Achieve Success: Inspiring Stories from Nurses Like You

What Does Achieve Do?

Achieve Test Prep is an online test preparation company that provides nurses with the opportunity to earn college credits faster in a supportive and flexible environment. We make education more accessible for nurses who can’t afford to quit work or put their family lives on hold to go back to school and earn a degree. 

“Before I started with Achieve, college was very challenging because I am a single mom with two little boys. And I have to work full time to be able to provide for them. I was not able to go to a full time school. I chose Achieve because I am able to take classes at night after I put the boys to sleep and be able to still be home with them without having to leave my house or ask for a sitter.” - Ashlie Overmire, Achieve LPN to BSN Bridge program

Our goal is to reduce the challenges faced by nurses returning to school to give them a better chance at successfully reaching their goals. We provide the support nurses and other healthcare professionals need. Through college planning, online test prep courses, live online instruction, tutoring services, and more, we provide extra guidance and support to make attending college less stressful. In fact, since 2008, our online test preparation services have helped nearly 25,000 nurses achieve their education goals.

What is Credit By Exam? 

In traditional education courses, students attend classes several times each week and complete an entire semester’s worth of assignments, quizzes, research projects, essays, term papers, etc. before they earn credit for the class after successfully completing a final exam to prove they’ve mastered the material. 

With Achieve Test Prep, customers will complete a test prep course that prepares them for an exam — similar to a final exam — that will serve to prove they have mastered the material and deserve credit for the college course. 

“I didn't have to go to campus, which was extremely helpful. There is not a campus very close to me, and commuting there four or five times a week with work and kids just wasn’t going to work. Achieve was the right choice for me. I went to class once a week. I could study at my own pace, and take classes at my own pace.” Kory Russell, Achieve Paramedic to RN Bridge program

At Achieve, customers attend classes designed by curriculum experts and facilitated online with live instructors once each week for 4-10 weeks—bypassing all the extras like homework assignments, quizzes and projects while focusing on a small subset of material they need to know in order to pass a CLEP exam or DSST exam with confidence. 

“If you’re looking to earn college credit by means of a CLEP exam, I would definitely recommend Achieve. They helped me take multiple courses in which I was able to get my college credit and they’ve been great. They definitely helped me find resources I needed, helped me with the test taking strategies and taught the material that I needed to pass these tests.” - Brittany Alfaro, Achieve LPN to RN Bridge program online

What makes Achieve different from other test prep companies? 

Achieve offers full support for customers from the first day they contact us. It’s true that customers are able to complete classes as it fits their schedule, but they have full support from Achieve Education Advisors, instructors, mentors, and tutors throughout every step. 

“I researched all of the other options. I even joined another one, but I had no assistance, no classes, and could never reach anyone if I had a question. With Achieve, the instructors are very kind and work with you. If you have questions, they will follow through. It's like having a family member who calls you constantly to check in. I love that!” - Kathy Tirey, Achieve LVN to RN Bridge program

Achieve helps customers complete test prep courses, pass entrance exams, succeed in core college courses with one-on-one tutoring support, and prepare for licensure exams to start their new careers. 

Experienced Instructors

Our instructors are a diverse group of proven educators, tutors and mentors from across the globe who work with students around the clock. Most have experience working in a field related to the subject matter they are teaching, and all are dedicated to helping busy adults achieve their career goals.

“Before starting with Achieve, the most challenging part of going to college was the class sizes (sometimes over 100 students!) where the majority of the instructor's attention was focused on those sitting in the front of the classroom. Smaller class sizes with Achieve allow for more personalized attention from the instructor. The instructors here are student centered and provide many resources to help students succeed.” - Justine Ganibar, LPN to BSN Bridge Program

Flexible Course Schedules

Most people can’t afford to quit working in order to go back to school and obtain the education they need to advance in a nursing career. Achieve offers flexible test prep courses that can be completed entirely online from the comfort of home at times when it is more convenient for coursework and studying. This allows busy nurses to get started on the education they need without drastically changing their work or personal lives. 

“I was an LPN for 20 years and desperately wanted to go back to RN school, but with three kids and a full time job that was extremely difficult. Traditional college just wouldn’t allow for it. I looked into Achieve and was able to take the classes I need one night a week and then spend the rest of the week studying and preparing for my exam.” - Jessica Carr, Achieve LPN to RN Bridge program

“I think something that was really challenging for me before Achieve was the colleges around my area only have certain classes at select times, so you have to work around their schedule. But Achieve has classes in the mornings and they have them at night. If you work days, you can take the night classes and vice versa, so that was super convenient for me. I chose Achieve for that convenience.” - Karina Trinque, Achieve LPN to BSN Bridge program

Fast-Track Nursing Programs

Traditional college introductory courses average 16 weeks to complete. But Achieve’s online test prep courses prepare nurses and other professionals to test out of general education and prerequisite college courses via CLEP exams or DSST exams in as little as 5 weeks. Our customers can earn the same credits in less time by prepping for and passing one exam so they can get ahead faster.

“When I started with Achieve, it was in September and by November, I had finished two of my prerequisites. If anyone is interested in pursuing their RN, completing your courses with Achieve is so easy. I have a dedicated advisor. I have online classes on the days I want. I have live instruction from professors. And, I can see finishing my program with Achieve.” Theresa Carbajal, Achieve LPN to RN Bridge program

“Achieve has a great faculty and Education Advisors who can guide you in the right direction. I’ve been able to juggle my time to study with work and then execute my exam dates, and I’ve been successful. I’ve already taken two exams and passed them. I’m ready to take my third exam, and I’m already starting on my fourth course. I think I’ve figured out my own formula and exactly what works for me with help from Achieve. ” - Roman Moya, Achieve LVN to RN Bridge program 

Affordable Payments

Choosing to earn a degree is an investment in your future, but it can be tough to find the funds up front. That’s why Achieve provides customers with the option to pay in low monthly installments throughout their program rather than in a lump sum at the beginning of a traditional semester. 

“It’s a lot of money to go back to school. But with Achieve, I have a monthly payment that I can make that is realistic. It’s not overwhelming. It’s something I can do without an issue and still pay my everyday bills.” Melodey Glick, Achieve LVN to RN Bridge program

Unwavering support

In many online education programs students are left entirely to their own devices and forced to self-motivate in order to succeed. This may work for some people but for the majority, support is needed when it comes to higher education. Achieve is different in that we have teams of people who have the sole job of supporting our customers to ensure they succeed. 

“With Achieve, I could request a one-on-one and I got it. I could call them anytime, anywhere, and they would respond. Achieve doesn’t leave you hanging. Achieve doesn’t leave any of your questions unanswered or your problems unsolved. They are dedicated knowledgeable people. They are patient. They are caring.  They have the interest of their students inside their hearts.” - Julie Onunaku, Achieve CNA to RN Bridge program

“They are here to cheer you on. Your success is their success. Achieve wants to see you make your goals, and they will make sure you do it. They will hold your hand through the process. It has been a wonderful experience here at Achieve.” - Rachel Penafiel, Achieve LPN to RN Bridge program online

Is Achieve the real deal? 

Yes, Achieve Test Prep is legit. It’s affordable. It’s flexible. It’s supportive. And, it provides a great opportunity for nurses to earn the credits they need on their own terms. The first step is to connect with an Achieve Education Advisor. They will lay out the pathway to reaching an education goal, ensuring that nurses understand exactly what they need to do in order to advance their career. 

> Read the first blog in our series: Achieve Growth: Navigating Life, Career, and Learning Goals