LVN Certificate vs. ASN Degree - Final Goal is BSN or MSN degree

Nursing Students General Students

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Going back to school at age 44 in San Diego. I'm now researching my best options to get into nursing without having to be on a wait list for 2-4 years. My ultimate goal is to get my BSN, maybe even my MSN. I'm thinking of getting my LVN at Kaplan or Concorde so that I can enter the nursing field in a year instead of 5-6 years later (this calculation based on getting my ASN from San Diego City College, Pre-req:1.5yr, Wait List: 2-3yr, ASN Degree: 2yrs= Total 4.5- 6 yrs....crazy for just an ASN).

My questions are:

1.) Should I hold out for 3-4 years to get into a more reputable program and a higher degree (ASN vs. LVN) at SDCC?

OR

2.) Should I get my LVN Degree, find work as an LVN then take online courses to get my BSN while I'm working. Much more expensive however I get into nursing faster.

If I go the LVN route:

1.) Which LVN programs (with no wait lists) in San Diego have the best reputation? Kaplan? Concorde? Other?

2.) What online LVN to BSN programs are recommended and why?

3.) Prerequisites are still required to get a BSN online, does a LVN cover those Pre-req's?

4.) Is it reasonable to assume one can make time for a full time job AND get their BSN online? Won't their be on-site/hands-on requirements to fulfill at some point or does the LVN meet those requirements?

5.) Is it reasonable to assume that I could get some tuition assistance/reimbursement while employed as an LVN, is this difficult to pursue?

Any other advise would be a huge help in getting me focused on the most sensible path!!! Thanks in advance to all who take time to respond

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