As a Excelsior College student:

It has been my experience that this program is no picnic. But it's the only way I could continue my education. The Excelsior program is NOT an easy way out to the nursing degree. It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Conventional college was so much easier than the Excelsior program is, but it's worth doing. As a (single) parent of three whom had the sole responsibility for 16 years, of getting my children through grade school first, it became my time to better myself. I started a conventional nursing school a few years ago but had to quit in order to keep working to make the house payment and not to loose everything I have worked for. Excelsior was my only choice. I am almost finished with this program and have thought about working in Virginia in the very near future. Your vote of YES for this program in Virginia will enable many hard working nurses to relocate to your area and allow us to provide you with excellent health care to all that need our assistance. There is already a shortage of nurses, please don't make the mistake of adding to it by discounting the people who have worked extra hard to obtain a nursing degree through Excelsior College. The nursing course through Excelsior College is a grueling and strict process and should not be viewed as a less than education by any means. This course is harder to do since you have to remain totally focused on your studies when you’re not at work. There is NO leisure time after work. ONLY TIME TO STUDY, IN ORDER TO SUCEED. Please Vote YES to allow this program to remain an important part of Virginias future in healthcare. I look forward to a nursing career in your state. Thanks Randolph N. Smith Sr.