is a typical response from The College Network. It's not their fault, it's the student fault. The student wasn't motivated, the student needs a classroom, blah blah. I was very motivated and I studied hard. I discovered that The College Network study guides did not cover the material fully, so I used other materials in order to pass the tests, and I did pass them. When I complained to TCN I was hung up on. No one was "caring" about anything other than my money. Once they got that I was never contacted for support or anything. Trust me people, The College Network and Excelsior College care about one thing: your money. They don't care if you pass or not; they don't care about your future. If you don't believe me, enroll and you'll find out. You may be one of the lucky ones who passes, but I've talked to more people who didn't, and who were not happy with the study guides or with Excelsior College, and the money and time they wasted. I only wish someone had warned me about it.
I appreciate the kind words, but I think you just want to put a postive spin on it because you make money from TCN. There is nothing postive about it for those of us who've been taken advantage of. I wish I'd never gone to that seminar.
I would have to disagree with what you said about me, which is kinda personal and so untrue. And you don't even know me. But I understand. I want you to know that I did not put a positive spin to this because this is how I make a living. I did so because how else can you motivate others to just keep going? But even if I were to stick to your premise - I guess all motivational speakers out there - Tony Robbins, Bob Proctor, Jack Canfield , etc - these individuals whose efforts and words have inspired thousands - they are just doing it to make money, right? I don't claim to be like them - but I do aspire to. I hope that each time I meet with someone, I would at least have inspired them to just keep going. Be it with TCN, or not.
Anyway, I am not discounting your experience. I can only imagine how frustrated you are. I hope you will not stop going for your RN degree. There are still options available.
I did not intend to put you down. I'm just describing my experience and the sort of responses I have received from TCN and Excelsior. I'm past frustration. There was plenty of that during the program. Whether TCN didn't tell me about a course I had to take or Excelsior was raising their prices yet again, there was often a reason to be frustrated. But I pressed on and continued to have hope. I made excellent grades in LPN school and was often told I should be a RN. I had good evaluations at work. So I had confidence in my abilty and I definitely had the desire to be a RN. But there were always obstacles, and they were put up by the very people who had promised to help me and who were happily taking my money. I was failed for a bogus reason, and because I have a disability, which was met with disgust by Excelsior College instructors, who treated me differently. So I pretty much don't have any hope, and I wish I had never done this program. It cost me a lot of money, and it took my dream away. If I were standing before God right now I could say with confidence that I did everything possible, and that I am a good nurse, and that I was mistreated because I have a disability.
Hi all,
I am also an lpn enrolled with Excelsior studying for my rn. I need some very much needed advice about buying books. I am presently using the ones recommended from the college, but would like to buy something a bit more condensed that will prepare me for the tests. Using the books that Excelsior college recommends does prepare you well for the tests, but there is a tremendous amount of reading to do. I am hoping to find books from some other sources:confused:, such as the college network thats a bit more condensed but I fear that they may not prepare me enough for the tests. I have yet to see anyone state that they have passed a nursing concept using books from other sources other than what Excelsior recommends. Has anyone easily passed a test using other material? Please help! I am getting little sleep trying to finish nsg. concepts 3.
I just got my LPN license & am realizing there isn't too much out there for LPNs anymore. I want to go back to get my RN but I want to stay away from the College Network. Any advice on how to do that?
I signed up with TCN 2 years ago, but working full time plus (60-80 hours a week) I didn't take the time I needed to get serious about the program.
I did work with 4 agency nurses in Louisville, KY (I moved back to IL this past summer) who were graduates of Excelsior and went throught the TCN. They all recommended it, but stressed the importance of asking for help and being self motivated. One of the girls didn't pass one of the tests the first time, but said that they were very helpful in preparing her to retake the exam. All said the clinical was 'ok.' One of the girls did the study clinic thing for the clinical and said although it was expensive, she knew [U]exactly[U] what they were looking for. One of the girls also didn't pass the clinical the first time...she said she didn't put the bed down the whole way and didn't time, date and initial a dressing and used an abbreviation she shouldn't have...simple things, but she said she was pretty nervous.
Is there anyone in the DeKalb area that would like to study??? I am registered before September 2007, so I am in the program where I only have 7 classes.
Hi!!! I signed up for the College Network a year ago. I am in Sociology and my book has become a dust collector.
I signed up for this site in hopes to get some encouragement from other users that are going through the college network as I am. If you already did Sociology, what are the tests like? I just don't know how i'm supposed to be expected to memorize the whole book and go take the exam and pass.
pammyjo66 wrote:Hi!!! I signed up for the College Network a year ago. I am in Sociology and my book has become a dust collector.
I signed up for this site in hopes to get some encouragement from other users that are going through the college network as I am. If you already did Sociology, what are the tests like? I just don't know how i'm supposed to be expected to memorize the whole book and go take the exam and pass.
Pammyjo:nurse-hang:
Hi Pamela,
Sociology can be a difficult subject. It's probably the smallest module you have, but also the one that will require the most memorization. I've heard from other TCN customers that it is important to be able to identify the theorists and their theories. I'll have someone from our Customer Care Unit contact you to and see if they can help with some insight as to how you should approach this exam. If you need anything in the meantime, please call Academic Support.
I am doing life span development now as well and I am having a rough time with the material. Idont know where to begin myself. I was trying to see if I could find the course on audio. I think that would help a lot other than readig all the time. If u got any good pointers I would love to hear about them. I am also not feeling so confident about the program because of all the negative feedbacks. Good luck
Shedydee wrote:Does anyone have any feedback on the LPN -BSN program with ISU
Have seen where some people are pleased with the program whereas others have had to quit because they were unable to get preceptors and sites for their clinical experience.
toniannryan wrote:I am doing life span development now as well and I am having a rough time with the material. Idont know where to begin myself. I was trying to see if I could find the course on audio. I think that would help a lot other than readig all the time. If u got any good pointers I would love to hear about them. I am also not feeling so confident about the program because of all the negative feedbacks. Good luck
toniannryan wrote:I am doing life span development now as well and I am having a rough time with the material. Idont know where to begin myself. I was trying to see if I could find the course on audio. I think that would help a lot other than readig all the time. If u got any good pointers I would love to hear about them. I am also not feeling so confident about the program because of all the negative feedbacks. Good luck
Toni,
I forwarded your information to our Customer Care Unit. Someone will be contacting you to assist with your studies in LifeSpan Developmental Psychology. At this time, we do not have the information available in an audio format, but they should be able to devise a study plan that will help you retain the information.
Has ANYONE been happy with the college network? Anyone at all?? I met with an advisor today and also talked to Indiana State University. Please email me with any advice you may have....
No, I am not using the college network to get my BSN. My friend signed up a year and a half ago and she is not doing it anymore either. After she signed up for it she realized that it was not necessary,and that she could attend Excelsior on her own without paying TCN all that money. Now she is back in a traditional school getting her BSN. I actually recommend a school called Chamberlain College if you want to get your BSN. They actually have several on-site locations as well. If you are a RN already it is even better because as long as you have an active unencumbered license they will accept all your science credits regardless of how old they are. And they automatically give you 80 credits toward your 128 credits needed to graduate. The classes are offered online also. I just wanted to put this out there that there are ways to get your BSN besides TCN. Also they offer financial assistance.
