Registered Nurse Info | The College Network

What's the Difference?

Sunday, July 22, 2012 by Kevin Burton

Many people I have the pleasure of talking to on a day-to-day basis ask me to help differentiate The College Network from Excelsior College® in obtaining their Associate of Science in Nursing Degree. For your information, I'd like to go over a brief synopsis of what roles we each have in this process.

Excelsior College® is the school in the matter, and where you will earn your degree. The Excelsior College® Associate Degree in Nursing program is a completely online, self-paced, test-out program to help Paramedics and LPNs/LVNs transition to get their degree and RN license. Excelsior College® is regionally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by many state boards of nursing, and approved .

What The College Network does is streamline the test-out process of the program by providing the educational materials (our modules) to help students test out of their general education and nursing courses instead of taking a full-blown semester-based class or buying all the books for the course and trying to figure out what to study on their own. We have subject matter experts and college professors help us create our educational materials (modules) that significantly help students obtain the knowledge they need to earn their college credits, and eventually degree. All of our modules come with an academic guarantee that you will pass each course that you use them for, or we will supply a tutor and pay for any exams you need after 2 attempts.

Once the customer finishes all their courses, they then move on with Excelsior College® to complete the remaining requirements to obtain their degree. They must finish these last things before they can graduate with their Associate Degree in Nursing.

I hope this helps in your understanding of the LPN/LVN/Paramedic to RN program. As always, let us know if you have any other questions or would like to enroll!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Paramedic to RN--It's Easier Than You Think

Friday, June 29, 2012 by Tracia Fernkas

Did you know as a Paramedic, you can earn your Associate Degree in Nursing degree in as little as 18 months and continue to work while you do it?

As a paramedic, you are used to working long hours. Oftentimes, you might be on call for 24 hours straight. Being an registered nurse will afford you the opportunity to work on a set schedule and usually 40 hours a week (some nurses work more hours if they want to pick up extra shifts).

Now, let's talk about your salary. Registered nurses earn on average twice as much as paramedics. While according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics both fields will grow between now and the year 2020, as a paramedic to RN you have more job opportunities and will be able to earn more.

I spoke to one of our customers about his experience, as a paramedic who earned his associate degree from a leading university using The College Network to move into a nursing role. It gave him a great foundation and helps him in his current role as an emergency room nurse working with critical patients. You can read more about William's story here.

If you want to learn more about the paramedic to RN program, please check out our website. Or you can always call one our Program Advisors at 800-395-1014 for more information.

BS in Nursing

Monday, December 19, 2011 by Bryan Curtis

A recent article from U.S. News U niversity Directory reports that more nursing students are choosing to earn bachelor's degrees instead of associate's degrees. The article goes on to state a couple of important facts: "According to a press release, enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs increased by approximately 3.9% between 2010 and 2011. Additionally, the survey found that enrollment in bachelor's degree completion programs, or RN-to-BSN programs, grew by 13.4%."

More importantly, the article says, "As more students opt to enroll in these courses of study, many schools across the country have found that they are having trouble accommodating so many degree seekers due to faculty or space restrictions. Preliminary data from the report shows that in 2011, about 51,082 qualified students were turned away from 503 entry-level bachelor's degree nursing programs."

For aspiring bachelor's degree nurses, this is troubling news. Demand for bachelor's degree nurses is still very high, but traditional colleges don't have the means to satisfy the desires of many who wish to earn these degrees. So what can one do? Give The College Network a try. With a myriad of degree programs in nursing, whether associate's, bachelor's, or master's, TCN can possibly help you bypass the long wait lists of some universities by offering convenient higher education online.

Indiana State University Professor Honored by NLN

Monday, December 19, 2011 by Lindsay Schmitt

Betsy Frank, PhD, RN, ANEF; a professor emeritus at Indiana State University was honored for excellence in teaching at the recent NLN Education Summit 2011.

In the article found at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb3317/is_6_32/ai_n58502666/, Dr. Frank discusses technology and how it has changed teaching.

"Who could have imagined 40 years ago that we could teach effectively online? I know I didn't! But I can say that teaching online has made me a much better teacher--even in the classroom."

Dr. Frank is a strong advocate for nurses becoming educators. She earned her doctorate degree at the age of 35, and encourages others to receive advanced education as early as possible to allow them to grow in their careers.

"Noting that not all students will be successful, despite the best efforts of faculty, Betsy concludes that in the main, 'Our focus on students will help them be successful in whatever they choose to do. It is the solid educational foundation that allows our students to take flight!'"

The College Network would like to congratulate Dr. Betsy Frank on her accomplishment!

If you would like to learn more about the online LPN to BS in Nursing programs and RN to BS in Nursing programs available from Indiana State University where Dr. Frank teaches, click here or call 1-800-395-1014 for more information.

Single dad joins college sons in earning a degree

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by TCN Success

Lloyd Snider is a single dad of two sons, a caretaker for his elderly father and a full time paramedic. For Lloyd, his 23 years of service as a paramedic, working 24 hour shifts at a time and lifting lots of heavy loads, has taken a toll on his body.

“I am nearing the end of my [paramedic] career. Health care is a logical choice for me, so nursing was a great choice,” Lloyd says. His two sons are both in college and Lloyd has used that to motivate himself. “My goal is to get a degree before each of my boys finish,” he explains.

“This has not interfered with any aspect of my life. It’s self paced, so any pressure is self applied—which is really cool because a traditional college would disrupt your life,” Lloyd says. “It’s really excellent for someone who has the kind of commitments I do, but still wants to pursue a degree. This is really career based education and it’s kind of refreshing.”

Read more of Lloyd Snider's inspiring story or or call 1-800-395-1014 to learn more about how The College Network's online Paramedic to RN program from an accredited university can change your life.

Congratulations Ian!

Thursday, September 15, 2011 by Ein Peck

As much as I do love the name Ian (especially when it is spelled E-I-N), I will honestly say that his name has nothing to do with this.

Congratulations to Ian from Aiken, South Carolina. Although Ian was very modest when I spoke to him this afternoon, I was extremely impressed with his scores.

Ian actually received a PERFECT score on the Analysis and Interpretation of Literature exam as well as an A on Microbiology and several other great scores.

Not only has Ian been doing very well on all of his coursework for the online paramedic to RN program, he also has been completing it very quickly. Ian has passed six of his exams (with a grade of B or higher) in the last three months!

Congratulations from all of us here at The College Network Ian, you've earned it!

Funding Your Education

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by Landon Jones

For the past few days, I've been maxed-out and for good reason; a lot of you have been calling in requesting to meet with local Program Advisors about advancing your nursing education through our distance nursing programs. In coming weeks, many of you will sit down with your local Program Advisor to receive information about our associate's, bachelor's and master's in nursing programs from leading universities and at the end of those meetings, many of you will be enrolled in those programs on your way to becoming RNs or gain advanced degrees.

The other day I spoke with a LPN who said that she rushed home to call me, because she was interested in receiving her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from Indiana State University and wanted to meet with a Program Advisor as soon as possible. She was ready to enroll. She had always wanted to be a RN but financial reasons and other obligations prevented her from completing a previous RN program. She was ready to enroll because her employer offered to pay for her and her coworkers to become RNs.

Its not uncommon for me to speak with people who have their employer or the military pay for their education, but she could not stop talking about how highly The College Network is held at her employer. I ended up setting the appointment for her that day to meet with her local advisor, and I definitely cannot wait to see her story from her point of view on our My TCN Story Blog real soon.

Landon, Appointment Coordinator

Tragedy Inspires Change

Sunday, September 11, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

As we spend this September reflecting on 9/11 and the ten year anniversary, it makes me think of a story I'd like to share with you. A story about a woman who witnessed the tragedy first hand and who later used The College Network to change her life.

Jean Brennan had been working as a paramedic for 20 years. September 11, 2001 started out as a normal day for Jean, who went to work at the hospital in Brooklyn, New York where she was employed. At 9:03a.m. she looked out of a window and saw an airplane fly into one of the World Trade Center Towers.

Being a paramedic, Jean spent the day tending to the victims of the attack. She describes the day as very surreal and says she understood what was going on, but that it was like watching a movie in slow motion.

Jean had been thinking about becoming an RN for a long time, but working first hand with the victims of the 911 tragedy are what motivated her to move forward with her dream. “I love being a paramedic, but I wanted something that promoted health, because that promotes peace,” she says.

Jean has since completed her Paramedic to RN program with help from The College Network and says it has completely changed her life. She was able to continue to work full time while earning her degree and says she used her down time at work to study. To learn more, you can watch Jean tell her inspiring story here.

Two Bits, Four Bits...

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar! All for Alysha, stand up and holler!

(Please stand up with me right now and holler)

Everyone who has been to an elementary, junior high, or high school sporting event has heard that cheer. Well, what does it have to do with higher education online with The College Network?

I'm so glad and proud that recently I was able to help Alysha from Texas start on her Online Paramedic to RN program. One thing that we talked about was that we at The College Network are here to cheer her on while progressing through her program (using pom-poms and megaphones, of course). Anytime you have questions about our program, course content, or just need a fun cheer like 'Two Bits' from us, you can always give us a call, both our Academic Support team, and even your program advisor like myself. We care about helping you achieve your degree and goals.

Changing lives everyday is what we all do here at The College Network. Alysha is one example of someone I enjoyed working with and helped take the next step in her life. Needless to say, we even had a little fun in the process.

If you would like to speak about any of our programs at The College Network, or are a current customer that needs a cheer, please give me a call and let me know. We may even have fun in the process.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734. kburton@collegenetwork.com

Bottleneck Bypass

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 by Kevin Burton

Don't you hate being stuck in traffic? Sitting in the car and not moving but a mile an hour isn't the most fun in the world. Besides traffic, another place where there is a bottleneck of people waiting is to get in is nursing programs. I talk to so many Paramedics and LPN/LVNs that want to find nursing programs with no waiting lists, and most on campus options are currently booked. I even talked with an LPN yesterday whose local school had a 12 year waiting list for the RN program!

The College Network allows nurses to bypass the "traffic" and start and finish their RN program with no waiting list. Whether you want your Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelors Degree in Nursing, our programs offer self-paced flexibility for your general education and prerequisite courses! So why make yourself sit in traffic when you can start right away? Call me, and I'll show you the way to bypass the bottleneck and achieve your goals with degrees from leading universities.

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Back to School

Monday, August 22, 2011 by Landon Jones

For many of you it's that time of the year. I can tell because the other day while I was out buying groceries, I noticed that "End of Summer" shift. Children's faces were frowned, and parents had great big smiles. Their vacation was slowly beginning and their children's were slowly coming to a end... Back to School shopping was in full effect.

Last week, while speaking with nurses who have children, you could hear it in their voices. They didn't even have to say it, but school was back in session.

All hail the school bell as it lures children away from leaving toys around the house and twenty-four hour Sponge Bob sessions...

For parents with college-bound youth, it may be a little hard to let your baby go but also understand, once they cross that threshold into semi-adulthood - YOU HAVE THE HOUSE BACK! When my mom dropped me off my freshmen year of college, she cried. The next 3 times she couldn't get me out of the car soon enough, and when she picked me up my senior year, she cried again.

I joke of course, they were tears of joy but during those four years of discovering myself, my mother did the same. Her hair styles changed as mine did, she went outside more, and she began the process of going to college as well.

As fall approaches and the noise levels in your homes decrease, definitely think about going back to school yourself. Think about the many programs The College Network offers to mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, and grandparents who want to receive nursing degrees. Did I mention that you don't have to travel to Colorado to become a MSN at Regis University or to New York or Indiana for LPN, LVNs and Paramedics seeking a RN Program with no waiting list.

The College Network offers distance nursing programs that people pursue while on their lunch breaks, weekends, and while kids are in school. If it sounds like something that you would be interested in, you can learn more about nurses just like you who have completed our programs. Visit www.mytcnstory.com.

Landon, Appointment Coordinator

Tragic 9/11 events motivate paramedic to get her RN

Monday, June 27, 2011 by TCN Success

Jean thought about earning her nursing degree for some time, but the tragic events on September 11, 2001 are what motivated her to enroll in Excelsior College’s^® Paramedic to RN program with the help of The College Network.

“I love being a paramedic, but I wanted to do something more proactive instead of reactive. I wanted something that promoted health, because that promotes peace,” she says.

Jean has since completed her Paramedic to RN program using The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules which she described using the word “fabulous”.

“The College Network made it simple by combining all the material necessary for each course into one resource. Other programs give you five different books. I was working full time during the program and I could take the material to work. I had everything I needed in one place,” Jean describes.

Read more of Jean Brennan's story or call 1-800-395-1014 for more information about the programs available today.

Stop the Crisis...One Course at a Time

Thursday, May 5, 2011 by Melissa Gardiner

Most of us have heard of the nursing shortage "crisis" by now. The word crisis clarifies the impact this has on our nation. Many people blame the shortage on the current state of the economy which could force health care facilities to make budget cuts, ultimately resulting in layoffs. While this may be a factor in the nursing shortage crisis, there's another issue I see at hand; a shortage of people enrolling in nursing programs.

The College Network offers online degrees from top universities, because we understand the consequences this shortage of nurses has on the quality of care for patients. For example, infections are thought to be the cause of nearly 400,000 nursing home deaths per year in the U.S., and studies show that this could largely be due to a lack of LPNs and RNs working in the facilities. If there is a shortage of nurses, there is a shortage of patient care. Simple supply vs. demand; in this case the demand for nurses is greater than the supply of nurses.

There is definitely a high demand for nurses, especially RNs. 37,000 new hospital, long-term health care and ambulatory service jobs were added in March of this year, and it is expected that RNs will be recruited to fill the majority of these positions.

So, what does this mean for you? It means there has never been a better time than now to sign up for Registered Nurses programs! The College Network's unique online nursing programs make it convenient AND more affordable for you. You set your own pace for completing your courses, and in most cases our customers save up to 50% over traditional campus-based college degree programs. Our team of Academic Advisors will assist you throughout your education journey with quality academic counseling, transcript evaluations and ongoing follow-up.

Think how awesome a world filled with more nurses will be! Together, we can partner to make this happen.

Worth more than gold - Nanette Lyman

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 by College Network

One Saturday afternoon, while I was reading the newspaper, my seven year old daughter approached me and said “Mommy, can I borrow your thingy?” She was holding up with her hands my black stethoscope. She said she wanted to play nurse with her white bunny toy. I grinned to myself as I recalled about 25 years ago that it all started as a play pretend for me too.

I remember that I played with my raggedy brown teddy bear --- mending its tattered arm and giving it with lots of hugs and kisses to soothe its pain away. I would dangle a shoelace around my shoulder (my stethoscope) and use a stick (my syringe) as my tools. Memories I’d thought were just a play scenario that most children go through as part of growing up.

It was etched on my high school yearbook that my favorite saying was “Anything I touch, might turn into gold.” Why I chose that? I thought it was magical!! Little did I know that I would understand it true meaning someday.

I vividly remember telling my mother that I aspired to be a flight steward so we could travel around the world--thinking that would make us happy and content with life. Yet, that dream did not transpire as I‘d hoped. Instead, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and worked in the media industry. Since then, I’ve had odd and good jobs. I was satisfied, yet, I felt a void deep down in me and my life seemed clueless for years.

Then seven years ago, I was looking at some classified ads and noticed that the nursing field had over two pages full of “wanted ads”. I said this must be a gratifying and in-demand career. And history has it; I went back to school and finished an associate’s degree in vocational nursing. I’ve worked in the Skilled Nursing Facility for five years with the geriatric population and got to know them not only as patients but as people with intricate life stories. Now, for over four years, I’ve worked at a Charity Clinic surrounded by the needy and disadvantaged group of society, providing the utmost care and empathy.

Since then I’ve been returning to school finishing my pre-requisite classes in night school to prepare myself for the RN program. For it is with education, that aspirations for a better career can be attained.

I’m no longer a play-pretend nurse, nor just magical with my hands. I am now a real nurse, an LVN. I have integrated my knowledge, skills, love, care, and compassion to my patients. I have touched their lives by being a part of the healthcare team. That in itself is more valuable than gold.

Name: Nanette Lyman
From: California

Nursing: the Most Secure Job - Nana Brobbey

Monday, April 25, 2011 by College Network

I went into nursing, because I had a problem finding job due to discrimination. This was in the 1990's, and there was a surge in the demand for Certified Nursing Assistants.

I trained at the Nursing Care Providers, which was then in Fremont. When I got my CNA license, I had so many offers from nursing homes that I had to make a selection. I held two jobs at a time. After 8 years as CNA, I enrolled in the LVN program at NCP in South San Francisco.

I intend to pursue an RN program with The College Network. I will recommend nursing to anybody who wants a secure job in this era of global economic downturns.

Name: Nana Brobbey
From: California

The Center for Learning Empowerment

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by Carla A. Downing, Ph.D.

The College Network’s Center for Learning Empowerment is really beginning to take form. Just yesterday we launched a second sample title in our one-of-a-kind learning environment to help our customers become more effective and efficient learners.

We are very excited about this unique approach to helping our customers conquer the world of online learning. But, not only are they becoming more effective online learners, they are also being challenged to become more engaged in workplace learning opportunities and lifelong learning in general.

You see, The College Network is not just the key to earning a degree through one of our partner universities; we are also helping our customers improve their thinking and learning skills. These are real skills that once learned can be passed on to their children and grandchildren. This is the type of learning that changes lives.

Whether you are considering earning your Six Sigma Green Belt Certification online or completing an online Paramedic to RN Program, give The College Network a call at 1.800.395.1014 and let us help you reach your learning goals.

Floating on the Path to RN

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 by Joel Kimzey

Amanda began The College Network's online paramedic to RN program a little over a year ago. She lives in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Amanda is a busy mother with one child and works full time. During her studies she also became engaged and is planning on relocating to Wisconsin. One of the amazing attributes of using The College Network to complete your paramedic & LPN to RN program is it's portability-the customer can move to multiple states during the program! The exams one needs to complete the program are offered at multiple testing locations in every state.

Amanda told me after taking her first exam and passing with a good grade, she was "floating!" She makes it a point to carry a printed version of a comprehensive learning module from The College Network in her back pack all of the time. The reason why she explained is when she finds herself with as little as 15 to 30 minutes, she takes this time to study.

The path to becoming an RN is not an easy one no matter what program the nurse or paramedic chooses. College degrees are not acquired by osmosis. However, the program offered from The College Network makes the dream of becoming an RN significantly easier for the LPN or paramedic than the traditional path. The Associate of Science in Nursing online program never requires any classroom attendance. If you are a paramedic or LPN/LVN and want your RN but would prefer to fit your education around your life instead of your life around your education, then contact The College Network online at www.collegenetwork.com/blog or call 1-800-395-1014 to learn more.

Veni, vidi, vici

Monday, November 15, 2010 by José María Roldán III

"I came, I saw, I conquered" are the words that Jim from Kyle, Texas uttered to me last Monday after I helped him begin working on his LVN to RN program. These words were uttered by Julius Caesar in 47 BC. Jim's motive for earning his RN were out of the ordinary.

Jim wants to create a legacy for himself, and give back to the community. He knows that getting his RN is a lot of work, but he is ready to conquer this challenge. He is a former Marine, and is used to challenges. He knows what it will take, and is ready to get down to business!

He was looking for inexpensive nursing degrees that would fit into his lifestyle, and came across the LVN to ADN program where he could also complete his nursing prerequisites online. Jim had looked into other distance nursing programs, but also wanted something where he wouldn't have to deal with the pitfalls of a classroom-based education. He was impressed with The College Network support, and is now embarking on his next mission on his quest to become Nurse Practitioner. Good luck Jim!

Congrats to Natalia from LaPlace, LA

Saturday, November 13, 2010 by Bob Stephenson

Congratulations go out to Natalia from LaPlace, LA!

Natalia has been a LPN for just a little while but she's had a dream to be a RN for sometime. She's got a little baby, and living in LaPlace, not many options are available to an LPN that wants to go for her RN without having to stop working.

She started looking for distance learning LPN to RN programs out there and then she found The College Network.

As we talked and she told me the problems she had, and she came to the realization that this option was the best for her. It gave her the independence to go for her RN at her pace without all the pressure and stress and still keep working and spending as much time as she wants with her baby and her husband.

I'm so proud of you Natalia. You go girl!

Lauren is on her way to new opportunities!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 by Jim Stephenson

Congratulations to Lauren from Coushatta who just signed with The College Network to help complete her RN program!

Lauren and I sat at her kitchen table with her children nearby as we mapped out a path that will allow her to realize her career goals. Her credit hours from years ago were credited to the curriculum that will boost her license as well as her earning power! She kept saying over and over again, "I can do this, I really can!" when she realized what few classes were left for her to earn her Associate Degree in Nursing. No waiting list, no having to work for a year before being allowed into a classroom, and no games to have to contend with when it came time for clinical.

A little time each day and her dreams will become reality in HER time table, not a school's... and at a price that was significantly less than a local classroom and actually less than she thought she would have to pay. You should have seen her smile when our time was finished! I made a new friend, and she is on her way to a new life.

Congrats Lauren...way to go! You reached out and seized your opportunity and didn't sit around waiting for someone to push you into it. Talk about taking charge of your future!

I get to make a real difference in the lives of those I meet. I love what I do!