Would it be silly to get an LPN when I already have a BS?

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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I have a prior BS degree. I am looking at accelerated BSN programs that are about 13-15 months in length as well as traditional upper-division programs that are two years in length. If felt it made more sense to go right for the BSN since I already have so many credits and gen-ed classes. I am wondering if I really need a BSN, since I really have no desire to go in to management.

However, after realizing just how competitive nursing schools are, I am considering starting completely over with an LPN, because these programs are less competitive in my area. My grades are just high enough that I am right on the fence. Is this silly? Should I just take a gamble and keep hoping for an RN program, or take the safe LPN to RN route? Has anyone else done this? I just want to be a nurse with all my heart and soul, and really don't care how long it takes. Please offer advice.

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

i would do the accelerated bsn program to just get it over with. i have an a.a.s. in computer science and i wish i had a bachelor's instead so i could do the 15-month accelerated bsn program even if i have to wait one year.

however, if you truly think the best route for you at the moment is to do the lpn program first then do it. there is nothing silly being an lpn first. i should be taking my nclex-pn next month and i am happy i took this route. then i should be doing my lpn-rn immediately then my rn-bsn.

good luck with any nursing programs.

angel :coollook:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I'm normally a big fan of doing the LPN first so someone can work in the field while getting their RN but with a Bachelors already I'd definitely say go right for the BSN. Its the same amount of time and you'd have much more flexibility. Good luck.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Case Management.

Go ahead and get your BSN. It won't take that much longer than your LPN, and a BSN degree will open many doors for you. I don't think you'll regret it!!!:twocents::D

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Get your BSN if you can. It will save tons of time and money later. The career options for LPN"s are very limited and you may not be able to find that type of job that interests you. There are many, many more opportunities available for people with a BSN (not just management jobs). You are almost certainly going to interested in those options as your career progresses. Rather than spend more time and more money in school to get that BSN, get it done now if you can.

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Specializes in Peds( NICU-Burn- adultICU 8 yrs-ER-GI.

Pass GO for your BSN- and collect your $200 ! Dont' even mess with LPN - as you could waste this time on BSN!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

My friend already had a BS degree in public health when she earned her LPN licensure. She had a nearly impossible time getting admitted into RN programs due to her lackluster 2.3 grade point average, so the LPN program was the next best thing.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
My friend already had a BS degree in public health when she earned her LPN licensure. She had a nearly impossible time getting admitted into RN programs due to her lackluster 2.3 grade point average, so the LPN program was the next best thing.

Good point.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I think I should attempt to bring forth the point that not all people with previously-earned BA or BS degrees will qualify for entry into accelerated RN programs, or even traditional ADN/BSN programs as the result of low grade point averages. It is easy to advise an individual with a non-nursing degree to "go straight for the RN" without knowing the particulars of his/her situation.

The harsh reality is that a BA/BS degreed person with a 2.0 grade point average is going to have a hell of a time finding any RN program that would be willing to admit him/her.

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My GPA isn't that low-like 2.0. It's just low by nursing school standards- a 3.5. Most schools are looking for a 3.7 or above, so I am starting to see an LPN as a viable option.

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You need to do what you feel is best for you....Although going straight for the BSN program sounds logical, however, it might suit you to go for the LPN/LVN first.....It all depends on your situation and the situation of the schools you are applying to.....for me, getting my LVN is the only option I have....I have a BA in another field like you do.....but since all my science courses have expired I had to retake all of them (I had no problem with this)....What I had a problem with was that the nursing schools were going to take .33 of a point off my science GPA due to repeats, even though I had passed my science courses previously....So for me, my only option was going LVN first....Once I'm finished then I'm going to apply for advance standing for the RN program.....The nearest ABSN school is very impacted and have waiting lists.....I don't want to waste anymore time, so I am in an LVN program at the moment, and honestly I'M LOVING IT....

My advise to you is to sit down and look at all options and find which one is best for you.....Sounds like you have a good GPA and there's a good possibility you could go straight for an ABSN degree....Just have a back up plan if you want to start nursing school right away.....Good Luck!

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You need to do what you feel is best for you....Although going straight for the BSN program sounds logical, however, it might suit you to go for the LPN/LVN first.....It all depends on your situation and the situation of the schools you are applying to.....for me, getting my LVN is the only option I have....I have a BA in another field like you do.....but since all my science courses have expired I had to retake all of them (I had no problem with this)....What I had a problem with was that the nursing schools were going to take .33 of a point off my science GPA due to repeats, even though I had passed my science courses previously....So for me, my only option was going LVN first....Once I'm finished then I'm going to apply for advance standing for the RN program.....The nearest ABSN school is very impacted and have waiting lists.....I don't want to waste anymore time, so I am in an LVN program at the moment, and honestly I'M LOVING IT....

My advise to you is to sit down and look at all options and find which one is best for you.....Sounds like you have a good GPA and there's a good possibility you could go straight for an ABSN degree....Just have a back up plan if you want to start nursing school right away.....Good Luck!

I'm in the same boat as you- having to do repeats on science courses. I got all A's and B's the first time around, so I certainly hope they don't dock my GPA .33 like they did you. Gosh!

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