Excelsior College in NY doesn't

Check with the Ca state board of nursing. Doesn't look good, though. nm [2008-06-27]
dd

not all states recognize Excelsior......sm [2007-12-06]
In the state where I live, three semesters of an approved program will allow you to sit the LPN boards. There may be, however, some time frame involved. The best place to look would be the websites of the state boards of nursing in the particular states you are interested in taking the boards.

Excelsior College in NY doesn't [2007-11-26]
You can be admitted there to the RN program since you completed more than 50% of your RN program regardless of the fact that you don't have an LPN license. Otherwise, I don't know about sitting for the LPN exam. My RN program had the LPN built right into it. I had to stop out at the end of the LPN portion because I had a baby. :)

Treatment centers........ [2008-08-06]
If I were your uncle, I would contact the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. They treat cancer patients that have been given a terminal diagnosis with no hope and those patients are still alive years later. Just because a doctor does not know the treatment doesn't mean there isn't one out there. This place works with many different aspects of the patient and has options of different treatments, whether they have a tried and true treatment for this particular cancer or not. I would at least call them and give them the information. They will be very helpful to his situation. I will say a prayer for your uncle. Hang in there.

I agree [2008-05-27]
You're right when you say there is no greener grass in healthcare. I was burned out 5.5 years ago with transcription so I went to school to become a respiratory therapist. Guess what, now I'm burned out doing that, too. The politics in the hospital setting is unbearable. Patient care takes a back seat to all of the politics. I'm willing to at least work casual doing RT work just to keep my credentials and so that my hard earned education doesn't go to waste. Just be aware that most healthcare fields nowadays are not cracked up to what they say. I don't want to discourage you, because patient care does have its rewards. I just wish you luck in whatever other field you choose.

Yes [2008-05-11]
Excelsior College in New York is the largest nursing program in the US. It is a distance education program and limits its admission to LPNs, paramedics, and other very specific persons who have had substantial supervised clinical experience and instruction. You can get your RN this way; they also have a RN-BSN program and some MSN programs. Go to http://www.excelsior.edu for more info. Some states (California and Maryland) do not accept Excelsior grads; a few other states have some other requirements for RN grads to meet besides just the degree. Most boards of nursing accept it just fine as is. HTH!

I'm doing it too sm [2008-02-07]
I'm concentrating on taking as many pre-reqs as I can online through the local community college. I'm only taking algebra right now and I have never been a math person so it's a struggle. When I am ready to give up, I ask myself, just how bad do I want this? If I fail and have to take it over again, so be it, but I'm going to try to do as well as I can anyway.

Depends [2008-01-24]
on whether you are going to get an AA degree or a BSN. Depends on your area. Just go out to the college and request a catalog. There should be a place in the catalog that will list prerequisites. There you will find what you need. Some programs do ask that you have completed all your sciences before you are accepted or declined. I doubt you will be declined because of the great need. Why do you want to be a nurse? Think about it and talk to some nurses and they might share with you things you should consider before doing this. I am one and choose not to work as one anymore and would rather transcribe and know five others like me. Have you considered checking into Allied Health careers? Radiology technicians, Sonography (they have a pretty good day, spend quality time with their patients, and make good money). Explore all areas of health care before you make your decision. If I were going to start over I would probably go to medical school (I did not want to move out of my area back when) or see about requirements for PA-C. Being a nurse is a real drainer and requires total commitment and endurance beyond anything I have ever done. All nurses who work in acute care and extended care are going to heaven. Don

old hag looking into nursing - kat [2007-12-30]
I just turned 40. I had been in the nursing program 13 years ago. Didn't finish due to family problems and subsequent divorce. Oh how I wish I had. About a year ago after raising a couple of kids through infancy and preschool and elementary I on a dwindling MT salary I started back taking prerequits. I was told I had to retake a few classes (A and P 5 year shelf life) and they had added few others (Pharmacology, Lifespan Development, and a Chemistry with a lab). So Passed the Nursing Enteract Test (NET) last spring. Got onthe waitlist and 2 more prequistes to take. (second half of anatomy and pharm). I hope I will be in the program next fall. I have no idea how I will be able to swing finances for the next 2 years while in the program. I am hoping to continue MTing part-time, get a few loans/financial aid, and family help. I am not 40 and wonder if I am absolutely crazy. But as the sole supporter of 2 boys (now 15 and 9) I really need to make a change. Mt just doesn't do it anymore. We barely make the bills anymore.

In a quandry; RN vs MT [2007-12-18]
I am 47 years old (I see from below that I am an old hag :)) and looking to change careers. I if it comes to taking care of my family (4 children 13-6), we will do whatever it takes. In order to maintain our lifestyle, recognizing that I appreciate and recognize good grammar, enjoy a challenging job, and require a job that allows me to work at home, I've been looking very seriously into the MT field. If I pursued this option, it would be with a certificate from either Andrews or M-Tec. Reading the various MT boards, however, I am quite concerned about the future of MT, both in pay and job opportunity. And then, at the same time, I am heartened by the enthusiasm expressed by IC the detractors seem to be just as common as the enthusiasts. Further adding to my quandary is the trickle of nurses moving from RN positions to MT. I would enjoy the solitude of being an MT and am highly self-motivated. I believe I would enjoy oncology, L not necessarily the blood but the pus. I am also concerned about bringing disease and sickness home to my family. So, my current plan is to train with M-Tec or Andrews for a year, obtain my certificate, work as an IC and keep an eye on the nursing field. If possible, I might be able to continue to MT while in nursing school should it prove possible. I am also considering the fields of Radiation Technician and Surgical Tech. The reason I would prefer nursing to RadTec or Surg Tec is due to the travel available for traveling nurses (although I understand MedSurg would require at least 2 years of experience before I would be able to travel nurse). Any thoughts?

Don't be expensive [2007-11-26]
My husband and I have found that for most purposes, the regular old $17 cheap stethescope was good enough that you most likely have in your college We have a Littmann hanging around here too, but the cheapie is still the one we fall back on when we are taking blood pressures around here around the house(neither of us are practicing nursing right now--we have to entertain ourselves somehow).

Don't know if this helps... [2007-11-20]
I believe Kaplan onlyoffers Associates RN to residents in Florida (presumably for clinicals???). However, just yesterday I checked with my local community college and they are offering an online RN program! Clinicals are1 or 2days a week at a local hospital. The rest of the classes, however, are online. Perhaps your local college is offering that as well? The only obstacle I can see is that they require previous direct patient care. Oh, I asked and MT is not considered direct patient care...dang! I'm going to see if they will accept volunteer patient care (most hospitals/hospice will let you volunteer). Sorry, this doesn I With nursing, though, the opportunities seem endless. PS. I also checked into Excelsior online to CLEP some college courses in order to be able to apply for nursing school by their March deadline. If I had taken a whole semester, I would have had to wait for my grade in May and not apply again till September. Turns out, the local college allows you to CLEP at the school for only $60. Hope this makes sense! Good luck!

I have been considering nursing also. [2007-11-15]
Graduated from high school then a 10 month medical transcription program with no other college. Do you have any college? Is the Kaplan Nursing School you mentioned the online school? Why did you buy entrance exam books? Will Kaplan take you from start to finish for an R.N. with no other college courses? Sorry about all the questions. So curious. I really feel like I could have a leg up on other students as well with my 18 years of anatomy, physiology and terminology. Just trying to work up the courage and find a way to get it down while still working.

BTW [2007-11-15]
I'm going to a community college for associates and getting Bachelors later.

nursing vs MT [2007-09-30]
I would say that fiancial reasons are a good one to consider a career change. I hate when people get high and mighty and say people should not consider RN for the salary. Look when you make cents per line for years and make less and less each year a decent RN salary looks pretty darn good. However, I do understand you have to have an appitude and ability to handle patient care. But with the MT job market such as it is is it no wonder people are looking for other fields. Itfields, particularly ones that cannot be outsourced overseas - such as RN or any other hands on type of career. I think that salary is a motivating factor - an enticer, but people should research and go into the field of nursing with eyes openand know that you will be doing more than just collecting a paycheck. If you think you can handle what is entailed in nursing, nursing school, etc go for it. I am taking my prerequistes right now. As a single Mom the salary is a big factor but I also am quite aware of what I am facing and have a true desire to help people and not just in it for the money. I also am in it for the job security. With over 10 years as an MT I have had too many jobs go overseas or watched the line rate get less and less with each passing year. There is no security in this field. I too enjoy transcribing. I like my job - but the field doesn't like MTs back and the hospitals all outsource and most services are just interested in their bottom line. It's just time to get out.

Nursing classes online. [2007-09-19]
I honestly didn't know you could go from an LPN (earned at local college) to an RN (earned online). As far as I know, you have mandatory clinicals. You may want to check into another local community college if you have one. Does your local college not do testing? Here, admission is based on several things, including a pre-admission test.

Where to find [2007-09-18]
Where do I find nursing classes online?? Most of the ones I have looked at you have to be a LPN or LVN first (LPN to RN). I do not think I can stand being on a waiting list at the local community college for 2 more years. It is too depressing.

Rad Tech [2007-08-26]
Donother classes included. Also, once you finish with that, you can take classes to be certified in ultrasonography, MRI, or CT. Some of these are only 1 semester, but you will get an increase in pay. This is currently what I'm looking into. I had signed up for classes this fall semester but had to drop due to family medical issues. I figured I would just go ahead and get the general classes out of the way, then I would just have the radiology to deal with and nothing else. If the medical issues go okay, I will be signing up next semester.

older but wiser [2007-08-13]
I am in my mid 40s and have completed all my prerequisites for the nursing program at my local community college. Now I am just sitting on a waiting list. I was a litte nervous about making such a huge leap at this point in my life, but I feel my future as a MT is limited. I am doing the same work I have always done and yet each year I make less money. I figure once you have that RN behind your name there will be a great many opportunities available. Most people do not think beyond working on a hospital floor, but there are other options out there which I think may be more suited to my aging body! Bottom line for me is if I have to work 15 years or more, I want to be doing something that fulfills me and allows me to support myself, and MT no longer does this. Good luck in your future whatever you decide.

nursing [2007-07-27]
I am 39 and taking my prerequistes. I hope to enter a nursing program in fall 2008. There are long waitlists at many 2-year Community College programs, but I just continue to work as an MT and take my pre-requistes. I have a woman in my psychology class who is 45 and worked in food service. No nursing background. She is changing careers and finished her last prereq. She will went the nursing program this fall. So it can be done. My friend is also inher mid 40s. Stay-at-home mom, doesn't work, and goinginto nursing. I myself am a single Mom. Family will help me and loans when I am in the program. Again age 39. So there are LOT of people switching midlife.

Research [2007-07-16]
I have done a lot of research on other careers. I'm in my mid 40s. How much time are you willing to put in? What hourly wage to you need to replace? To become an RN may take you 3 or 4 years, depending on whether you have had prerequisites such as chemistry before. Since you have been out of college for a while, you'll have to take a math prerequisites, and possibly other classes. That's why even an associate RN degree can take so long. What department do you see yourself working in? Are you prepared for the long hours, short staffing and call of hospital work? Or do you want to work in an office where you could have actual weekends and holidays off? If you want to work in the operating room, many hospitals are using surgical techs. You may find a 1- or 2- year course for that with fewer prerequisites. They don't use as many RNs there anymore in some places. Do you want to work in labor and delivery? Some places are using RNs and surgical techs there too. As a surgical tech, you can make $20 and more right out of school if you are certified. If you want a pleasant office job, many offices now use medical assistants. The money isn't like what an RN makes, but it might compare with what you make now, with very pleasant work and weekends and holidays off. If your MD likes you he/she is going to reward you to keep you IMO. There are many other allied health positions to consider. And if you really want the RN pay without the weekends and call, consider becoming a dental hygienist. Great pay. I've looked into vet tech, but the pay is very low for what looks like a very challenging education.

Graduate Nurse [2007-05-14]
Hi! I just finished the RN program at the local community college, and I I am 41 years old, am married, and have two children. I worked full time and part time as an MT during the past three years (my employer has been very flexible with me...probably because I have worked for them for about seven years). Be careful about thinking you can transfer your AP courses. At the institution I attended, they required that you take anatomy and physiology I and II again if you took them longer than five years ago. You really want to have all your prerequesites out of the way before you start your nursing classes. That I already had almost all of them done, but I had to take the AP classes, microbiology, a speech class, and this Choices for Life course. My parents were VERY supportive, and my husband did the best he could. During clinicals, we had to actually be at the facility ready to go at 6:30 a.m. Let me know if you have any questions.

Need advice on becoming RN [2007-04-15]
I am currently an MT who made $300 last week typing my butt off. I am seriously thinking about going to school to become an RN. My cousin got a job right out of school making $18/hr. As much as I love this job, I am tired of typing for peanuts. This company I am working for hired me 2 years ago and started me at 7.5 cpl. They just told me they would raise me to .08 cpl in 6 weeks if my accounts are all maintained within TAT. Thanks for the $20 more in my paycheck. That Enough of my griping. I just need to get different opinions on this. I understand it can take a litte longer getting into the actual program after your prerequisites are done, but my sister is going through our local community college and said I should do my LPN first, work until I get into the RN program. I really do not want to go through 10 months of schooling for one license and then have to do more later on. I Do I have a better chance of getting into the RN program if I was to be an LPN? I would like to hear as many opinions and advice on this as possible. Thanks!

I wonder if you can test for the RN program sm [2007-04-15]
In my state, there are RN programs that I believe allow you to test to see what you If I were you, I would contact that local community college and ask questions. The other thing is you must do clinicals, but I wonder if you could do like part-time transcription and go to school at the same time? I would look into it if I were you. I think you Good luck to you!

scholarships. [2006-09-01]
Not all scholarships are based on income I had four of them when I went to college before. Most of them we either based on an essay or my grades. I have seen a few for older women returning to college. I know it would have my hands full but since I have already completed all of the general education requirements there is the possibility I would only be attending parttime. I also worked three jobs while I went for premed so I am pretty sure I know what is coming. Thank you for the advice. I will definitely check with the local hospitals. I live 2 hours from Pittsburgh PA but I really don't want to have to drive that far to go to work. Hopefully I can find something much closer.

Emailme [2006-07-15]
By same company, do you mean MQ? If so, what region were you working out of? I don't even know what region I finished in since they kept changing, but I was in the Middleburg Heights, OH which then merged with the Columbus, OH office and when that closed I am not sure what we were classified as. My PS was in Kentucky. Are you in nursing school now? I am currently taking prerequisites at a local community college and am transferring in as a sophomore to begin nursing classes at a private school in January. Will graduate in three years from then with a BSN. Believe it or not, the community college has a waiting list until 1/09 and I would only finish with an Associate's degree.

late career [2006-07-11]
I entered nursing school at the age of 35. Graduated when there were no jobs for nurse (Mike Harris in the 90's). Went back to MT-ing and reentered in 2002 by way of the refresher course at George Brown college. Now I actually do casual nursing and still work as an MT at home. I like the variety.