Concern about cheap LPN school

Nov 16, 2004 11:43 PM

by Lara J

I'm hoping to start LPN school in March. However, I'm worried about the cheap cost of the program. Even though I will be able to become licensed and sit for the state boards, the total cost is only $1,600, a fraction of what other similar programs cost. Should I be worried? When being hired as an LPN, how far does "school prestige" go? Would I be at a disadvantage or would my job choices be limited by doing such a cheap program?
Does anyone have experience with "economy" LPN school and job seeking? Would appreciate any advice!

ivsandy · Nov 17, 2004, 12:07 AM

Lara

Originally Posted by Lara J

I'm hoping to start LPN school in March. However, I'm worried about the cheap cost of the program. Even though I will be able to become licensed and sit for the state boards, the total cost is only $1,600, a fraction of what other similar programs cost. Should I be worried? When being hired as an LPN, how far does "school prestige" go? Would I be at a disadvantage or would my job choices be limited by doing such a cheap program?
Does anyone have experience with "economy" LPN school and job seeking? Would appreciate any advice!

Hi Lara,I attended and graduated from a state tech school Lpn program that at the time was way cheaper than that. I only paid for uniforms and books. As a state of Ct resident ,I did not have to pay tuition.(such is not the case now however).Let me tell you ,it was a very intensive,clinically heavy program that prepared me 100xs better than the RN program at the college here. And all of it's graduates thru the years have been able to get jobs in every area of nursing ,from ER to Obgyn to med surg..and everywhere in between. The cost is not the issue, but the quality of education .I recommend you look further into accreditation of the school.Also talk to it's alumni to get the info on job placement and education recieved by them.
Good luck to you.Nursing for me has been very rewarding and satisfying.It is a hard road but well worth it in the end.

ashemson · Nov 17, 2004, 06:42 AM

I agree with the above response. Plus you should be able to find the passing % for the NCLEX for your school. That can give you some indication if they are teaching what you really need to know.

TxMeadowsLVN · Nov 18, 2004, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Lara J

I'm hoping to start LPN school in March. However, I'm worried about the cheap cost of the program. Even though I will be able to become licensed and sit for the state boards, the total cost is only $1,600, a fraction of what other similar programs cost. Should I be worried? When being hired as an LPN, how far does "school prestige" go? Would I be at a disadvantage or would my job choices be limited by doing such a cheap program?
Does anyone have experience with "economy" LPN school and job seeking? Would appreciate any advice!

WOW! can I just say, way to go you!!

I attended a private vocational school and paid atleast 10 x's that amount!!! 11k and some change. The one and Only reason I did this was because there was Not a waiting list. In the end, its the knowledge you gain from the educators, not the price of the school.
I would also look at the passing rate as that would be a Key tip for me. Congratulations and Good Luck in class!!
~Trisha

actioncat · Nov 19, 2004, 02:20 PM

don't let tuition cost be your guide to quality

I have BSN and attended a state university. My program was a lot harder to get into than the private BSN programs in my community. I am not saying that good and mediocre nurses don't come out of any one of these programs, just that you should remember a lot of private programs have a harder time recruiting students sue to the cost of tuition and have to be less selective. Of course, this is not always the case-- just is in my community.

gvkk · Nov 19, 2004, 02:30 PM

This LPN says....

Call the State Board of Nursing. They know everything! What you need to know is are they REAL at that price!

Once you get out there in the working world, I don't think they give a hoot about where you went to school, or even your grades or your state test exam grades. If you pass those tests, you're doing well.

They do care about your title though.

Titles count in nursing. Don't go to LPN school, you will regret that. And before all of you flame me for that, just know I have been a LPN for 25 years. I never had the money, or the time to continue but I have regretted being an LPN almost from the day one. Why? Well....

Salary
Peer standing on the unit
Types of jobs when you get a job and choices of where you will work
Respect
Advancements
Oh, and one last thing - job duties
Of course there's more...but these are most important

So - if you are new, and thinking about nursing, do everything you can to be an RN..And if you don't...long time from now you'll remember this post and I won't be around to say I told you so... But I did tell you so!

G

Fiona59 · Nov 19, 2004, 05:34 PM

Part of me really agrees with you! I've got nearly all of the credits done for second year RN and I just can't commit to going back to school full time for 2.5 years! I just don't want to sit down and do all the homework again!!

I remember what it was like being the oldest in my LPN course and how much the squabbles of 18-20 yr olds just pi**ed me off. Could you imagine facing the graduation party squabbles again at our age.

xy/RN2b 2006 · Nov 19, 2004, 06:19 PM

Thank you for your honesty

Originally Posted by gvkk

Call the State Board of Nursing. They know everything! What you need to know is are they REAL at that price!

Once you get out there in the working world, I don't think they give a hoot about where you went to school, or even your grades or your state test exam grades. If you pass those tests, you're doing well.

They do care about your title though.

Titles count in nursing. Don't go to LPN school, you will regret that. And before all of you flame me for that, just know I have been a LPN for 25 years. I never had the money, or the time to continue but I have regretted being an LPN almost from the day one. Why? Well....

Salary
Peer standing on the unit
Types of jobs when you get a job and choices of where you will work
Respect
Advancements
Oh, and one last thing - job duties
Of course there's more...but these are most important

So - if you are new, and thinking about nursing, do everything you can to be an RN..And if you don't...long time from now you'll remember this post and I won't be around to say I told you so... But I did tell you so!

G

Thank you for your honesty

........I agree with you 100% and that is why I am going straight for my RN. No regets over here.

TxMeadowsLVN · Nov 19, 2004, 06:27 PM

Thats your opinion

Originally Posted by gvkk

Don't go to LPN school, you will regret that. And before all of you flame me for that, just know I have been a LPN for 25 years. I never had the money, or the time to continue but I have regretted being an LPN almost from the day one. Why? Well....

Salary
Peer standing on the unit
Types of jobs when you get a job and choices of where you will work
Respect
Advancements
Oh, and one last thing - job duties
Of course there's more...but these are most important

So - if you are new, and thinking about nursing, do everything you can to be an RN..And if you don't...long time from now you'll remember this post and I won't be around to say I told you so... But I did tell you so!

G

Wonderful to know that we are all entitled to opinions, I am not bashing nor praising any One title.......IMO a Nurse is a nurse is a nurse.........

tisha1098 · Nov 19, 2004, 07:32 PM

cheap schools

As for sheap schools all you need to worry about is the school's accreditation. If the school has been accredited by the state then it won't matter the cost. I went to a low cost school enjoyed my experience and have had no trouble finding a job. Keep me informed on how things go and I will help any way I can.

Tisha

Originally Posted by Lara J

I'm hoping to start LPN school in March. However, I'm worried about the cheap cost of the program. Even though I will be able to become licensed and sit for the state boards, the total cost is only $1,600, a fraction of what other similar programs cost. Should I be worried? When being hired as an LPN, how far does "school prestige" go? Would I be at a disadvantage or would my job choices be limited by doing such a cheap program?
Does anyone have experience with "economy" LPN school and job seeking? Would appreciate any advice!

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Concern about cheap LPN school

Concern about cheap LPN school

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