I am not sure of how to go about going to nursing school. I mean, I know that I want to be a RN. I would love to work in L&D. I know I must take pre-req's. But, should I become a CNA? Should I take Phlebotomy? I'm trying to have a job in the medical field for experience purposes, while going to school. Should I do LPN or RN? ASN or BSN? I currently live in Aiken, SC. I thought about attending Aiken Tech for nursing. Then I saw Augusta Tech. At Augusta Tech, you must take Health Care Assistant-certificate- before you can apply to the LPN program. I am fine with that. Should I take online classes for pre-req's? I am relocating to the Atlanta area next summer, if I don't get into the next LPN class. I am trying to be careful with the classes I take because I dont want to repeat any due to lack of credits, etc. I just want to make sure I am going towards the proper path to become a RN. I am not a spring chicken and I stalled long enough, which is only hurting myself because I really want to become a nurse. I'm tired of thinking I will fail. And besides TLC can only show you but so much, LOL. I won't know until I actually proceed in my quest. I'm looking for some opinions and ideas for a single mom trying to fulfill her dreams. And my kids are tired of watching TLC and Discovery Health with me....:redpinkhe

Hi, Im an LPN in Ga and I am currently in school for my RN. LPN school is good, the pre reqs are less and the overall program is shorter, BUT...... I would suggest, if you can, go straight to RN school (I wish I did). All the LPNs I work with agree. But I also understand its hard to get into nursing programs and whatever program you get into first do. I wouldnt bother with CNA or phlebotomy classes unless its a last resort. These are my opinions and im sure alot of others out there may disagree with me but, im talking from my experience. Good luck!

Thank You. What school do you attend? Do you feel that you have an advantage by being a LPN first, versus a person going straight to RN?

I took the CNA route just to see if I could handle the job. When I learned I could I decided to go forward with pre-req's for nursing and where I work I draw blood but I don't have a phleb cert. I kinda wish I did though.

And besides TLC can only show you but so much, LOL. I won't know until I actually proceed in my quest. I'm looking for some opinions and ideas for a single mom trying to fulfill her dreams. And my kids are tired of watching TLC and Discovery Health with me....:redpinkhe....

Lol, I can completely relate b/c my kids beg me to change the Discovery Health Channel! I love Trauma, Dr G, and Mystery Diagnosis......My mother in law is a cert phleb. and she was a medical assistant and it helped her. I wouldn't advise it for an aspiring RN. You will learn all that once in the RN program. About becoming a lpn first....I want to first start out by saying it's an admirable profession that requires extreme effort. That being said, I took Micro last quarter w/ two lpns that had completed their program last year. One girl said,"it was a complete disapointment for her." She was surprised at the amount of effort required to make 10hr. They are both back in classes to become an RN. I did n't want to upset anyone I just thought that I would tell you what I heard...

I also love discovery health, my husband not so much....LOL!

I agree it was a disapointment. I bust my butt through LPN school, graduate, and then have trouble finding a job I can get excited about. As an RN you can get any job any where! Plus you make more money.

I am doing an online bridge program through Excelsior college. I do think being an LPN is helping me through RN school, but I think it is just better overall to go directly to RN school. Get it done with in one shot.

What schools if any, do you recommend? I am starting my pre-req's in August. I figure by next summer, I should have most of my classes done. Well, depending on which school I apply to. I am very anxious, yet scared to death. I know having a good G.P.A is very important.