Although not part of the initial complaint, allegations have also been raised about racial bias in the administration of the final exam.
It is noted on Excelsior’s website: “Excelsior’s unique exam-based program is specifically designed to provide a pathway to a nursing degree for LPNs (licensed practical nurses), LVNs (licensed vocational nurses), paramedics, and individuals who hold degrees in clinically oriented health care fields.”
No one from Excelsior would comment on the lawsuit, but they would answer questions about the college’s nursing programs.
According to William M. Stewart, assistant vice president of Excelsior College, the ADN is a self-paced program where students study on their own. Although the college is an open-enrollment institution, there is admission criteria for the ADN program, which is limited to individuals with defined health care experience.
“While students do progress through the program at their own pace and most complete it in an average of three years, there is a seven-year limit to degree completion,” says Dr. Mary Lee Pollard, dean of Excelsior’s school of nursing. “Progress for students in the AD program is monitored by both academic advisors and faculty.
“In addition, students in the AD program have the opportunity to participate in online conferences to help them structure their study in preparation for taking examinations and the capstone clinical assessment,” she continues. “The online conferences support independent learning through self-paced learning modules and the use of an electronic discussion board for questions and answers. Students participating in the conferences receive valuable feedback and guidance in preparing for their examinations.”
