Avtech LPN

Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP · Nov 28, 2011

Come on be nice!!! lol, spread the knowledge pleeeeaaassseee:bowingpur

maddmaddie · Sep 12, 2013

I know this is a older post back in 2011, its now 2013 haha. But here is my story...

I finished my 2 years of nursing prerequisites for the associates program in Kenai, Alaska in 2012. I applied to the local college nursing program but wasn't accepted (they only accept 12 students every year and over 50 applied). That's when I started looking into the LPN program, I applied to AVTEC and was accepted into the August 2012 program right away. I was given a 3 week notice and I had to find a sane roommate in Anchorage to live with, find a job, get all my stuff up here, start school and figure out how I was going to survive the program. It was tough, the first 6 months were 5 days a week 8 hour days which was almost impossible to work! Most of my classmates were on unemployment including myself. The last 4 months (11 months total) where 3 days a week of clinical, which was fun. I graduated in June 2013, applied to the bridge program at UAA and was accepted immediately. UAA accepts up to 12 LPN students for the bridge program and only 5 applied so we all got in. No competition!!! If you have graduated as a LPN within the last 3 years (I think its 3 years, don't quote me on this), you can skip the first 2 semesters of RN school. I only have to complete this fall and spring semesters and I will graduate as a RN May of 2014.

Benefits of becoming a LPN first:

1. LPN school is harder. I just survive a 11 month condensed accelerated program from hell. RN school is now a piece of cake! I only have class Mondays and Wednesdays. And once I start clinicals, the Monday class will drop and my schedule will be Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays! OMG! So easy, I actually have time to study!

2. The experience and higher wage. Because I am working a LPN job throughout nursing school, once I graduate as a RN I will be hired much faster compared to my classmates who have no medical experience, AND at a higher pay (Employers count the number of years of nursing experience into hired wage). I only know this because I've talked to many RNs at my work who used to be a LPN and they told me they were hired onto the job at a higher pay compared to their colleagues who didn't have previous nursing experience.

3. Better appreciation for the the little people. RNs who worked as a CNA and LPN know what its like to be at that level and have a better appreciation for the whole medical team. :-)

Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 13, 2013

Thanks! I already did the LPN program and graduated Nov 2012 and took and passed my boards in Feb. I start a bridge program starting in October. Good luck!

Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 13, 2013

You were in the class after me!

ChiChiMungo · Jan 24, 2014

I know this little old but I'm just curious how you both are doing at working toward your RN. I'm here in Fairbanks and applying but 16 students, I think my chances are minimal. Was thinking about AVTEC but doesn't seem to be accredited. You didn't have any issues getting into UAF after?

Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP · Jan 25, 2014

AVTEC is accredited by the state of Alaska ad is currently going though the steps to become NLN accredited. I believe the LVN program is very good, and teaches you what you need to know to pass the NCLEX. Since graduating Nov '12 I have moved to Texas (military) and I was able to start a bridge program easily with my education (and of course licensure) from AVTEC. Now all I have to graduate and pass the NCLEX-RN ! Oh! 4 girls from my LVN program has already completed the LPN-RN bridge at AVTEC and they just found out yesterday that they are now RN's. It is attainable, just stay focused!!