What would you do if you were in my shoes?

LCinTraining · Aug 8, 2012

Why not check the local community colleges? Some of them have excellent programs for RNs. You may have to take an extra year to finish the BSN, but it's not that big of a deal. I'm going that route. I figure by the time I'm done, the health dept will change the rules again anyway and maybe there will be an accelerated program to the master's or PhD.

Jennie.K · Aug 8, 2012

Do you have a low GPA? I would talk to a nursing advisor at a community college to find out if you meet the requirements for the nursing school.

caliotter3 · Aug 8, 2012

I would go for it one more time. If unsuccessful, then I would go the LPN route with the thought of entering RN school through the LPN to RN option.

medicnowrn · Aug 8, 2012

What private schools did you look at? I went to Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, it's a private hospital based program and it is only two years if full time. I'm not sure I'd recommend going to LPN route unless you want to work in a nursing home or rehab. MA doesn't hire LPNs to work in any hospital I know of and most of those big hospitals will want you to get or have your BSN. Good luck!

RhodyLPNstudent · Aug 8, 2012

Well, i got into: Quinnipiac Univ in CT, Fairfield Univ in CT, Becker college in MA, and New england tech in RI. Again, the problem is the cost. I applied to public 4 year colleges as well as community colleges but i did not get in. The competition is too stiff. I was told by a community college counselor that last year they had over 400 applicants for 40 seats. So, everyone has only a 10 percent chance of getting in. I have a 3.1 GPA with my bachelors and 3.0 with all the prereq's.

I called several LPN programs in MA and at this point i think it is the most logical route for me to take. Most programs in MA takes about 10 months to 1 year to complete. The cost varies from $6,000 to $15,000 for the whole program. MA state residents get cheaper tuition. I was thinking of taking this route because i've heard of the online LPN-BSN program through the college network or Indiana State Univ. My biggest fear though is transferring the nursing license to a big state such as NY or CA. Will they accept or even recognize the online LPN-BSN route? On top of this, i was told by a community college counselor that it is much easier to get accepted by going the LPN-RN route at their college due to the low application rate. I was told that there is a 50% chance of getting using that route.

As of today, i am scheduled to retake classes such as Micro, Developmental growth, Gen Chem, and Sociology for the fall. I am giving it a third shot - but this time a little different. I am applying to 3 states - CT, RI, and MA. All public schools (4 and 2 year colleges) and at the same time, a couple of LPN programs. At this point, i'll take what i can get.

KLBatchelor · Aug 8, 2012

I don't think you can go wrong doing the LPN route. Not only are there LPN-RN programs, there are LPN to BSN programs as well. I think getting your LPN will open the door for you for other, more affordable options. I know the area I moved away from in TX, the lowest GPA accepted in the RN program was a 3.8, and that is tough competition. I feel really lucky I got accepted with a 3.46 here in AR. Good luck with your courses and I hope you figure out which way works best for you!

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2012

I know a lot of people that have done the LPN route and bridged to RN. They don't regret it for a minute. Good luck!