Hello,

I think the best way is to ask the State Board of Nursing in the state of GA.

I think Cathy Cox is the Sec of State here in Ga.  There has been cases from what I heard on local news that people would do an online program for their RN license in another state....now they wouldnt be an RN........that state would let them take the NCLEX, even though they were'nt an RN  then they would apply for a GA license as an  transfer RN from another state..  Im not sure which states these nurses did this in. 

Alot of us are doing bridge programs for ADN to :RN online and they need to really look into the facility to see if its accredited with the University of Georgia <that's where all my credits are for my ADN> or whatever facility they got their ADN in.  I heard Excelsior college is one of the biggest in this 'scandal'.  Alot of nurses with a degree from Excelsior have been working at Emory in both Atlanta and Crawford Long, St. Joesephs................these are very prestigious hospitals!   These are like the top dogs in my region and if you had any of these facilities on your resume, that would be a massive thumbs up.  I am wondering what the outcome of these nurses have been since they did not have accredited degrees.  I know it stinks.............these guys and gals spent a fortune on their education and then one day, are they suddenly unemployed with a make believe degree?  That so sad.  If your already an RN, its easier to do a bridge program online because you already have your :RN license. 

Good luck to you all.

The rep from the College Network told me about a month ago that Excelsior credits/programs were NOT being accepted by GA, so I know I won't go with them.

I'm considering the University of Indiana.

Below is information directly from Excelsior College web site regarding the State of Georgia for nursing students and graduates of Excelsior College who are currently licensed and working in the State of Georgia.

PLEASE READ 

Important Information for Georgia Students and Graduates

As you are Excelsior College associate degree graduates by endorsement, a practice that they have followed for more than 25 years. The Board based this decision on its interpretation of revisions to existing law that were passed by the Georgia Legislature earlier this year.

This action of the Georgia Board does not affect graduates of our nursing degree programs who are already licensed as RNs in Georgia nor does it affect those who have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from Excelsior. It also does not impact students currently enrolled in our BS or MS in nursing programs. The Board has indicated that it has concerns about the nature of our model of education for our pre-licensure program only.

All Excelsior College nursing programs are nationally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. In addition, our School of Nursing has received its second designation as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education 2008-2011 from the National League for Nursing. This designation was awarded for creating environments that enhance student learning and professional development. The Excelsior College School of Nursing is one of only 13 schools nationwide that hold this distinction.

On September 18, President Ebersole, Dean Nettleton and others from Excelsior College presented before the Georgia Board of Nursing at its regular meeting in an attempt to seek a reversal of its action. The Board decided to take no action at the meeting and referred the issue of licensure of Excelsior graduates to its Education Committee for further study. Representatives from Excelsior College will have an opportunity to present information to the Committee at its meeting on October 3. The next step may be reconsideration by the full Board of this issue at its November meeting although this is not certain at this time.

Many Excelsior students and graduates were present at the September 18 meeting and articulated their reaction to the Board's decision extremely well. We are appreciative of this support. In addition, reinforcement of the College's position was received from the Georgia Nurses Association and major employers. There was local media coverage of the event as well.

We intend to have further discussion with the Board and to meet with legislative and senior government officials to pursue their support. We continue to work closely with the Georgia Nurses' Association who has been an important supporter of Excelsior College, its students and graduates for many years.

In summary, since the Board took no action other than to refer the matter to its Education Committee, the eligibility of our associate degree (pre-licensure) graduates to become licensed in their home state remains uncertain. This lack of immediate action by the Board is frustrating for all.  However, please be assured that Excelsior College and the Georgia Nurses' Association are working tirelessly on your behalf.

You will hear from us again after the Board's Education Committee meeting on October 3.

I called the Secretary of State (no longer Ms. Cox) and there are NO online programs that meet the requirements to take NCLEX here, even Indiana State as I was told by a College Network rep.

Ask the state board of nursing

I have heard a lot of good things about UAB and their online RN to BSN and their BSN to masters.  I know that several of my instructors went the UAB route.

How could it be..?

I mean in the same country there are accredited online schools by the government and how could one state reject the acceptance of the degree got from an accredited online school within the same country..

That's really wiered..

MAMADAWN says ...

I came to Georgia from Kansas with my EMT license.  This state would not accept my Kansas license.  Georgia is a weird state.  I can't wait to leave this place. 

Thank you I am a nursing student and I plan on moving back home before I attend nursing school for this same reason. The things GA put you through is unnecessary, and I cant wait to leave this place as well.

I know nurses with advance certification and GA puts them through the same nonsense, I for one believe this is strictly politics