Eligibility Requirements for the Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination CPNE®

Successful completion of Nursing Theory exams and the Focused Clinical Competencies Assessment (FCCA®) is required of students enrolled in the Associate Degree in nursing programs. There are eligibility requirements for the CPNE and FCCA.

Nursing Theory Exams

The Nursing Theory exams serve as the primary method of documenting the required theoretical knowledge in the program’s nursing component. They assess essential knowledge of medical, surgical, maternity, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing as integrated with knowledge related to growth and development, nutrition and pharmacology, ethical and legal issues, and arts and sciences.

The following nursing theory exams must be passed before taking the FCCA and CPNE:

  • Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Safety
  • Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Differences*
  • Essentials of Nursing Care: Chronicity
  • Essentials of Nursing Care: Reproductive Health
  • Health Differences Across the Life Span 1
  • Health Differences Across the Life Span 2
  • Health Differences Across the Life Span 3
  • Transition to the Registered Professional Nurse Role

Free content guides are available for these exams on our Exam Content Guides page.

*Note: You are exempt from taking Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Differences if you meet the following two conditions: You successfully passed the NCLEX-PN exam within five years of enrollment and you have not failed the Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Differences, Nursing Concepts 2, or Commonalities in Nursing Care Area B examination.

Learn how to register for exams.

Practice exams are available for the Nursing Theory Exams.

Nursing Theory Online Conferences

These eight-week long online study sessions are for anyone planning to take the Nursing Theory Examinations. Each Nursing Theory exam has a dedicated online conference. New sessions begin monthly, and registration is open now. The sessions are asynchronous, which means you can learn wherever and whenever you choose within each time frame:

  • Connect and study with Excelsior College Nurse Faculty and other students.
  • Receive coaching as you progress through each online program.
  • Review essential information and concepts covered in each exam through textbook readings, learning activities, case studies, pre-/post-tests, and discussion groups.

Duration: 8 weeks.

Cost: $180

Conference Schedule, Overview/Objectives, and Cancelation/Transfer Policies

Note: Beginning October 1, 2012, non-enrolled students can only register for the Transition to the Registered Professional Nurse Role conference.

Nursing Theory Online Conference Schedule
Month Conferences Offered Start Date End Date
June 2013 All Conferences Offered Monday June 3, 2013 Friday, July 26, 2013
Trimester      
Summer II, 2013 All Conferences Offered Monday, July 1, 2013 Friday, August 23, 2013
Fall I, 2013 All Conferences Offered Monday, August 26, 2013 Friday, October 18, 2013
Fall II, 2013 All Conferences Offered Monday, October 21, 2013 Friday, December 13, 2013
Spring I, 2014 All Conferences Offered Monday, January 6, 2014 Friday, February 28, 2014
Spring II, 2014 All Conferences Offered Monday, March 3, 2014 Friday, April 25, 2014

Overview
This online conference will assist you in learning the content for the corresponding examination, and will assist you in more effectively utilizing the nursing theory examination content guide.

This program will take place over an eight-week period. Each week will focus on a particular content area. Be sure to refer to the syllabus and to the calendar so that you know what area you need to focus on each week.

The conference will provide exercises and case studies to reinforce your textbook readings, and will provide for interaction with other students and feedback from a Nursing Faculty member. You can expect a response to your questions within 48 hours.

This program is designed so that you participate and complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you. All of the materials you need will be available online, so you can begin working once you have completed the Getting Started - Online Course Orientation for Students. We also encourage you to review the content on study skills, testing strategies, learning styles, time management, and how to ensure being a successful distance student found in the Student Online Success Guide.

Objectives
At the end of this conference you will be able to:

  • Apply nursing process (assessment, data analysis, writing a diagnostic statement using standardized nomenclature, intervention, and evaluation of interventions) to promote health and wellness and manage illness when the health concern is basic related to: medication administration, managing biological and environmental safety, and maintaining physical and psychosocial safety.
  • Incorporate knowledge from theoretical frameworks using principles, concepts, and theories from the natural, social, and nursing sciences to choose among alternative solutions to make clinical decisions when caring for these patients.
  • Use therapeutic communication when interacting with these patients.
  • Demonstrate caring and cultural sensitivity when interacting with these patients.
  • Apply concepts from interpreted research to improve effectiveness of nursing care.
  • Implement the roles of provider and manager of care and member of profession.

 

Overview
This online conference will assist you in learning the content for the corresponding examination, and will assist you in more effectively utilizing the nursing theory examination content guide.

This program will take place over an eight-week period. Each week will focus on a particular content area. Be sure to refer to the syllabus and to the calendar so that you know what area you need to focus on each week.

The conference will provide exercises and case studies to reinforce your textbook readings, and will provide for interaction with other students and feedback from a Nursing Faculty member. You can expect a response to your questions within 48 hours.

This program is designed so that you participate and complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you. All of the materials you need will be available online, so you can begin working once you have completed the Getting Started - Online Course Orientation for Students. We also encourage you to review the content on study skills, testing strategies, learning styles, time management, and how to ensure being a successful distance student found in the Student Online Success Guide.

Objectives
At the end of this conference you will be able to:

  • Apply nursing process with patients to support health and alleviate common health deviations related to nutrition, elimination, oxygenation, fluid and electrolyte balance, and rest and activity in the role of provider and manager of care and member of profession.
  • Incorporate knowledge from theoretical frameworks using principles, concepts, and theories from the natural, social, and nursing sciences to choose among alternative solutions to make clinical decisions when caring for these patients.
  • Use therapeutic communication when interacting with these patients.
  • Demonstrate caring and cultural sensitivity when interacting with these patients.
  • Apply concepts from interpreted research to improve effectiveness of nursing care.
  • Implement the roles of provider and manager of care and member of profession.

 

Overview
This online conference will assist you in learning the content for the corresponding examination, and will assist you in more effectively utilizing the nursing theory examination content guide.

This program will take place over an eight-week period. Each week will focus on a particular content area. Be sure to refer to the syllabus and to the calendar so that you know what area you need to focus on each week.

The conference will provide exercises and case studies to reinforce your textbook readings, and will provide for interaction with other students and feedback from a Nursing Faculty member. You can expect a response to your questions within 48 hours.

This program is designed so that you participate and complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you. All of the materials you need will be available online, so you can begin working once you have completed the Getting Started - Online Course Orientation for Students. We also encourage you to review the content on study skills, testing strategies, learning styles, time management, and how to ensure being a successful distance student found in the Student Online Success Guide

Objectives
At the end of this conference you will be able to:

  • Apply nursing process with culturally diverse patients across the life span to promote health and wellness and manage illness when the health concern is comfort, pain, sensory impairment, chronic illness, or end of life or the setting is community based.
  • Incorporate knowledge from theoretical frameworks using principles, concepts, and theories from the natural, social, and nursing sciences to choose among alternative solutions to make clinical decisions when caring for these patients.
  • Use therapeutic communication when interacting with these patients.
  • Demonstrate caring and cultural sensitivity when interacting with these patients.
  • Apply concepts from interpreted research to improve effectiveness of nursing care.
  • Implement the roles of provider and manager of care and member of profession.

 

Overview
This online conference will assist you in learning the content for the corresponding examination, and will assist you in more effectively utilizing the nursing theory examination content guide.

This program will take place over an eight-week period. Each week will focus on a particular content area. Be sure to refer to the syllabus and to the calendar so that you know what area you need to focus on each week.

The conference will provide exercises and case studies to reinforce your textbook readings, and will provide for interaction with other students and feedback from a Nursing Faculty member. You can expect a response to your questions within 48 hours.

This program is designed so that you participate and complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you. All of the materials you need will be available online, so you can begin working once you have completed the Getting Started - Online Course Orientation for Students. We also encourage you to review the content on study skills, testing strategies, learning styles, time management, and how to ensure being a successful distance student found in the Student Online Success Guide.

Objectives
At the end of this conference you will be able to:

  • Apply nursing process with patients across the life span with needs related to human sexuality, congenital anomalies, genetic disorders, reproductive disorders, and needs of the childbearing family.
  • Incorporate knowledge from theoretical frameworks using principles, concepts, and theories from the natural, social, and nursing sciences to choose among alternative solutions to make clinical decisions when caring for these patients.
  • Use therapeutic communication when interacting with these patients.
  • Demonstrate caring and cultural sensitivity when interacting with these patients.
  • Apply concepts from interpreted research to improve effectiveness of nursing care.
  • Implement the roles of provider and manager of care and member of profession.

 

Overview
This online conference will assist you in learning the content for the corresponding examination, and will assist you in more effectively utilizing the nursing theory examination content guide.

This program will take place over an eight-week period. Each week will focus on a particular content area. Be sure to refer to the syllabus and to the calendar so that you know what area you need to focus on each week.

The conference will provide exercises and case studies to reinforce your textbook readings, and will provide for interaction with other students and feedback from a Nursing Faculty member. You can expect a response to your questions within 48 hours.

This program is designed so that you participate and complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you. All of the materials you need will be available online, so you can begin working once you have completed the Getting Started - Online Course Orientation for Students. We also encourage you to review the content on study skills, testing strategies, learning styles, time management, and how to ensure being a successful distance student found in the Student Online Success Guide.

Objectives
At the end of this conference you will be able to:

  • Apply nursing process with patients across the life span who are experiencing health deviations related to cardiovascular and respiratory illness or who are experiencing abnormal cell growth.
  • Incorporate knowledge from theoretical frameworks using principles, concepts, and theories from the natural, social, and nursing sciences to choose among alternative solutions to make clinical decisions when caring for these patients.
  • Use therapeutic communication when interacting with these patients.
  • Demonstrate caring and cultural sensitivity when interacting with these patients.
  • Apply concepts from interpreted research to improve effectiveness of nursing care.
  • Implement the roles of provider and manager of care and member of profession.

 

Overview
This online conference will assist you in learning the content for the corresponding examination, and will assist you in more effectively utilizing the nursing theory examination content guide.

This program will take place over an eight-week period. Each week will focus on a particular content area. Be sure to refer to the syllabus and to the calendar so that you know what area you need to focus on each week.

The conference will provide exercises and case studies to reinforce your textbook readings, and will provide for interaction with other students and feedback from a Nursing Faculty member. You can expect a response to your questions within 48 hours.

This program is designed so that you participate and complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you. All of the materials you need will be available online, so you can begin working once you have completed the Getting Started - Online Course Orientation for Students. We also encourage you to review the content on study skills, testing strategies, learning styles, time management, and how to ensure being a successful distance student found in the Student Online Success Guide.

Objectives
At the end of this conference you will be able to:

  • Apply nursing process with patients across the life span who are experiencing behavioral, regulatory, and metabolic health differences.
  • Incorporate knowledge from theoretical frameworks using principles, concepts, and theories from the natural, social, and nursing sciences to choose among alternative solutions to make clinical decisions when caring for these patients.
  • Use therapeutic communication when interacting with these patients.
  • Demonstrate caring and cultural sensitivity when interacting with these patients.
  • Apply concepts from interpreted research to improve effectiveness of nursing care.
  • Implement the roles of provider and manager of care and member of profession.

 

Overview
This online conference will assist you in learning the content for the corresponding examination, and will assist you in more effectively utilizing the nursing theory examination content guide.

This program will take place over an eight-week period. Each week will focus on a particular content area. Be sure to refer to the syllabus and to the calendar so that you know what area you need to focus on each week.

The conference will provide exercises and case studies to reinforce your textbook readings, and will provide for interaction with other students and feedback from a Nursing Faculty member. You can expect a response to your questions within 48 hours.

This program is designed so that you participate and complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you. All of the materials you need will be available online, so you can begin working once you have completed the Getting Started - Online Course Orientation for Students. We also encourage you to review the content on study skills, testing strategies, learning styles, time management, and how to ensure being a successful distance student found in the Student Online Success Guide.

Objectives
At the end of this conference you will be able to:

  • Apply nursing process with patients across the life span who are experiencing health differences related to musculoskeletal disorders, infectious and communicable diseases, tissue trauma, and neurological dysfunction.
  • Incorporate knowledge from theoretical frameworks using principles, concepts, and theories from the natural, social, and nursing sciences to choose among alternative solutions to make clinical decisions when caring for these patients.
  • Use therapeutic communication when interacting with these patients.
  • Demonstrate caring and cultural sensitivity when interacting with these patients.
  • Apply concepts from interpreted research to improve effectiveness of nursing care.
  • Implement the roles of provider and manager of care and member of profession.

 

Overview
This online conference will assist you in learning the content for the corresponding examination, and will assist you in more effectively utilizing the nursing theory examination content guide.

This program will take place over an eight-week period. Each week will focus on a particular content area. Be sure to refer to the syllabus and to the calendar so that you know what area you need to focus on each week.

The conference will provide exercises and case studies to reinforce your textbook readings, and will provide for interaction with other students and feedback from a Nursing Faculty member. You can expect a response to your questions within 48 hours.

This program is designed so that you participate and complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you. All of the materials you need will be available online, so you can begin working once you have completed the Getting Started - Online Course Orientation for Students. We also encourage you to review the content on study skills, testing strategies, learning styles, time management, and how to ensure being a successful distance student found in the Student Online Success Guide.

Objectives
At the end of this conference you will be able to:

  • Describe roles and responsibilities of the professional nurse prepared at the associated degree level.
  • Differentiate associate, baccalaureate, and graduate advanced practice nursing roles.
  • Apply concepts from interpreted research to improve effectiveness of nursing care.
  • Apply multiple strategies of communication to provide or supervise provision of care for culturally diverse patients across the life span.
  • Apply multiple strategies of communication to function as a member of an interdisciplinary care team.
  • Apply multiple strategies of communication to delegation of care for culturally diverse patients and care providers.
  • Demonstrate caring behaviors in all nursing roles.
  • Apply ethical, legal, and regulatory standards to all professional roles.

 

If you cancel or transfer a registration you will be charged an administrative fee.
You may only transfer your registration to another session date of the same online conference.

If You CancelYou Will be Charged
15 or more days prior to start date

$50 Fee

7-14 days prior to start date

$90 Fee

0-6 days prior to start date

Entire Registration Fee

 

If You Transfer You Will be Charged
7 or more days prior to start date

$25 Fee

0-6 days prior to start date

No Transfers Allowed

Extenuating Circumstances

If you cannot attend your scheduled session because of something beyond your control, such as illness, death in the family, or an accident, call the LEARN Office as soon as possible, toll free at 888-647-2388 ext. 1316. Supporting documentation will be required.

FCCA

To be eligible for the FCCA you will need to complete all Nursing Theory exams and be within 10 General Education credits of completing your degree. The FCCA is graded as Pass/Fail and is worth four credits when passed.

This online, simulated clinical assessment provides a means for students to demonstrate competencies related to the following two essential elements of nursing practice:

  • Head-to-toe assessment and nursing process
  • Managing Multiple Patients/Working with Interdisciplinary Teams

You may take the sections in any order.

Note: You will be contacted about registration when you become eligible for the FCCA. You may then register online. (Login required)

 

For Enrolled Students

CPNE Advisement Appointments

Toll free:

888-647-2388 ext. 1316

Find advisor contact info and access My Message Center in MyExcelsior (login required).

 

For Non-Enrolled Students

Toll free:

888-647-2388 ext. 27

Email:

admissions@excelsior.edu