Bad news for my TESC degree

[Snickerdoodle]

Thanks guys. I'll try and let you know how it goes.

[sanantone]

I don't know where you live in California, but WGU's pre-licensure BSN has clinical sites in Southern California.

[rebel100]

I would push back a little...principle of the matter and all that. Here's what I would do:

Contact the registrar at the target school and TESC...try to get them talking to one another and develop a relationship with the registrar at the target school...the registrar likely has the clout to override the committee's decision (or explain the real deal to them).

I would prep a little resume detailing how you earned the degree...I realize this is on the transcript, but detail how you came to TESC, how you actually earned the science courses, etc... You might include the recent news story as part of the package. Make it easy for them to understand.

It actually is a quite unusual to graduate from a school you never really attended. We forget that around here. I recently learned on "the other board" that there is a particular reason the big 3 all hail from the northeast. The regional accrediting agencies all have a rule that a minimum (usually 30 hours for Bachelors) have to be in residence. The RA authority in the northeast doesn't have that rule...that's why you can have the big three...and it explains why the other 5 regions don't understand the process.

With all that said...and I WOULD fight this...you should in the end explore your other options.

There are plenty of options for nursing schools out there. WGU is an obvious option. Any CC program is possible. If you are considering relocating for Nursing school take a look at New Mexico...they have some excellent programs that won't break the bank.

Best,
Mike

[sanantone]

I would push back a little...principle of the matter and all that. Here's what I would do:

Contact the registrar at the target school and TESC...try to get them talking to one another and develop a relationship with the registrar at the target school...the registrar likely has the clout to override the committee's decision (or explain the real deal to them).

I would prep a little resume detailing how you earned the degree...I realize this is on the transcript, but detail how you came to TESC, how you actually earned the science courses, etc... You might include the recent news story as part of the package. Make it easy for them to understand.

It actually is a quite unusual to graduate from a school you never really attended. We forget that around here. I recently learned on "the other board" that there is a particular reason the big 3 all hail from the northeast. The regional accrediting agencies all have a rule that a minimum (usually 30 hours for Bachelors) have to be in residence. The RA authority in the northeast doesn't have that rule...that's why you can have the big three...and it explains why the other 5 regions don't understand the process.

With all that said...and I WOULD fight this...you should in the end explore your other options.

There are plenty of options for nursing schools out there. WGU is an obvious option. Any CC program is possible. If you are considering relocating for Nursing school take a look at New Mexico...they have some excellent programs that won't break the bank.

Best,
Mike

I know the Southern Association has a rule that requires 25% of the degree to be earned in residence, but I'm not sure about the others. TESC and Excelsior are accredited by the Middle States. Charter Oak is accredited by the New England Association, so that's at least two out of six accreditors that don't have this rule.

[cookderosa]

Follow Rebel's plan. I would fight this too. With that in mind, a private nursing school can do whatever it wants. It can exclude CLEP, it can deny transfer credit, and it can make you earn a degree in underwater basket weaving in order to qualify for their aBSN. Nursing programs are a different animal, especially since there are three times as many applicants as there are open slots! (in some cases more than that!)

I was accepted into all the nursing programs I applied for, including an aBSN, however, I took my major at TESC in class-form. I did that for the exact reason you're finding, and that a zero residency looks fishy to many people, and I didn't want to answer questions. I've argued before in favor of using TESC degrees as the ticket into aBSN programs, but I've always attached the caveat of completing the prereqs inside the degree and taking courses inside your major. I think this is a unique problem, but I do think it may come up again regarding nursing or other health sciences.

I don't think it's likely that you'll get into THIS aBSN (even though you should fight) but I think you'll get into another aBSN if you keep trying.

P.S. an alternative route idea: local CC's RN program (ADN or AS) and then directly into an MSN. You don't need a BSN to get into a masters, and it would be CONSIDERABLY cheaper.

[Gaz]

Snickerdoodle-

How many nursing programs are in your area? I am currently in an ASN program. I would not sweat the degree specifics when it comes to nursing. It would be great to finish your BSN in 18 months, but becoming a nurse is what is most important. Here are a few ways to utilize your TESC BA:

ASN + TESC BA = acceptance into Excelsior MSN (CCNE accredited nursing school)
ASN + TESC BA = 7 self paced courses to completion of a BSN at WGU

I have found that speaking with an advisor is often counterproductive. Many schools have everything in black and white somwhere deep in their search engine. I discovered that my school (school site search) uses the ACE Guide to evaluate credit. I tested that information by taking Straighterline Statistics. I placed the course on an ACE transcript, sent it over and in a few weeks it showed up as STA 2023 on my school transcript.

[rebel100]

Snickerdoodle-

How many nursing programs are in your area? I am currently in an ASN program. I would not sweat the degree specifics when it comes to nursing. It would be great to finish your BSN in 18 months, but becoming a nurse is what is most important. Here are a few ways to utilize your TESC BA:

ASN + TESC BA = acceptance into Excelsior MSN (CCNE accredited nursing school)
ASN + TESC BA = 7 self paced courses to completion of a BSN at WGU

I have found that speaking with an advisor is often counterproductive. Many schools have everything in black and white somwhere deep in their search engine. I discovered that my school (school site search) uses the ACE Guide to evaluate credit. I tested that information by taking Straighterline Statistics. I placed the course on an ACE transcript, sent it over and in a few weeks it showed up as STA 2023 on my school transcript.

Nice...and I agree.

[Snickerdoodle]

Wow, I really appreciate everyone's input. Yes, I'm considering WGU's program also. The reason why I'm not applying to any CC's is because they're completely swamped in my area. It's a lottery system. I realize that it's the RN license that counts, but it seems really hard to get into an ADN program. Kudos to you Gaz for getting in. Competitition is stiff even for the few (pricy and some of dubious reputation) private universities around here. I have heard of several direct-entry MSN programs, but my impression was that most of them required some experience working as a RN (assuming that you were able to get into an ADN program in the first place). I just hope this field opens up. It has to, sooner or later.

Can I run this letter by you guys? I do have some thoughts about whether or not I should share the article. It seems to be geared toward students, who are looking for the "cheapest route to a degree" although it did address the idea of not taking classes at TESC at all. I'm not sure how the adcomm would view it. The main issue is the lack of a residency requirement. I mean, I can explain to them that it's perfectly legal and recognized till I'm blue in the face, but they're hung up on the idea of me never having taken classes there.

"Dear Dr. Program Director,

I want to thank you and the committee for considering my application to the School of Nursing. I realize that there are some concerns about my degree from Thomas Edison State College. Thomas Edison State College is a regionally accredited institution of higher education, and it's offered me the opportunity to earn my degree through a variety of learning options, including credit by exam, online classes, and transfer classes such as the science classes that I've taken right here at [target school]. My college educational journey began when I took college classes while I was in high school. When I graduated high school early, continuing my commitment to my college education by earning an associate's degree and eventually a bachelor's degree were logical next steps. At the same time, I gained valuable experience as a caregiver for my ailing grandfather, among other circumstances I encountered in life. I wouldn't have been able to do this without Thomas Edison State College considering life's unpredictabilities.

For future reference, I would appreciate it if you could take the time to read this article featuring Thomas Edison State College which was published this week in the New York Times. I hope it helps answer some questions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/education/25degree.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

Thank you very much for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Snickerdoodle"

I really appreciate all the awesome folks on this board. Thank you so much guys. This school is my first choice due to its reputation, but the attitude I'm getting is making me really reconsider. I'm keeping my options open and I'm definitely applying to other programs.

[rebel100]

"Dear Dr. Program Director,

I want to thank you and the committee for considering my application to the School of Nursing. I realize that there are some concerns about my degree from Thomas Edison State College. Thomas Edison State College is a regionally accredited institution of higher education, and it's offered me the opportunity to earn my degree through a variety of learning options, including credit by exam, online classes, and transfer classes such as the science classes that I've taken right here at [target school]. My college educational journey began when I took college classes while I was in high school. When I graduated high school early, continuing my commitment to my college education by earning an associate's degree and eventually a bachelor's degree were logical next steps. At the same time, I gained valuable experience as a caregiver for my ailing grandfather, among other circumstances I encountered in life. I wouldn't have been able to do this without Thomas Edison State College considering life's unpredictabilities.

For future reference, I would appreciate it if you could take the time to read this article featuring Thomas Edison State College which was published this week in the New York Times. I hope it helps answer some questions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/education/25degree.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

Thank you very much for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Snickerdoodle"

I really appreciate all the awesome folks on this board. Thank you so much guys. This school is my first choice due to its reputation, but the attitude I'm getting is making me really reconsider. I'm keeping my options open and I'm definitely applying to other programs.

Tell them that they are your first choice...and tell them why.

Assuming you have a decent GPA in their science courses reference that too....and maybe seek support from a couple of those instructors...find yourself some alies.

Include something like....."I chose TESC because I could continue to work towards and accomplish my goals while remaining at the bedside of my ailing grandfather. You find the nature of my degree unusual...I found it necessary".

I would lose the antagonist "for your future reference" and instead say something like "The New York times recently recognized my Alma mater for their innovative and trustworthy approach to higher education, here is a link to the article"

unpredictabilities is a funky word, I would fix it.

[rebel100]

Call some of your old Science Professors and see if they will write you a letter of recommendation. Silly if you took your science core at this very school...and yet they want to reject you for lack of some classroom time in New Jersey....You really need to contact the registrar's office and politely complain about this confusion...let them research the validity of your degree and (hopefully) set the committee straight.

Just to be sure you understand the Excelsior RN Bridge....you can get in with an RT, Paramedic, or LPN License...I went to medic school with three people who were seeking to do just that. One is now an ICU RN making about twice the money I do. The Medic to RN was his way around the wait list for a regular RN program.