Most of my customers, before joining their program of choice, will make sure and research The College Network. I, for one, think that is fantastic, because it shows their passion for completing the right program to suit their needs. But, don't believe everything you see out there.
Mario Kart - Part II
In my last blog post, I discussed the flexibility of our distance nursing programs where different kinds of people and learners are able to complete their degrees using the example of the Mario Kart video game series. I'd like to continue using Mario Kart as a reference point to show how things you have already done, things we at The College Network can help you with, and things you can do to avoid obstacles in preventing you from finishing your degree program.
In Mario Kart, each character/kart can obtain different bonus items to help their cause in winning the race. Some of these items are mushrooms (speed boost), turtles shells (wreck the opponent near you), banana peel (make someone spin out), and lightning bolts (shrink your competition). Each of these can draw a parallel to helping you overcome obstacles in your program.
Mushrooms - a speed boost. First off, with our Comprehensive Learning Modules, we streamline the test-out process, but we also offer other services to help as well. Now, for certain prerequisite and general education classes, we offer online testing via a webcam proctor service to help you schedule and complete courses much quicker than a traditional testing center. Also, by financing your exam fees with the rest of your learning modules, you do not have to wait to budget out test costs, we've done that for you!
Lightning Bolts - shrink the competition. For those of you that have previous college credit, the good news is that it will most likely transfer in to the program if it is from a regionally accredited school. By transferring in those credits, you can shrink the size of your program, and save time and money!
Turtle Shells - knock out the competition. Each of our learning modules arms you with a turtle shell to knock out the opponent (the courses you need). We guarantee you will pass each exam by using our modules, so whenever you shoot a turtle shell, it will be like a red one that finds the nearest competitor to knock them off. Use the practice exams in the modules to help make sure you are prepared for your actual exams at the testing center or in the online webcam tests. All in all, the modules will lead the way to finish your program and each one is a turtle shell to knock off your competition along the way!
Banana Peels - in case you slip. Banana peels are notorious for being slippery, and the same is true in Mario Kart. In life, and in these programs it is easy to fall behind, or slip up every once in awhile. This is why we offer our Academic Support team to help you stay on track. They are there to help you with curriculum questions, scheduling exams, obtaining exam fee checks, navigating the online resource center, and making sure you properly enroll and complete your top online nursing programs with one of the schools we partner with or recommend.
We at The College Network enjoy serving you to help you complete your education and lifelong goals. Mario Kart is a great game on all platforms of Nintendo video game systems, and although it may not be the first thing you think of when completing your education, maybe now you can see the parallels between your education and having fun with a game. So go out, run your race, complete your program, and come away in 1st place!
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or needs. Have a great day!
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734
Paramedic Works Toward His RN Online
Ian decided to pursue his Associate of Science in Nursing degree. After researching various programs, he chose to earn his degree online through Excelsior College® with help from The College Network™. “The College Network offered the most resources for the best rates—not to mention the fact that, with this program, I don’t have to be online at specific times or write papers. It’s a no-nonsense, streamlined program,” Ian said.
To Ian's surprise, earning a degree online has proved to be very efficient and productive. "I didn't realize prior to this course of study how much time in class is occupied by things not related to actual learning - roll call, class breaks, having to settle a class down, even time spent while the teacher answers other student's questions. That all adds up. With the self-paced learning, you can move a lot faster," Ian explained.
Continue reading Ian's success story here.
Woman Finally Gets Chance to Make a Dream Come True
For Emily, it was important to find a degree program that did not interrupt her life. With The College Network, she is able to study at her own pace while continuing to work full time. “Study at your own pace while working a full-time job does work. There are no deadlines to make, no grades to stress over, and no interrupting my day to go to class,” Emily says.
“I study at least two to three hours at night. The Comprehensive Learning Modules™ are great. They cover so much material that is presented in the tests. The glossary and testing at the end of each chapter help prepare you for the exam,” Emily explains.
Read more of Emily's inspiring story to see how she is successful in her online nursing degree program.
Where We End Up
He told me that he took some time off to re-evaluate his situation when his sister, who was a year younger than him, suggested a local nursing program that she was enrolled in. His life was in idle, so he figured it was worth a shot if it meant getting him out of his current situation. He took one class and shadowed a local nurse and he said, "I found my calling." He said it didn't have all of the glamour and prestige of a doctorate, but he couldn't imagine a more challenging/rewarding career. He just recently graduated from his nursing program and is now studying for the NCLEX exam.
If you're like my friend and are searching for a rewarding career in the field of nursing, The College Network can help you on your way to earning that degree. If you just need nursing school prerequisites or are interested in an online degree program, visit TCN's web site.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year
"It's the most wonderful time of the year. There'll be parties for hosting, marsh mellows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow." I don't know about you, but for me this song speaks true of how I feel about the holiday season-it really is my most favorite time of year! And, if your life is like mine, the month of December is jam packed with holiday festivities and get togethers with friends and family. There's barely any time left to deck the halls and wrap the gifts.
For people with busy schedules, earning an online nursing degree is a great option. With The College Network there are no time commitments, so you don't have to give up spreading any of your holiday cheer to drive to class or prepare for an exam. You get to go at a self pace and prioritize your own schedule, and if you want to take a break during the holidays, you are free to do so.
Also, if you need a little extra help staying on track during all of the holiday hoopla, The College Network support team is standing by waiting to help you. You can email academics@collegenetwork.com, call 1-800-634-1443 or you can go online and chat live with an academic support team member.
Season's readings!
Nurse Earns Bachelors Degree to Immigrate to Canada
Tamara chose to earn her bachelors degree from
Since earning her Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree Tamara has taken on a new job that she really enjoys. To see how Tamara became successful in her online degree program, read more of her inspiring story here. If you want to speak to a Program Advisor about how The College Network can help change your life call 1-800-395-1014.
I'm Thankful For...
This Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for: a loving husband, two great dogs, wonderful parents, good health, a roof over my head, my job, and I could go on and on. I am also thankful for the opportunity to be a part of helping thousands of nurses earn their degree.At The College Network, we make it possible for people who have busy schedules and daily responsibilities to fulfill their education dreams. Our convenient online nursing programs offer degrees from top universities, all from the comfort of your own home, so you can spend more time with your family instead of in a car driving to and from class.
It is our mission to ensure that our customers' are satisfied and that their needs are met. When you enroll in one of our top online nursing programs, you aren't just a number. We personally assign you with your very own program advisor who will be there to help you throughout your education journey.
Our friendly, knowledgeable customer support team will also be standing by in case you have any questions about your courses. You can call, email or chat with them anytime you need assistance.
So, this year why not add something to your list of things to be thankful for-your education. If you're ready to enroll in one of our many online nursing degree programs, call us at 1-800-395-1014. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve you!
Core Values: Service
It is a personal goal of mine to treat others as I'd want to be treated. At The College Network, we instill that motto into all of our employees. We are devoted to respecting others, internally and externally, and strive to provide world-class service to all of our stakeholders. As a service based company, we have many areas of interaction with our customers. As a program advisor, we serve those who are interested in enrolling and learning more about our distance nursing programs and online certificate programs. Our academic support, appointment setting, financial services, marketing, and independent program advisors also help shape all the of service departments of our company.
We're committed to providing the world class service you deserve. Feel free to call us anytime!
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com
The Language of Learning
When I first started at The College Network—I must admit there was a bit of a language barrier. And, probably not in the way you are thinking; so many of the terms and abbreviations were ones that I had never heard before. I was able to understand the terminology only after I studied about the online programs offered, and how our customers learned the materials. I approached my new job like a class. I researched terms, their significance and meaning, in order to give myself a foundation. As a marketing person, I cannot speak to others about that which I don’t understand. Some of my questions were: What exactly is Lean Six Sigma? Bloom’s Taxonomy? Who knew that I was an auditory learner? And, I had never heard the word asynchronous before.
A vast majority of information came from The College Network’s online Resource Center. In the Center for Learning Empowerment, I was able to learn about Bloom’s Taxonomy, defined as a classification of learning objectives within education. I also took a short quiz to find out that I am an auditory learner. And well, asynchronous is a student-centered teaching method that uses online learning resources (comprehensive learning modules) and is for example, self-paced.
The easiest way for me to understand more about Lean Six Sigma was to write a blog about it—much like you would write a paper or study for an exam. I researched the definitions, history and practical applications. I was also able to speak to some of our customers who obtained their Lean Six Sigma certificate. I then sat down to write a blog, in an attempt to help others like me who needed a better understanding of it.
I like to consider myself a lifelong learner. I truly enjoy the process of learning. While I am not in a position where I have to take exams, I do have to be able to be an expert in my field. This time that you spend right now in your Associate of Science in Nursing program, BS in Nursing program, or in your certificate program is adding to your foundation and making you a stronger, smarter person. It isn’t just about the material; it’s about how you use it.
Improve Today For A Healthy Future
Your pet, relative, spouse, or co-worker has just heard you say this out loud and now they're thinking the same thing and you've started something revolutionary--you've improved upon yourself and your surrounding. If you're reading this, that means you started the process of receiving your nursing degree through our distance nursing programs.
Here comes the doubt--"How will I afford it?"; previously we talked about support through grants and scholarships to help you. It's also important for me to point out to you that we offer programs that allow you to achieve higher education online--so worrying about missing class or finding gas money is no longer an issue.
Imagine a year or two from now as you finish your rounds and send a patient on his or her way, you're at your locker getting ready to go home and when you close your locker door behind your name is 'RN'. That didn't happen because of magic, you became a RN because you refused to take no for an answer. Feel free to look around on our website and when you're ready, feel free to give me a call at 1-800-378-8515 (ext 2643) so we can make your future one that you can be proud of.
Earn Your Degree from Anywhere
Last week I had the pleasure of writing a success story about a customer who lives in Canada and used the help of The College Network to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Writing this woman's story reminded me of a gentleman I also spoke with a few months back who was enrolled in The College Network's Paralegal Studies Certificate program. He was from Germany.The woman who lives in Canada was a nurse global in the United States when she decided to immigrate to Canada-her husband is Canadian and owns a business there. Because of the accessibility of our online nursing programs she was able to begin her degree in the U.S. and continue completing it once she moved to Canada.
The man from Germany was studying law and wanted to accompany his degree with paralegal knowledge. There were no programs that offered what he wanted where he lives in Germany, but Boston University's online Paralegal Certificate program was perfect for his needs, and The College Network was able to help.
That's the beauty of online education-it's global. Anyone can earn a degree from anywhere they have access to the Internet. Nowadays, finding an Internet connection is pretty easy. Coffee shops, restaurants, gas stations, retail stores and many others are offering free wi-fi. Also, most libraries have computer labs which are set up for Internet connection.
When I was in college, I went to a school that was four hours from my home. So, every summer I would have to pack up all of my things and move back home for three months. I wanted to continue taking classes during summer vacation (so I could stay on track to graduate in four years) so I had to enroll, each summer, in the local college near my home. I'm glad I took the summer classes, but let me tell you it was a big hassle!
I would have loved to have the opportunity to take my classes online, on my own time, from anywhere I chose to. Online education really does make life more simplified. Whether you are living here in the U.S., are global, or are thinking of immigrating to another country, The College Network is here to help you achieve your education goals. Call us today: 1-800-395-1014.
Defying Reality
Dad: What do you want to be when you grown up?
Six year old me: A CARTOONIST!
Dad: How will you become a cartoonist?
Six year old me: Drawing all the time!
Dad: What school will you go to become a better artist?
Six year old me: Hillman College!
You see I thought Hillman College was a real school located somewhere in a far away land. What I didn't know is that Hillman College was a college created by the television writers for A Different World. My father and my family were proud that I had my mind set on college at such a young age because where I grew up I didn't come across too many college graduates. Neither did my classmates as I transitioned from year to year. There are literally a handful of my family members who have gone to and completed a undergraduate education, not because they didn't want to--the tools and resources provided to them were scarce and as they grew older so did their responsibilities.
I found an article recently that covers why so many adults have difficulty finishing their undergraduate education. The stories were very similar to the LPNs, RNs, and Paramedics who, at one point, were enrolled in a school with the intent of having a degree in advanced nursing education and how it was difficult for them to complete it. Some stopped after having children and pursuing families, stopped halfway through and decided on receiving their LPN license, or couldn't afford to go back.
Written by Jorge Rivas, this article shows that in a study conducted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 75% of the college population were attending school part-time while juggling families and careers and 25% of the college population were in school full-time. Those who are in school part time are still not graduating even if they take a longer amount of time to do so.
Even worse is students who are enrolled part-time are not documented by the Federal Government, so that means that there are no programs designed to improve part-time students retention rates by the government.
The study offers solutions like fixed schedules that appeal to students' jobs, allowing a fast track program and shorter class times that have students receiving their degrees at a faster pace, and classes that offer review but aren't the premise of the entire course.
The College Network immediately came to mind because the study recommended online programs as a solution as well. Generally, people believe that sitting in a classroom increases their chances of completing a nursing program but that's not always true--especially if you believe that a teacher will hold you accountable for for being done. The reason why The College Network offers online nursing programs is so that those health care professionals seeking a degree from top nursing schools can receive their degree at their own pace while juggling responsibilities.
Landon, Appointment Coordinator
Remembering 9/11
As I sit here and ponder what to write about, the only thing that comes to mind is the events that took place exactly 10 years ago, today. So today, I'll take a break from talking about higher education online programs through The College Network.It is no doubt that September 11, 2001 changed the lives of people across our country, and today is about giving thanks to those folks who were so courageous on that day 10 years ago. A common theme I've seen throughout the past week is people remembering what they did on that fateful day. Where were you?
I was a young, first-year student at Purdue University. I was in a computer lab for one of my classes, and in came running a teaching assistant for our class exclaiming a plane had hit the World Trade Center in New York City. The first thing I remember is panicking and trying to look at the news online. For some reason, I knew something strange was happening. So along with others, we left the class early to go investigate what had happened. As soon as I arrived in my dorm room, I turned on the TV and right away saw the second tower hit with another jet. To this day, that may be the scariest image I've seen in my whole life. Watching the rest of the events unfold that day were nerve-wrecking, and something I'll never forget. The rest of the day, campus felt like a ghost town. I remember the dining hall being eerily quiet for dinner that night. The only conversations uttered were based upon the events of the day. Everyone was in shock. I'll never forget 9/11/01.
Again, I want to send out well-wishes, thanks, and support to all Americans whose lives were effected in any way, shape or form through September 11. And of course, thank you to our Armed Forces who protect our freedoms across the globe. Also, a special thanks to one of my best friends, who is a Naval nurse stationed in Sicily, Italy. Thanks buddy - thinking of you today.
Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com
Change Is Coming for Illinois Nursing Home Patients, and Nurses In Turn
The recent decision of a class-action discrimination lawsuit relating to the Americans with Disabilities act in
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is quoted as saying, “(It) responds to the aspirations of those who want to live more independent, productive and fulfilling lives in community and home-based settings. For many people with disabilities, institutionalization is unnecessary and unwanted, and these settlements will help us continue to move in the right direction on community and home-based care.”
The change for patients means a change for nurses, as well. Many of our customers here at The College Network are nurses who work either in home-based care or at nursing homes. The increased choice this will afford nurses in determining the course of their careers, and providing more fulfilling lives to patients at the same time, is truly an exciting opportunity. If you are in
Nurse earns masters degree at her own pace
The flexibility of a self-paced online degree program is what made going back to school possible for Tammy. “I found it practical for me. Working full time and having a family made it difficult to travel. The College Network removed the time and travel barriers,” she explained.
Tammy doesn’t regret her choice to pursue her education through distance learning. “I feel this program is very comprehensive and allows the adult learner to perform at a level where he or she feels comfortable. In addition to easy class access, I didn’t need to wait for the next class. I think this is an excellent program. It is especially great for students living in rural areas with very little advanced degree opportunities within a close driving distance. I highly recommend The College Network,” she said.
Ready more of Tammy Simon's success story or call 1-800-395-1014 for more information.
RN degree provides new opportunity for paramedic
Along with pursing his degree, Bryan had a full load with working full time as a paramedic, being a dad to two children under the age of four, and buying a new house. “The program is not for the weak of mind or weak of heart. It was all drive. Knowing that I didn’t have to go to class, I could have slacked off a lot, but I didn’t. I wanted to get this done,” Bryan explained.
Read more of Bryan Platt's success story or call 1-800-395-1014 today.
Demand for online learning increases
New reports are now becoming available that are validating what many of us have been seeing firsthand and have long believed: online learning is rapidly becoming more accepted and , in some cases, the preferred way to learn. The non-profit group Project Tomorrow has just released new figures from its 2011 report that show online learning’s new place in modern learning:
- More than 40% of students now indicate online classes are an essential part of their learning experience
- The number of high school students with access to online learning has tripled and the number of middle schoolers with access has doubled
- In the last two years, five times more parents have indicated that online learning should be part of the ideal learning experience
Not only are more people having the ability to participate in online learning, but attitudes are rapidly improving. "Online learning is transformative. We are starting to see a generation rising through middle schools that demand online learning and have a clear insight into how it can change the future of education,” said Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow. “These students are moving online learning beyond the basic learning paradigm and taking ownership in their learning process—creating an engaging, personalized, and collaborative learning environment.” We at The College Network are proud to have been allowing our adult learners the opportunity to take part in our own innovative and transformative online programs, including Indiana State University's online LVN to BS in Nursing.
The Core of Who We are

So, you've been seeing my blog posts on The College Network for the last month and a half. I've told yo
u about our online degree programs from leading universities, the benefits of online education, trends in the nursing world and so on and so forth. What I haven't told you is who we (The College Network) are as a company.We have a list of "core values" that we as a company want to live by. Today, I thought I would share our "core values" with you so you can get to know The College Network a little better.
Quality is at the forefront of all our practices.
learning
Our commitment is to cultivate and empower lifelong learners.
innovation
Information is applied in unique ways to turn thought leadership into reality.
excellence
Challenge and question the status quo with courage and have a commitment to constant process improvement.
integrity
Always doing what is right even when no one else is looking.
service
Through devotion, respect, and acknowledgment of duties, provide world class service to all TCN stakeholders.
Go Green, Save Green
In a time where "going green" is more important than ever, wouldn't it be nice to earn your degree while helping preserve our environment? Not only do online nursing degree programs from The College Network and our partner universities allow convenience and flexibility, they also provide a greener approach to getting an education. With distance education, you can earn a degree from the convenience of your own home. You will not only save time, but also reduce fuel energy consumption and pollution in the environment because you don't need a vehicle to drive to class.
Online education is just that; online. No books, no paper; just you and your computer, so you can feel good about all of the trees you will be saving. The College Network will provide you with online Comprehensive Learning Modules to help you learn the course material and prepare you for exams to pass general education and elective course.
Not only are you helping the environment, you are also saving some green. Enrolling in an online nursing degree from The College Network and our partner universities saves customers, on average, up to fifty percent from the cost of attending a traditional school. By taking courses from the convenience of your own home you are saving on the cost of gas and child care, which we all know can be painfully expensive these days. So, what are you waiting for? Get your green education with help from The College Network by calling 1-800-39-LEARN.






