The College Network Reviews

With spring upon us and summer following soon after, my thoughts are on schedules. My husband always groans as the calendar pages turn to summer months because he knows that the pristine white squares representing the days from June through August will soon be filled with a mass of names, places, and times. I, on the other hand, delight in the calendar with its busy squares. You see, I adhere to the philosophy of Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He says, “The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities,” and during the summer, I have a lot of priorities!

Once you decide to advance your career by earning a degree, your education has to become one of your main priorities, and if you follow Covey’s thinking, that means you have to schedule it! While adhering to a schedule may feel like putting chains on your life, having one can actually give you a different kind of freedom—the freedom to achieve what you truly want to achieve. Instead of thinking of a schedule as taking away from your ability to do what you want at any given moment, think of it as giving you the ability to do what you want with your life and your future.

One of the benefits of earning your degree online is that you can do it at your own pace, fitting it around a full-time job, family time, and social commitments. However, that freedom can quickly become detrimental to your goals if you don’t make a point to truly incorporate study into your daily or weekly schedule. To find balance and ensure that you meet your goals, making a schedule is imperative. Here are some tips for creating a schedule:

1. Mark the set parts of your day on your calendar. Set parts of the day include work and family commitments; they don’t include catching the latest episode of American Idol! Doing this can help you determine the time you have that is essentially "free."
2. Schedule in time for yourself: eating, exercising, sleeping. You learn best when you are healthy, so take time for yourself!
3. Next, consider your educational goals. Determine deadlines for taking exams and mark those on your calendar.
4. With your deadlines in mind, schedule time to devote entirely to study. You may find it helpful to schedule study for the same time each day, preferably a time when you are most alert. Even if you end up only reviewing your notes for fifteen minutes, you are staying engaged with what you are learning every day.
5. Make sure that you plan enough time to study throughout the week to stay on track and reach the goals you set for yourself. According to Carolyn Hopper, author of Practicing College Learning Strategies, you are more likely to remember what you study in the first twenty minutes and the last twenty minutes of a study session, so each study session doesn’t need to be long. You just need to make sure you have several study sessions spread throughout the week.
6. Block out some time on your schedule where you can be spontaneous, flexible, and free to do whatever you choose! Everyone needs a little break now and then!

The most important thing to remember when it comes to creating a schedule for achieving success is that it must be realistic. It has to be something you can actually follow; if it isn’t, you can easily become discouraged and give up. Do realize that sometimes you will have to deviate from your schedule. Things come up and schedules take a backseat. Don’t let that discourage you! Just get back on schedule as soon as possible. If you find that the schedule you created is no longer working, make adjustments and continue on.

Make earning your degree with The College Network a priority and enjoy the freedom that can come with success!

Since the 2011 release of The Future of Nursing report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), healthcare researchers have continued to justify the push for more baccalaureate-level registered nurses. One of the most powerful testaments to the power of baccalaureate education lies in the fact that facilities with more BSN-RNs have better patient outcomes.

The most recent evidence of improved patient results comes from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, who reviewed outcomes from 134 Pennsylvania hospitals. The resulting study showed that a 10-point increase in the percentage of bachelor’s-level RNs was directly linked with an average reduction of 2.12 deaths for every 1,000 patients.

The report is the University of Pennsylvania’s most recent piece of evidence in an ongoing effort to emphasize the link between baccalaureate-level education and improved care. In 2008, the University partnered with the Journal of the American Medical Association to release a similar study, which revealed that a 10 percent increase in the number of BSN-RNs on staff led to a 5 percent decrease in the risk of patient deaths.

In order for healthcare facilities to improve their bachelor’s degree-level nurse ratios, more nursing students will need to start choosing baccalaureate degrees over associate degree programs.  In 2011, 60 percent of candidates who passed the NCLEX-RN^® exam held an associate’s degree, while only 40 percent held a baccalaureate degree. In today’s workforce, only 45 percent of U.S. nurses hold a bachelor’s degree. The number of nursing students entering BSN programs will need to increase significantly if the industry hopes to meet the IOM’s recommendation, which states that 80 percent of RNs should hold a bachelor’s degree by 2020. 

If you are interested in earning your bachelor's degree in nursing, now is the time. The College Network offers a variety of options for LPNs and RNs who are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree. To learn more, you can view a full list of our degree programs for nurses or request more information. Or, call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with a program advisor. 

Let’s face it—most of us have been out of school quite a long time. The prospect of returning to school can be exciting, and a bit scary. Especially if the last time you were in school you sat behind a desk and are now looking at your computer, wondering how it’s all going to work.  Well, don’t worry.  We’re here to help calm your nerves, help you get started and keep you motivated as you work through your online degree program.

Once you enroll in your degree program with help from The College Network—what's next? The steps below outline what you will experience and hopefully take some of the anxiety out of what you might be feeling.  Use this as your guide and you'll be well on your way to earning your degree.

Log in to Resource Center—This is your learning portal.  You will go to the online Resource Center to find your course materials, discussion boards where you can post questions to other students, the resource library and to online chat which you can use to converse with our academic support team when you have a question.

Find out your learning style—As adults, we learn differently than we did when we were younger. It's important to know if you are an auditory learner, a tactile learner or a visual learner. Our learning style survey will help you identify your unique learning style so you can study more effectively. 

Complete your Academic Guidance Call—Our customer support team will contact you to review your learning style so you understand more completely how to be successful in your studies.  You will also work with them to develop a study plan for your program and review all aspects of the resource center.  If you have any questions about working through your degree program, they will be able to guide you. 

Set a goal for taking your first exam— Having a specific date in mind will help to keep you on track and be motivated to succeed. With self paced education, it's easy to put other things ahead of studying. We want to make sure that you stay focused on your goal of earning your degree. After you pass your first exam, schedule the rest of your exams so that you have a calendar to work from. 

 Set a weekly study schedule—With our busy lives and work schedules, it can be hard to find the time to study. If you approach your study time like you would a part-time job with a set schedule, you will be able to commit to this time and make weekly progress toward your goal.

Create your support network--Use the Resource Center to find others in your area that are working through their program.  Or ask around at work to see if any of your colleagues are also pursuing their degree. It's also a good idea to include your family and friends in your pursuit of a degree so they will support your goal.  They can be your biggest motivators! 

So are you ready to get back to school?   We offer the support you need to get started and the motivation to keep you going.  Call us today at 800-395-1014 to learn more about our degree programs and our support team. 

According to a recent report from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, patients who are treated at  Magnet hospitals have a 14 percent lower post-surgery death rate than those treated at non-Magnet institutions. The report reviewed post-surgery patient outcomes across 564 hospitals in four states, with nearly 100,000 registered nurses participating in the study.

Administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, Magnet status is a designation given to hospitals that have achieved a high level of excellence in the areas of patient care and staff education. The Magnet initiative is focused on heightening hospital staff performance by improving career development initiatives, management style and nursing autonomy. Before a facility can qualify for Magnet status, hospital staff must meet certain educational requirements; for example, 75 percent of the facility’s nurse managers must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing.   

Nearly 400 U.S. hospitals have achieved magnet status thus far, a number that’s expected to grow quickly in the coming years. As the population ages, patient cases are expected to become increasingly complex and demand higher levels of staff expertise. As hospitals begin to increase educational requirements for nurses, there has never been a better time to pursue a higher nursing credential. Call The College Network at 800-395-1014 to learn how simple the next step can be.   

I read an interesting blog on encouraging online learners to take responsibility for their own learning. It raises the question that with all the information and resources available to someone, what is the responsibility of the learner?  

This is your degree and ultimately, it's up to you to make sure that you do the work necessary to be successful.  Here are some ideas on how you can be.  

The following are behaviors that will help an online learner be successful in their program:

• Time management
• Know your learning style
• Organization skills
• Set measurable goals
• The drive to learn
• Motivation to succeed

Think about how you can manage your time better and study more effectively.  Challenge yourself to keep your motivation strong and be organized.  

Chances are if you're an adult learner pursuing your bachelor of science in nursing degree or other professional degree, you may also be working full-time and taking care of your family.  It's difficult to juggle school, work and family.  That is why you need to concentrate on measurable goals--commit to studying for one hour each day or take an exam every three months.  You can always schedule your exam and use that as a goal to work towards.  

You can be successful.  But you have to take responsibility for earning your degree.  The College Network can supply the resources you need to make it happen, but we can't supply the motivation and drive to achieve your goal of a degree.  Call us today at 800-634-1443 if you need to review your study plan or would like to schedule your next exam.  

Often many new and existing customers have questions regarding The College Network, their program, their purchase, and Academic Support. Below are some general Frequently Asked Questions about The College Network to better address any inquiries.

Q: Is The College Network a school?

A: No. The College Network is an educational services company which produces study materials designed to assist customers with preparing for challenge exams to earn college credit to apply towards a degree granting institution designated through The College Network or through a local program of their choosing. The College Network does not award degrees.

You can find a listing of all of our available programs online at www.collegenetwork.com.

Q: How long do I have to complete my degree program?

A:  The College Network does not limit or place deadlines on when customers can utilize their purchased Comprehensive Learning Modules. We understand that life happens. If it takes several years to complete your desired program, we are here to help! 

We recommend contacting the Customer Support Department (1-800-634-1443) if you have been away for awhile to assist with restarting your program.

Q: Can I apply the credit earned via challenge exam to a local college?

A: Yes. You can apply credits earned through challenge exams if the local college accepts challenge exam credit. You would want to contact the local institution for more details.

Q: How many times can I complete an exam?

A: Each testing body has its own requirements for the maximum amount of exam attempts it will allow a student to complete per subject. Also, each testing body has its own requirements for a minimum amount of time that must pass between exams. For further clarification, please review your Academic Guidance Planner or call Customer Support.

Q: How do I schedule an exam?

A: The scheduling process differs depending on the intended exam and whether or not the exam fees were included in your purchase. Please reference your Academic Guidance Planner for instructions or contact the Customer Support department for assistance.

Q: Who can assist me with my program?

A:  Customer Support! While The College Network promotes independent learning programs, customers are not alone with their studies! The Customer Support department has over 30 Academic Advisors available to assist with any questions pertaining to your program, your studies, scheduling an exam, motivation, or anything else you may need. All Academic Advisors hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a variety of specialties and have completed general education coursework similar to the content in our Comprehensive Learning Modules.

Q: What can Customer Support help me with?

A: A whole lot! The Customer Support department can answer questions pertaining to how to enroll with your degree granting institution, determining your learning style to help prepare you for your studies, provide Technical Support assistance for our online Resource Center, assist with scheduling exams, create a personalized study plan, answer content related questions, and provide overall support and motivation.

Q: What are the hours of the Customer Support department?

A: Academic Advisors are available seven days a week. The hours are Monday-Fridays 8:00am-11:00pm (EST) in addition to Saturdays and Sundays 9:00am-8:00pm (EST).

Q: How can I reach an Academic Advisor?

A: Academic Advisors can be reached via phone at 1-800-634-1443, email at academics@collegenetwork.com, and fax at 877-725-7811. We also have an online Live Web Chat feature through our online Resource Center which is available Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm EST.

Q: Who do I contact about my monthly loan installment payment?

A:  Our Financial Services department can assist with any questions pertaining to your monthly payments, loan balance, term, or lender. They can be reached at 877-728-9410 on the following days and times:

Monday-Thursdays 9:00am-10:00pm (EST)

Fridays 9:00am-9:00pm (EST)

First three Saturdays of the month 10:00am-2:00pm (EST)

There may be many more questions that you have regarding The College Network, our Online Degree Programs, and your studies. Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Support at 1-800-634-1443 for assistance! 

Recently I came across an article on Yahoo, Flexible Degrees You Can Earn At Night. Since I'm always very interested to read about education, I had to jump on this article.

In the article, the author discusses several different ways to earn a degree in your spare time. Sound familiar?

It should!

This is exactly what our programs are designed to help you do! All of our programs are online and set up so you can work when it is convenient for you; there are no required login times.

So what degrees should I go after? Well, it depends on what your interests are, of course!

Are you interested in healthcare but don't really want to become a nurse or doctor? Well there are many other options. For example, you could always get your bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration.

The College Network actually offers a great program to get your BS in Health Care Administration through Regis University. The best part? It's 100% online and self-paced!

Or maybe your interests aren't in healthcare... Maybe you've always wanted to get into the legal field but you don't plan to go to law school. If you're looking for a quick entry to the legal field, you could always get your Paralegal Certificate from Boston University. Have you ever considered Criminal Justice? The College Network offers a 100% online, self-paced program to help you get your bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bellevue University.

Take some time and review these programs. If none of these programs appeal to you, don't worry, there are still other options!

Please feel free to browse The College Network's entire list of convenient, 100% online education programs.

If you have any questions or think that you have found the perfect fit, feel free to give me a call. I'm always happy to help!

Ein Peck

Program Advisor

mpeck@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4786

Last month, ABC premiered ‘NY Med,’ an eight-part documentary series that explores the daily action on the ER floor at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. The series, directed by producer Terence Wrong, followed nurses and doctors over the course of 16 months, capturing their most touching and most tragic interactions with patients. The series has brought nursing to the forefront of the national television spotlight, and the nurses on the show couldn’t be happier. 

"The show could be one of the greatest public health campaigns, or it could be a great campaign for how rewarding and amazing a career as a professional nurse is," said the series’ Katie Duke, RN, BSN, CEN, CCRN in an interview with Nurse.com.  "It can touch so many people on different levels."

In Wrong’s typical style, the footage is raw and graphic, revealing everything from tumor removals to a “wide awake” neurosurgery. But the producer does his part to balance the series’ most dramatic moments with a good helping of lighthearted patient interaction. At times, the show is hard to stomach, but it’s that roughness that serves as just recognition for the men and women of the emergency room.

The show has received rave reviews from major media outlets (like this one from the LA Times), and many healthcare professionals have expressed their appreciation for the show's accurate depiction of the hospital workday. Nurses on the show hope that the series will do its part to make people appreciate the unique challenges of their work and inspire others to take interest in the nursing profession. You can watch several full episodes of the series here. 

I am really thrilled to see that Indiana State University's (one of the best schools in the Mid-West according to the U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review) online LVN to BS in Nursing program is now recognized in the state of Texas. This completely distance-based program allows an LVN to work full time and earn his/her BSN RN without ever having to return to the college classroom and without ever having to visit the campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. Indiana State University is accredited by the North Central States Association of Colleges & Schools (the same association that accredits such schools at the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, University of Chicago and the University of Illinois). It's recognized by the National League for Nursing and the Texas Board of Nursing.

This program has three phases. The first is the general education phase. Indiana State University allows nurses to transfer previous college credits into the program as long as the course 1) was taken within 30 years, 2) is from a regionally accredited school and 3) has a grade of C or higher. Any required subject the nurse hasn't taken, can be fulfilled by testing out via The College Network's Comprehensive Learning Modules in our online Resource Center. There is one learning module per subject. When the nurse passes the one exam, she/he receives the same credits from Indiana State University as if she/he sat in a classroom for an entire semester. Almost all of the general education examinations are taken from home via a webcam on the computer.

Phase Two are four nursing transition courses that essentially work the same way as Phase One except the exams are taken outside of the home but locally.

Phase Three are the online nursing classes taken directly with Indiana State University. Also, it's in this phase where the clinical hours are performed. This is one of the best parts of the program! The clinicals are performed locally one-on-one with a preceptor.

This program can be completed in the same amount of time or less time than if the nurse were to quit his/her job and go to school full time at a local university. One nurse told me recently what she liked about this program is that she can fit her education around her life instead of her life around her education.

For more information, please contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014.

Very best regards,

Joel Kimzey

I'm a fan of Roman history and over the years I have amassed a small library of texts on this ancient civilization. It's my favorite thing to study and read outside of work, but even though I love it, it's nice to read something different every once in a while, like a classic novel or a series of essays, short stories and poems. Even though I'm not focusing on my passion, I'm still expanding my knowledge base and keeping myself from getting completely burnt out on Roman history altogether.

It can be difficult when you're studying the same topic for an extending period of time. When you're focusing on your core classes, even though you may love the subject, reviewing the same material can be monotonous and brain-draining. At The College Network, we have over 60 unique Comprehensive Learning Modules to choose from. So if studying the sciences is wearing you down, there are a myriad of titles you could choose from to take a break from your major focus and still earn credit toward your degree.

To learn more about how you can earn your degree and diversify your education, visit our web site.

It's been a hard road, but you are finally ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam.  It's your last step before earning your RN license.  Does the exam strike fear in your heart?  Make your palms get sweaty?  It doesn't have to.  The College Network offers support that will help you be as prepared as possible for the exam.  

The RX for NCLEX Success Preparation Package will  provide you with everything you need to pass the exam.  This is the only preparation tool that has been developed with the National League for Nursing

There is an online Question Review Bank that features over 4,200 exam-style practice questions that will give you a better understanding into what types of questions will be on the exam.  You can personalize  your sessions using the exam simulation mode, study mode and custom-setting mode.  

You will also receive access to other online resources which include an exam preparation handbook that will guide you step-by-step through the process.  If you purchase the RX for NCLEX success review package and need to take the NCLEX-RN more than once, we will provide with free access for an additional 60 days.

So, let us help you calm your exam fears by making sure you're as prepared as possible  Call us at 800-496-9452 to learn more.  

I remember the first time I opened Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time and felt like a Neanderthal relative to Mr. Hawking's genius. The concepts were so complex and beyond anything I had ever tried to comprehend that after the first couple pages I put the book down and declared that it was beyond my level of intelligence. About a year later there was a Discovery Channel 3-part special narrated by Mr. Hawking that discusses many of the same concepts presented in his book. Once again I was overwhelmed by the concepts of the beginning of the universe, dark energy, black holes, planet composition, etc. but I told myself that I would not let myself be overcome by something that was initially too challenging and confusing. I would slow down the video, rewind to repeat and listen to information I didn't understand, and watch the video in its entirety multiple times. After multiple views, I felt more confident in my understanding of several of Stephen Hawking's theories...I'm not ready to solve any mysteries of the universe, but I understand and appreciate his concepts more than I did before I understood them at all.

When you're stressed or overwhelmed by a topic or concept, don't see it as an insurmountable roadblock to the learning process. Take your time and slow down. Dissect the information into pieces that you can comprehend and then re-approach the concept as a whole. You'll find that breaking things down into more concise, simple ideas will make understanding the whole easier. So when you're reviewing your Comprehensive Learning Modules and interactive content provided by The College Network, know that you can overcome any mental roadblock, either by yourself or with the help of our Customer Support department. 

When listening to the radio, the song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepson comes on the radio several times during the day--there is no escaping it on the station I listen to.  And afterwards I find that I can't get it out of my head.  Plus there are so many parodies on YouTube and other channels.  It has become part of our trending culture.

After a friend posted that people don't call each other anymore, I realized that I have to agree.  With the popularity of social media, it's easier to post your status on Facebook or tweet about something you find interesting.  We even reach out to our community for recommendations or advice.  The art of communication is sometimes lost in the fray.  

But it is after a lengthy conversation I had with a customer this morning, that I want to encourage you to call us.  The College Network's Academic Support team is available to you when you need some support, to schedule a test or just to review your program.  You can also talk to them about developing a study plan if you are new to your online program, or need to get restarted.  

As an LPN to RN, we understand that you are working hard to support yourself and at times run into questions that you need some clarification on, or perhaps you just need to talk through you program plan to keep on your schedule.  Maybe you're starting in your BSN program and need to understand Regis University's small class sections.  Whatever you may need, our team is here for you.

Here's our number, 800-634-1443--so call us maybe.  

"I'm not a good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter." A first draft of anything is never as good as the second and subsequent drafts. Every time you look at it you should find a phrase to reword, a word to delete, or an entire paragraph to reorder. The process to turn out a solid piece of writing is time consuming and challenging and asking anyone for help can seem like such a burden and an inconvenience. But what if you could  have your paper reviewed for free by someone willing?

Figment.com is a web site built for these purposes. It's a free web site "where you can share your writing, connect with other readers, and discover new stories and authors. Whatever you're into, from sonnets to mysteries, from sci-fi stories to cell phone novels, you can find it all here." For students using The College Network method of earning an advanced degree, Figment.com can be a great resource to get practice writing future papers, to enhance your writing abilities, and experience the writing of others in the same situation as yourself. 

If you're interested in advancing your education and earning an advanced degree, research The College Network. Once you're on your way to a higher degree and you want free help writing the many papers that come with an advanced education, visit Figment.com.

Many of you have probably heard the term "accredited." We use it a lot when we talk about accredited nursing programs, but many people may not truly understand the value behind that word: accredited.

When I hear the word "accredited", the first thing that comes to mind is excellence. When I was in college, it was extremely important for me that the program I was studying was accredited, because I knew that the education I would receive would be the best of the best AND would be reputable when it came time to look for a job.

Not every higher education program holds this status of accredited. It is something that must be both proven and earned. Those that have earned this level of excellence have gone through a long process of being reviewed by experts. The following is a list of benefits of choosing an accredited program:

• Program excellence
• Experienced faculty
• Respect from potential employers
• Ability to transfer credits more easily

The quality of the education you receive really does matter. At The College Network, we know the value of accreditation, which is why all of the universities we work with to offer online nursing degree programs are regionally accredited. You can learn more about online nursing programs here or by calling 1-800-395-1014.

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a customer of The College Network regarding her study habits and how she prepares for exams. She had progressed at a moderate pace and is doing quite well with her exams. She is like most of our customers, a working mother pursuing her degree who has to balance her job, family, and schooling.

She mentioned the other day that she found a creative way to study. Apparently, she has her children (who are between the ages of 10-14) read her Comprehensive Learning Module lessons to her while she is preparing dinner or cleaning the kitchen. She divulged that she does this mainly as a “punishment” option; however I advised this is a creative use of time for all!

As I explained to her, while she gains the benefits of hearing the module information (as she is an Auditory learner), her children are also gaining practice with building their reading comprehension and fluency. Winners all around! Not only are there educational benefits, but she is able to spend time with her children.  I also advised that she can keep this practice going with reviewing key terms. She can quiz her children on their vocabulary words and they can quiz her.

Pursuing any education program does take a huge time commitment, however with a little creativity, you do not have to let the other responsibilities in your life fall to the way side.

If you need assistance with other creative study suggestions, please contact our Customer Support department at 1-800-634-1443.

Let's talk about the number 6. It's my lucky number. But it's also much more than that. Here are some very interesting facts about the number 6.

Did you know?

• 6 is the smallest perfect number.
• 6 is the atomic number of carbon.
• The cells of a beehive honeycomb are 6-sided. 
• There are 6 strings on a standard guitar. 
• LeBron James wears the number 6 on his jersey.
• Every Braille cell is made up of 6 dots.
• John Quincy Adams was the 6th president of the United States.
• Insects have 6 legs.
• 6 points are scored for a touchdown.
• The standard term of office for a United States senator is 6 years.
• It is said that there are no more than 6 degrees of separation between any two people on Earth.

So, why bring up the number 6?  Did you know that with our EARN program, when you refer 6 people to The College Network who enroll into a degree program, we will pay for your remaining TCN loan balance? It doesn't matter if you are currently obtaining your Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelors in Business, or any other degree offered through The College Network and our leading university affiliates online--you can take advantage of the EARN program.

Here's how it works. When you refer someone to The College Network and they become a customer, you receive $200 for that referral after 90 days from when they started in their program. Then you continue to receive $200 for each referral you make after that. If you add it up, 5 referrals=$1,000.  Then when you reach your 6th referral TCN will pay for your remaining contract portion of your program. Or if you have already paid for your program in full, we will pay for 75% of your contract amount. Pretty amazing, isn't it? Click here to review the full program guidelines. 

Take advantage of the EARN program and you'll see why 6 is a magic number too. (And, you can still refer someone after your program is paid for and continue to EARN $200 for each referral.) If you're ready to start adding up your referrals, feel free to contact me at 317-566-2647 or email at tfernkas@collegenetwork.com.  

So you want to become a registered nurse. But how do you do it? It seems like it might be an impossible goal. You work, take care of your family--when are you going to find time to go to school?  Here are 10 easy ways you can become an RN with help from The College Network.

1. Call the The College Network to learn more about online nursing degree programs.
2. Set an appointment to meet with one of our Program Advisors. They can answer all your questions and set you up with a program that is right for you.
3. Make the decision to move towards your goal of becoming an RN and get started in your program.
4. Take our Learning Styles Survey to find out how you learn best. 
5. Complete your Academic Guidance call with our customer support team to review your learning style and develop a study plan for your Comprehensive Learning Modules.
6. Start studying.
7. Schedule your first TCN Exam.  Then go ahead and schedule the rest of your exams on your calendar.  This will help to keep you on track and give you a timely goal to work towards. Keep studying and passing your exams. 
8. Enroll with the university and complete any other requirements for your program.
9. Graduate! Plan to walk with your fellow nurses in the graduation ceremony.
10. Take and pass the NCLEX exam and receive your new RN License!

It really be done in these 10 steps.  You just have to make a commitment, set your goals and take action.  We are here to help every step of the way.  Call us today at (800) 39-LEARN and check your first item off your to-do list.  

As an Academic Advisor, I speak with customers on a daily basis who ask for more information on how to study best. As a visual learner myself, I have a ton of tricks and tips for similar learners. I thought it may be helpful to provide some suggestions for those of the auditory learning persuasion.

Below are some effective study tips for auditory learners:

* Read explanations out loud.

* Make up songs to go along with the subject matter.

* Say words in syllables.

* Record notes/new material on a tape/MP3 player and review while driving or  exercising.

 * Use mnemonics and words links.

* Make up and repeat rhymes to remember facts, dates, names, etc.

* Explain the material you are trying to learn to a study partner

If you are a current customer of The College Network, I encourage you to peruse our Discussion Forum to locate a study partner working on the same program and/or Comprehensive Learning Module as you. You can access the Discussion Forum through the Online Resource Center (http://tcnrc.collegenetwork.com).

As always, if you need study assistance in preparation for your exams, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Support team at 1-800-634-1443. 

I don’t know about you, but I never jump in the water without testing the temperature first. I learned my lesson the hard way when I was younger and dove into a lake on a warm day, not realizing that the temperature had been below 60 for the last few months. Can you say, cold? 

In order to be successful with your studies, you have to “test the water” first by creating a plan for your study sessions. The time and effort you place on preparing to study is almost as important as the time you will spend studying. Below is a guide for how you can create an effective study plan for yourself. The information is tailored for use of our Comprehensive Learning Modules:

1. Determine how much time you would like to spend on your module. On average, most modules can be completed within 4–6 weeks. However, in order to successfully master the content in preparation for passing the exam, this time frame may need to be extended depending on your study schedule availability.

 2. Determine frequency and length of study sessions. Each learner’s availability varies, sometimes from week to week. Do not overextend yourself in regard to  your study sessions as this will be counterproductive. If you can normally study five days a week but find that in one particular week you have many work and family obligations, restructure your study sessions to two days that week.

3. Organize the material into “chunks”. It is best to look at the material on a weekly basis. If you are able to study five days a week for at least an hour each day, it is very possible to complete 3–4 chapters a week. If you know you will probably need to review more for a particular subject, you may want to aim to complete two chapters in a week as you will spend more time reading and   reviewing each chapter.

4. Prepare to study each chapter. Remind yourself that you will want to cover the chapter objectives and key terms for each chapter. You will also want to study in    an appropriate environment and have all the necessary tools available to aid in your studies (pens, highlighters, sticky-notes, etc.).

5. Read. Simply put, determine how much you plan to read each study session. Remember, you want to limit each study session to 45 minutes. You can have multiple study sessions each day if needed.

 6. Review: It is best to start off each new study session with a review of the previous session. If you completed a chapter your last study session, review the previous chapter’s end-of-chapter questions prior to starting the next chapter. If  you are in the middle of a chapter when you stop a study session, you will want to  review the chapter objectives and key terms before resuming the chapter.

As always, you can contact The College Network's amazing Customer Support team at 1-800-634-1443 for further explanation or to create a specific plan for courses.