In So Cal, LVN to RN - not a degree - limits me?

U.S.A. California

Published

Specializes in none yet.

Hi- I am pursueing a mid-life career change and need facts to determine if I am making a healthy choice .......

Problem:

In So CA it is extremely difficult to get into a degreed nursing program - not enough qualified teachers. I spoke to 3 community colleges - Pierce, Valley, and Moorpark, all rejected 245 - 350 'qualified' students as they only have a limited number of spots for the RN program available each year. This would be a 3 year program - with an Ascociates degree. The local universities are not much better - a four year program similar reject stats.

I do not have any type of degree - I took vocational training and have been in computers for 23 years.......job going off-shore don't be sad- I have wanted to be a nurse forever and now WILL FIND A WAY :)

Choices:

I can take LVN courses and take the NCLEX-PN exam then take the 'bridge' coursed to move from LVN to RN ...several avenues.....private/public university - no degree but another certificate and I may then take some other exam(s) to become a Registered Nurse.

I can go to a community college and get the 2 year degree and RN after passing state exam (see problem)

I could go to a four year university - maybe - again see problem and continue later to to get the 4 year degree

I really believe the first option is most realistic for me but my worry is.....

Concern:

If I go thru all this, will the lack of a degree drastically affect my earning potential? Will it limit my career choices? How about advancement? (don't want to be a resource manager - been there done that - want to be hands on) I plan on working another 20 years - maybe more - even if only part time .............Reality check please! and thanks for any info you may share with me.

Gratefully,

Wow Thanks Dolphin AKA Mandi's Mama

What you are speaking of this the 30-option plan that is offered in CA and is only accepted in CA. You are not granted a degree with it, so you cannot endorse to any other state. You also cannot go onto the four year program from it as there is no two year degree earned. You will need to take the additional courses to be able to have equivalent to the ADN to be able to go on with your schooling.

The US no longer has state boards per se, all write the NCLEX exam which is national and the results are valid for the entire US. The NCLEX-RN for the RN licensure and the NCLEX-PN for the LPN/LVN licensure.

I am moving this thread to the CA forum as it is specific to working in CA.

Specializes in acute care then Home health.

First of all...I know how discouraging it is to want to become a nurse and to see all the reject stats from all the schools. Been there! I did the 3 1/2 yr. ADN route at one of the colleges you mentioned.

SOME ADVICE: Some hospitals in the area have (short-cuts) for their employees to get into nursing school at certain community colleges. For instance, Valley has a contract with Valley Presbyterian Hospital to give first priority to (20) employees of Valley Pres (per semester). In return, the employees need to sign a contract with the hospital that they will work there as RNs for a certain amt. of time. Pretty cool huh?

So go get a job at one of these places and get your prerequisites done, and go for it!

Specializes in none yet.

Thanks :) That was helpful. I understand why the education is not transferable, no degree involved so no units to transfer, but if the exams are National, are either licenses recognized outside of CA?

Thanks so much

Specializes in none yet.

Your idea is interesting and exciting! Perhaps I could get the LVN, get a job at one of the hospitals with an 'agreement' with a local college and just put in more time to get where I want to be. This is very encouraging :)

If that route doesn't work out - would obtaining the RN as I origianlly outlinned, severly limit my earning potential?

I am a single mom, with a mortgage and considering selling to down size said mortgage and costs - still have a job for 13 months so I have time to sort this out......opps - TMI?

Well thanks - the route you have outlinned gives me more questions I will ask the counselors at each school I interview with - this is truly helpful. Best Regards -

Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

My opinion: Do whatever it take to get your RN. You would most definitely be limited in where you could work and advancement as an LPN. LPN is a certification, RN is a college degree. Very different.

Good Luck

Specializes in acute care then Home health.

Keep in mind also, that even as a LVN, you still need to complete the RN prerequisites to bridge to the RN program. The LVN programs teach some of the same classes, but they do not transfer to the community colleges. I think RN is the way to go. Many hospitals ask if you have the degree on your application.

Work (at a hospital with a school agreement) and take the prereques at the same time, and save some money. The program will be difficult and you will probably have to cut down on working or not work at all when you get in. :yeah: Good luck!

Thanks :) That was helpful. I understand why the education is not transferable, no degree involved so no units to transfer, but if the exams are National, are either licenses recognized outside of CA?

Thanks so much

The exam is national but that is not the deciding factor if one can get a license in the new state. Every other state requires at least the two year degree and you have to meet the educational requirements of the new state to be able to get the license there. The exam has reciprocity meaning that it is accepted by all 50 states, but licenses do not have reciprocity.

And there have been quite a few that have gone thru the 30 unit plan and then moved to other states and were unable to get licensed there. This is the fact that I am trying to make you aware of.

Licenses do not transfer, one must meet the requirements of the new state to endorse to them.

And if you look at things posted about Excelsior, CA does not accept that training for licensure in CA; even if the person is licensed in another state, they cannot endorse to CA. Each state has their own BON and they can set their own rules and requirements, and they do.

Best of luck to you.

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