Best route to becoming RN?

[DakotahSiler96]

So the tech center in my town offers an LPN course that lasts 12 months and it is VERY high paced. I'm trying to decide if I want to take that course or start my prerequisites to become an RN. Which is the best route?

[caliotter3]

Have you done your research? BSN programs, ASN programs, diploma programs, entry level MSN programs, LPN to RN bridge programs, accelerated BSN programs? What is available to you? What do they cost in terms of tuition, fees, time, academic requirements, etc? Nobody here can answer these questions since we don't know what area you are talking about or anything about you and your resources.

[imhorsemackerel, LPN]

Well usually to get into an RN program you will need prerequisites and/or the TEAS. You could go for the accelerated LPN program and take a prerequisite class for the RN program. Better yet, if you can CLEP any of the classes, do it! (If you don't know, CLEPing is basically getting college credit by just taking one test on a subject.) It's cheaper and less headache. The only problem is that you need to be motivated as you'll be learning the information yourself. So if anything, you should CLEP in the beginning of the LPN program where all the information is pretty easy and basic for the LPN program. And if you can, start finding out which classes you can CLEP, get text books, study aides, watch Khan Academy videos for those subjects, register to CLEP, and read those materials now while you have free time.

The nice thing about doing LPN first is that once you're an RN, the material is less foreign as you'll have more experience. Many people go for their RN first, though, so it's really up to you. Once you're an LPN, you can work somewhere while going to school for RN, and maybe your job will reimburse your tuition.