Bad news for my TESC degree

[Snickerdoodle]

One of my science professors is writing a letter of rec for me. I know it's going to be good judging from last time (he wrote it for the other program too), but he hasn't submitted it yet for this program. I may contact him and explain these issues that cropped up.

Paramedic! Now that's something I can do. I'm getting my EMT-B cert by the end of this year. Paramedic school can come after that (much easier to get into). I didn't realize that. Thank you so much.

I'm revising the letter; thank you for your wonderful suggestions rebel100. I'm not too sure how to go about getting TESC's registrar and the registrar at this school talking to each other...although I can certainly talk to them individually myself.

[rebel100]

I feel that TESC's registrar has a dog in this fight...they should help you demonstrate the validity of your degree in a situation like this. And, if I'm in that seat and you come to me with your story, I'm gonna make a couple of calls for you...their reputation is on the line too (sorta). You may find the Registrar at the target school much more receptive than the committee...in my experience they have the authority and intelligence that's lacking in the guidance office...I hope that's your experience as well. The school should be pleased and impressed that your working this hard to get in...indicates your gonna excel in the program.

I wouldn't recommend Paramedicine to anyone unless they really want to be a firefighter. However, I think it's a great way to start a medical career. As a Medic you will see and do things they will seldom allow in a hospital. You get to assess and treat your patients, there is no substitute for that kind of experience. Nurses seldom get to intubate, start EJ lines, run codes, select which drugs to push...being a medic is cool....but keep your eye on moving into nursing, there is a lot more money and better working conditions there...as a rule. See if there are local Bridge programs, many states have them but I don't know if California is one of them...there are caveats to the Excelsior Bridge in California too...a google search should help you figure it out.

Best,
Mike

[Gaz]

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.

Be sure to check with your state Board of Nursing first. Here in Florida they only allow Excelsior grads. that entered as LPNs sit for the NCLEX. This is a fairly recent change. California does not allow them at all. Having said that, I assume there is a backdoor somewhere in every state.

Now that Rebel mentioned it, many bridge programs at CCs do not have a waiting list. It is not uncommon for people in my area to become LPNs first with the idea of bridging later.

[Gaz]

I take it back! Currently, there are no restrictions in Florida for Excelsior ASN graduates... EC must have won their lawsuit with the Florida BON.

Here is a link provided by Excelsior regarding each state's BON.

State Board Requirements - excelsior.edu

[Snickerdoodle]

Yes, I'm aware of the issues for Excelsior ADN grads in CA...I was looking mainly at the idea of medic-to-RN bridge programs. I've seen some around, but didn't investigate at the time. Another option to consider. Thanks!

[cookderosa]

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.

+1 on everything he just said. Also, I like your letter a lot. Good for you. They would be LUCKY to have you!

[Snickerdoodle]

Revised (thanks for everyone's feedback):

Dear Dr. Program Director,

I want to thank you and the committee for considering my application to the School of Nursing at [target school]. [Target school] is known for its commitment to exemplary [potentially identifying adjective] health and education, and as a current student under the School of [another department], I’ve already enjoyed the benefits and would love to continue my education here.

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 courses 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. While the nature of my degree is unusual, I found it necessary to choose Thomas Edison State College in order to continue to work towards and accomplish my goals, while remaining at my grandfather’s bedside and dealing with the complications of his illness and passing. Thanks to Thomas Edison State College, with dedication and hard work, I’m on track to graduate this year with my bachelor’s in liberal arts.

The New York Times recently recognized my alma mater for their innovative and trustworthy approach to higher education. Here’s a link to the article. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/educat...=all&_r=1&
I’d appreciate it if you could take a look, and I hope it helps answer some questions.

Thank you very much for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Snickerdoodle


Okay, so here's what I'm worrying about. They can look at this letter and say, "Yeah, that's all fine and dandy, but if you really want to come study here, you're still being considered for the regular track BSN." It's only one quarter longer, so it's not that big of a deal to me. I just wonder if I still would want to attend a school that flat-out refuses to recognize my degree (assuming I'm accepted to the regular track--after this maybe my reception will be less than enthusiastic LOL). Tomorrow morning I'm calling the registrar at TESC. We'll see how that goes.

GPA/TEAS scores-wise...I'm good to go. It's just a matter of whether I'm considered for the regular or accelerated tracks.

Thank you everyone.

[sanantone]

There are also several other online paramedic to RN programs if you do a Google search. I even found an online paramedic program, but I think it's only available in Texas.

[EI2HCB]

I just dropped the News desk at the New York Times a note to let them know of the situation you've experienced which may start some phone's ringing in N.J this week. This is our fight all of us together to prove our competency in way's that don't cost the earth and are recognised by many colleges. Please keep us posted and remember that we are behind you in this as it effects us all.

[rebel100]

Revised (thanks for everyone's feedback):

Dear Dr. Program Director,

I want to thank you and the committee for considering my application to the School of Nursing at [target school]. [Target school] is known for its commitment to exemplary [potentially identifying adjective] health and education, and as a current student under the School of [another department], I’ve already enjoyed the benefits and would love to continue my education here.

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 courses 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. While the nature of my degree is unusual, I found it necessary to choose Thomas Edison State College in order to continue to work towards and accomplish my goals, while remaining at my grandfather’s bedside and dealing with the complications of his illness and passing. Thanks to Thomas Edison State College, with dedication and hard work, I’m on track to graduate this year with my bachelor’s in liberal arts.

The New York Times recently recognized my alma mater for their innovative and trustworthy approach to higher education. Here’s a link to the article. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/educat...=all&_r=1&
I’d appreciate it if you could take a look, and I hope it helps answer some questions.

Thank you very much for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Snickerdoodle


Okay, so here's what I'm worrying about. They can look at this letter and say, "Yeah, that's all fine and dandy, but if you really want to come study here, you're still being considered for the regular track BSN." It's only one quarter longer, so it's not that big of a deal to me. I just wonder if I still would want to attend a school that flat-out refuses to recognize my degree (assuming I'm accepted to the regular track--after this maybe my reception will be less than enthusiastic LOL). Tomorrow morning I'm calling the registrar at TESC. We'll see how that goes.

GPA/TEAS scores-wise...I'm good to go. It's just a matter of whether I'm considered for the regular or accelerated tracks.

Thank you everyone.

I think you have a solid letter here. I hope you find some satisfaction, I'm glad your pushing back!