Again, RN to BSN

[Sailorbob]

If I'm to move into the areas of nursing that appeal to me I want to do so with a BSN. My Associate has taken me quite a ways but I'm feeling held back by the BSN requirement.
Many schools seem to be marketing in this area but my sense is, similar to travel nursing, it's the details that come back to bite you. The U. of Phoenix has a big presence in this area but I heard that they are not NLN certified, for instance.
I'd like to hear from nurses that have completed a program from RN to BSN and would not mind sharing their experiences. I wonder if we shouldn't have a thread devoted exclusively to this topic because I don't think I'm alone here.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[Ricu]

Hi Bob,

Have you looked at Excelsior? There are issues with various states accepting the Excelsior degree as preparatory for the NCLEX however, once you're a licensed RN, they cannot discriminate. You should be able to complete their BSN degree wherever you reside but of course, you will have to investigate that. I'm a graduate of the ASN degree that was offered by Excelsior when it was Regent's College and found the program ideal for the adult student who was raising a family and in the workforce. I say it that way because it's very flexible allowing you to make the best use of your time however, it also requires you to be very committed and disciplined.

In case you are wondering, I haven't gotten a BSN yet. As soon as I can take time off to attend classes, I plan to enroll in a local college's CRNA program. I will be able to do a fast track from ASN to MSN in 5 years otherwise, I would not hesitate to do the BSN through Excelsior.

Good luck,

R

[Sailorbob]

It seems to me that the Rex program is the grandaddy of these programs. Who I would like most to hear from are those who have completed their program and graduated with BSN.

[Christiangal]

Sailor bob, stay away from Excelsior College and the College Network.

[vickiroberts]

Try the University Dominguez Hills. I take classes online through there and my experience has been positive.

[The College Network]

All things considered, The College Network’s degree completion programs are quite cost effective and much more convenient when compared with the costs and constraints associated with traditional degree programs. Many working adults prefer our programs because they can be completed any time, any place, and at their own pace. Busy working adults, adults with families, and even empty nesters have enough demands on their time and resources without the burdens of attending campus-based programs. The College Network’s programs can be pursued when you have time, not when the class is held. In addition, our customers receive the benefits of trained academic support specialists, personalized guidance calls designed to help the customer determine his or her learning style; assistance in creating and modifying study plans; access to the academic support web site, discussion board, and live chat; and the peace of mind from knowing trained advisors are just a call or click away.

[AmandaWIRN]

All things considered, The College Network’s degree completion programs are quite cost effective and much more convenient when compared with the costs and constraints associated with traditional degree programs. Many working adults prefer our programs because they can be completed any time, any place, and at their own pace. Busy working adults, adults with families, and even empty nesters have enough demands on their time and resources without the burdens of attending campus-based programs. The College Network’s programs can be pursued when you have time, not when the class is held. In addition, our customers receive the benefits of trained academic support specialists, personalized guidance calls designed to help the customer determine his or her learning style; assistance in creating and modifying study plans; access to the academic support web site, discussion board, and live chat; and the peace of mind from knowing trained advisors are just a call or click away.

But is your program accredited by ALL states' boards of nursing???

[Christiangal]

All things considered, The College Network’s degree completion programs are quite cost effective and much more convenient when compared with the costs and constraints associated with traditional degree programs. Many working adults prefer our programs because they can be completed any time, any place, and at their own pace. Busy working adults, adults with families, and even empty nesters have enough demands on their time and resources without the burdens of attending campus-based programs. The College Network’s programs can be pursued when you have time, not when the class is held. In addition, our customers receive the benefits of trained academic support specialists, personalized guidance calls designed to help the customer determine his or her learning style; assistance in creating and modifying study plans; access to the academic support web site, discussion board, and live chat; and the peace of mind from knowing trained advisors are just a call or click away.

I found the College Network to be dishonest, and Excelsior to be unprofessional and discriminatory. I can easily prove I was lied to in the College Network 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.

[The College Network]

But is your program accredited by ALL states' boards of nursing???

We have several programs. The LPN to BSN program that we partner with Indiana State University to offer is accepted by most state boards of nursing.

The College Network also publishes materials for the Excelsior College ASN program, though we are not partnered with them, and that program is accepted by all but about 5 or 6 state boards of nursing.

If you have a particular state in mind, I would be more than happy to look into the requirements for you.

[The College Network]

Christiangal,

I would be more than happy to discuss your concerns or clarify any misunderstandings. It is my sincerest hope that we can find a way to restore your faith in us and your purchase. Please call me at *(PM poster for phone number)* and let me see what I can do to help you.