Ellen Beck
Amherst, NY
Excelsior College, Associate of Science in Nursing

Ellen Beck is a member of the sandwich generation, caring for her children and her mother – while married and working full time as well. Ellen became an LPN in 2000 after working as a hair dresser for years. “With my own kids and work, there was no way I could have gone to school,” says Ellen of her decision to pursue her Associate of Science in Nursing degree through The College Network™.

Ellen wanted her ASN and RN license to earn more money. “Since I received my RN degree, I have moved into another field of nursing with a pay increase,” says Ellen. “And you do get a higher level of respect.” She also heard that facilities were phasing out LPNs, and wanted the extra job security.

Although she considers herself an independent learner and she enjoys learning, Ellen said the program was, “harder than I thought it would be, but I just did it. I made the decision to get my degree and I didn’t look back. I was quite busy, but I scheduled time to study on my days off from work.”

“I was nervous about the first exam, even though I felt well prepared. I received an ‘A,’ which gave me the confidence that I was using the course materials correctly,” says Ellen.

She started on her Associate of Science in Nursing in 2003. “My friend and I went to a seminar and signed up together, but she only did one test. Another friend signed up and never took even one test,” says Ellen. “You have to be motivated.”

Ellen passed 15 equivalency exams in four years. She really liked the Comprehensive Learning Modules. “I liked the material being packaged all in one place and I liked doing the program on my own,” says Ellen. She earned her ASN and RN license in 2007.

Now a grandmother as well, Ellen works weekend nights in a rehabilitation facility. “I love my job, I really do,” says Ellen. “I love people and this worked out great.”

“I really appreciated the opportunity to reach my goals using this program. I do not think I would have been able to complete my nursing degree any other way at this time in my life.”

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