Should I become a PCT or hold on and go straight into LPN?

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Hello!I recently asked a question about my options and I've made up my mind. First off I want to say that I currently don't have a computer, I do this on my phone and sometimes it's a hassle to answer back quickly ( I don't want to come off as rude if I delay in answering) I thank anyone who answers me in advanced!I'm 20 years old, female, live in New York City.*I wasn't sure about whether to become a nurse or not, I have a lot of internal insecurities on whether I'm cut out to do so or not, my mother had a baby recently and spending day and night in the hospital with her after she gave birth really shed some light on my decision.*Since I'm 20, I feel that I should already be doing something with myself ( I know I should). I found a tech school and I was thinking of going in for 16 weeks of training for PCT, I figured I could use that to work, gain experience, and go to school for nursing as well. I am eager to work in something related to the field, but I don't know much about PCT's and the pay, in other words I'm not sure if it'd be worth it to be a PCT first and then an LPN or if I should just go straight to LPN instead.I was stressed because I couldn't find an LPN school that would accept me because I'm not "21". I looked and looked and came across an LPN school in Brooklyn, I called and my age wasn't an issue. Tuition is $18,000 for a year, I have to take an assessment test first of course.Mid-Manhattan is so much cheaper but they won't take me in since I'm not 21.*I want to know or at least get some advice on whether holding off the PCT idea and going straight into LPN is best or if it'd be better/more affordable to go from PCT to LPN?

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I think that is a lot for lpn school. I have my RN-BSN from a highly ranked university amd it wasn't nearly that much. So with that said, I would look into becoming an RN over an LPN. Also, where I work, we are kinda phasing out LPNs ( I don't know how it is in other parts of the country).

I was a tech during school and it was a great way to get connections in the hospital. I was able to get a job as a new grad in the field I wanted (nicu).

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I'm thinking that if you want to pursue a career in nursing, you can either a) get your PCT or CNA and work in a hospital to see if it's something you'll enjoy doing then skip LPN and go for an RN associates degree at your local community college or b) skip the PCT and go straight into a two year RN program, and go for the gold! I'm about to graduate with my ASN (associate in science nursing) in December and i definitely think if you're going to make a commitment to schooling, you may as well go for the RN.

Hope that helps!

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

Yes go straight for your LPN or RN degree. Also try to find a school with a cheaper tuition, I don't think my LPN and RN degree combined will ever come out to 18K. GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, EHR, HH, Nursing Management.

I agree with the other posts. Try out PCT work and see if it's for you. IF it is for you, go for your BSN. Unfortunately, LPN's and assosciate degreed nurses are being phased out. I bIgan as a nurse aide and received my associates degree but, that was 10 years ago and times they are a changing. In order to become competative I had to get my bachelor's and master's degrees. If nursing is for you, go all out for the bachelor's degree! :-)

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Specializes in Peds.

Go stright to LVN then you can do RN bridge program. My LVN school was $31,999. You should apply at a community college and start taking your science classes required for RN program since that school won't accept you til your 21 yrs old. Do your science classes, do LVN program then work as LVN for a while then do LVN RN program. Your young and know what you want in a career..... Hold onto your dream.

Good luck to you

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, EHR, HH, Nursing Management.

WOW....LVN cost over $30K....good grief...all my students loans for everything including my Master's degree were only $55K and that's considerably more marketable than an LVN license.......that cost for nursing school seems way to high for a job that maybe pays $22/hour.

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Specializes in Peds.

Well Calif is overpriced in everything!!!

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I'll agree SOME of the other posters, go for the PCT or find a CNA.

I'd caution against LPN at this point in time, it's going to be hard to find jobs. It's a same length of school as RN, same cost (or more), and half the pay. LPN= low paid nurse. Get an RN, a BSN preferably.

Sorry if I offended any LPNs out there.

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Specializes in Psychiatric, geriatric, medical.

Perhaps try some volunteer work at a hospital or nursing facility; you could do this while working at a coffee shop or something similar to get your feet wet. Also you could take some beginning classes at Hunter College or similar. Start with an English class and work your way up to the hard stuff. Take a basic math course to get your brain used to calculating again. Stay in school until you know which avenue you wish to pursue, then declare your major. You will have an idea after doing these few things which direction to go. Personally I think the BSN is the way to go.

Also don't forget to go to the library and ask the librarian where the section is that deals with scholarships. There you can learn how to write a letter on how to get a scholarship from an organization to help with funding your dream. You are only 20 so think carefully about all of your decisions which will affect the rest of your life.

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I say do what you feel works best for...as far as non employment for LPN, I guess dats based on where you live cuz we do pretty well in my city of PA with finding jobs as LPN's...I think where you stand in your life will have to be part of that determining factor with what you choose to do 1st...some people want to that if that is the case, I feel LPN 1st is not bad idea since its only a yr if their is no prob with finding work in your area becasue once you have your LPN you can complete your RN online while working full time....PCT or CNA is a good way to go though ifyou arer unsure about the field as a whole since its shorter & cheaper

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