California LVN/LPN Schools?

U.S.A. California

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Hi All!

Anyone know of any good LVN/LPN schools in Nor Cal? I'm looking at Western Career College (because it's close to where I live), but it is really expensive (I mean REALLY EXPENSIVE!)

I'm at wits end here...the commuity colleges all have YAERS LONG waiting lists with 300 students waiting for the 30 spots available, and it seems that ONLY the private institutions have an open enrollment scheme.

Thanks for the advice!

Mike

Specializes in My first yr. as a LVN!.

I am not sure what site I have seen it on , but am sure you can google it by putting in 'accredited LVN training programs' I seen a HUGE list of schools and it states also if they are accredited... it may have been on the main nursing website. My tidbit (again MY OPINION) pay the additional costs for a private ... it saves grueling waiting time, anxiety, let downs, and possible depression!! And of course , besides... in the first year working as a nurse you could be who knows? Half way or almost done paying the loan.... as a single parent I was sick of those let downs and need to get school over... geez Ive been plugging away at school sincer i was 21! so it was worth paying the huge expense... cause i know it will give me something to talk about... I know how bad I want it... and I get it done and over w.... who wants to wait around?!! Good luck..

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Mike, I PMd you the name of the school a couple of days ago.

I seriously don't get the appeal of these private schools, but I'm not in the position you guys are. I decided to get a BSN because it would be quicker than an ADN, and I had no waiting. Now I'm going to have a quality education from a school with a good reputation, and when I graduate my salary is mine, free and clear--nothing to pay off. If I'd needed loans, they wouldn't be for that much. I can't imagine spending $20,000 for a lower-level job. But as I say, I guess I'm not in your situation.

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To me, this is more of a stepping stone.

If nursing turns out to be what I hope it will be, I have the opportunity for a quick bridge program to RN while I am working as an LVN.

I think that time was also a big factor for in my decision. I'm nearly twice your age, and don't relish spending four continuous years in school chasing after a BSN. I already did that in the 80's (I have a degree in English Literature).

Also, after following many of the articles in the AJN, LPN, BJN, etc., I don't wish to end up a statistic.

“Job stress and dissatisfaction are driving nurses to leave the

profession in record numbers.” (American Nurses Association).

I knew several nursing students when I was at university. All were compassionate and “knew” that nursing “was for them.” Several of that number I knew are no longer in the profession; several are, but I do not wish to “roll the dice” at 44 years old on a “maybe.”

I know from reading articles like this that the attrition rate after five years is horrendous. I don’t want to spend 4 years in a classroom only to leave after five years on the job!

By going the LPN route, I can ease into the profession with the least amount of emotional, financial and psychological baggage. And, I have spent only 11 months in a classroom.

I'm sure the choice you made was the right choice for you, but I also believe that there are (and should continue to be) many paths into the nursing field.

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Specializes in Knuckle Dragging Nurse aka MTA.

Mike, your making the right choice. Nursing is not for everyone and I know some new grads that are already burned out and have decided to choose a new career. These people went right into RN programs after spending years on pre-requsites and waiting lists (lottery) only to leave their RN license behind and look elsewhere for employement. Getting your feet wet so to speak as an LVN fist is a great idea..it is exactly what i did as well becuse I didn't know if I wanted to be a nurse for a career job.

I read somewhere that 1 in 4 new RN's leave the profession before 5years.

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Mike, your making the right choice. Nursing is not for everyone and I know some new grads that are already burned out and have decided to choose a new career. These people went right into RN programs after spending years on pre-requsites and waiting lists (lottery) only to leave their RN license behind and look elsewhere for employement. Getting your feet wet so to speak as an LVN fist is a great idea..it is exactly what i did as well becuse I didn't know if I wanted to be a nurse for a career job.

I read somewhere that 1 in 4 new RN's leave the profession before 5years.

IF this was the 1980's all over again, then sure, I'd be right next to all the RN-hopefuls lining up to get into the BSN and ADN programs.

It's not.

I can understand (to a certain extent) WHY ithese people to look at me and my choices and think, "Boy, is he dumb!"

However, THEY are looking at it from the standpoint of a 22 year old, or a 26 year old or a 30 year old. A person can ONLY look at ANY gven situation from that standpoint.

I hope that when they reach their mid-forties, then perhaps, they too, will come to understand WHY I chose the road I chose.

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