Can't choose...Lpn or RN

[_marie_]

I keep going back and forth about this decision and would love to hear some other opinions as I am completely torn. I have my associates degree from my local CC but with limited seats and hundreds of applicants along with my 3.5 GPA I am having a hard time getting into their RN program.

I have the opportunity to start an 18 month LPN program that is run by a school system and is nationally accredited and a very good passing rate. The school has the same schedule as the public school system so off on holidays and summer and inclement weather. I would graduate in April 2016. Travel time each way could be 30-60 min depending on traffic from my home.

Also on the table is MCI (ECPI), program is 16 months so I would start in Aug 2014 and graduate in Dec 2015 with a RN degree. ECPI is regionally accredited with pass rates of above state and national scores. Fast paced with 5 week courses. Travel time to campus is 10 mins tops.

I will say money is not an issue so the fact that the LPN program is $8,000 and MCI's RN program is $57,000:uhoh3: will not make a difference. I will not have to take out any loans for either program. I feel my heart is leaning towards the LPN program because I KNOW for a fact the program has great instructors and track records at clinical with a small class size. I did speak with a very well respected brick and mortar university and the program director said that I would have no problem being eligible for their RN-BSN program (completely online) if I graduated form MCI and passed my RN boards so that was reassuring. Top it all of with being a military family and moving in 3 years I just don't know what to do. If I go the LPN route I'd have to work 6 months before applying to a Rn program, then go from Rn-BSN which would not be feasible before we transfer, meaning I would move with my LPN license and a year of experience vs RN with experience and probably in an BSN program.

So sorry this is so long I am just so lost and confused, please help. Thank you in advance for your time.

[7237dallas]

Um, I have a completely opposite opinion here and I hope you take it to heart. $57,000 for a RN degree at a school that does not have good NCLEX pass rates is a waste of money and time. I'm going to say this is a private for profit school. Do not do it. Plus it is only a year. There is a reason why most programs that are RN are at the very least 2-3 years. They are basically taking your money and promising you the moon when you will have a difficult time passing the NCLEX and not be able to be a competent RN. Heck if you can't pass the NCLEX you won't be any kind of nurse and will have just flush $57,000 down the toilet. Do the LPN program. 18 months is the average time for a LPN program. Then transition to your RN. That is what I would do. They have a better track record anyway and cost a lot less money. You need to look at the quality of your education. Not time.

I agree. That's a lot of money for sub-par education.

[_marie_]

Um, I have a completely opposite opinion here and I hope you take it to heart. $57,000 for a RN degree at a school that does not have good NCLEX pass rates is a waste of money and time. I'm going to say this is a private for profit school. Do not do it. Plus it is only a year. There is a reason why most programs that are RN are at the very least 2-3 years. They are basically taking your money and promising you the moon when you will have a difficult time passing the NCLEX and not be able to be a competent RN. Heck if you can't pass the NCLEX you won't be any kind of nurse and will have just flush $57,000 down the toilet. Do the LPN program. 18 months is the average time for a LPN program. Then transition to your RN. That is what I would do. They have a better track record anyway and cost a lot less money. You need to look at the quality of your education. Not time.

Thank you for this, Heathermaizey. I am going to go with the LPN program especially now that I have found out the the $57,000 RN program at ECPI is approved by the BON but not accredited. I called to verify that they were indeed not accredited and the advisor kept going on and on about how good their placement is for the new grads but no where is job placement statistics after graduation in writing.

[nija315]

Congrats on your decision and the best of luck in your endeavors. My school lost its accredidation in nursing as well so im transferring to a accredited BSN program. Remember study hard and pass the NCLEX

But to just back pedal a small bit on what _marie_says , I think education is an investment, in my opinion, if the program (not speaking of this one) but any RN program is going to give you an amazing education and make you an amazing skillful nurse go for it, time should not be an issue like she said look at the quality of your education and which school is going to help you pass the NCLEX. LPN is a great field a work and you can grow from it.

So blessings!

[LifeIsGood76]

I'm glad you chose the LPN route. I had a feeling the $57,000 RN program was one of those "for profit" career colleges. It is important to make sure whatever school you decide to do is accredited. If it is not, then you will have a hard time transferring any classes you take there to an accredited college. Good luck, I hope it all works out for you!

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day _marie_:

Congratulations on your decision. Heathermaizey and others who commented on the importance of accreditation are spot on.

[7237dallas]

I'm glad you chose the LPN route. I had a feeling the $57,000 RN program was one of those "for profit" career colleges. It is important to make sure whatever school you decide to do is accredited. If it is not, then you will have a hard time transferring any classes you take there to an accredited college. Good luck, I hope it all works out for you!

I'm also entering an LPN program starting in the Fall and as long as my grades allow I will be able to bridge into the 2nd year of their ADN program! Good luck!