Are private LPN/LVN schools worth it?

Mom/Nurse2b · Apr 9, 2011

It's going to depend on your situation. I looked into this before applying to my ADN program. The LVN program took 1 year and cost around $30,000. It was a 30 minute drive. My other option was a community college that offered an LVN program but it was more competitive and was about a 30 minute drive. It costs $5000 for the year.

The choice came down to money for me. The drive time was the same, but I figured I was going to graduate and start off making around $15 an hour, maybe more, maybe less, but that $30,000 bill scared me. Especially compared to just $5000 at the community college and grants would cover that for me.

newRNstudent02 · Apr 9, 2011

Why don't you get financial aid and go for the RN? Most of the time, if you qualify, grants pay for most of your education and then, you can have loans for living expenses.

magichospital · Apr 9, 2011

I don't qualify for grants or any sort of financial aid because I live with my parents who make too much money for that but they won't give me any because they are heavily in debt. It's really a catch 22, those financial aides don't consider debt. :crying2:

newRNstudent02 · Apr 9, 2011

Sorry, that's a total bummer. I looked at the website and I couldn't find any information on the cost. All I see is an entrance fee, study guide and appl fee. What's the total cost of the program? Also, a CNA class shouldn't cost you anymore then $600 and even that is a lot. You live in the Oakland area (I went to school up in NorCal), look into ROP classes for CNA. They're usually free.

I don't know what the demand is for LVNs in the area. Last I heard, it's tough getting a job. My suggestion is to do more research and consider taking pre-reqs for RN at CC (Chabot) or look into MA. They're a higher demand. Good luck!

SMOKEY2112 · Apr 10, 2011

I don't qualify for grants or any sort of financial aid because I live with my parents who make too much money for that but they won't give me any because they are heavily in debt. It's really a catch 22, those financial aides don't consider debt.

Isn't there a thing where you can go to court and get emancipated and then your p's income won't matter?

newRNstudent02 · Apr 10, 2011

you have to prove cause-abuse, neglect, etc and i think it only applies if you're under 18

SMOKEY2112 · Apr 10, 2011

you have to prove cause-abuse, neglect, etc and i think it only applies if you're under 18

That sucks! But isn't there something else.. wait.. maybe it's something like you can get your p's to sign some paper or something that says your an independent student or living on your own and they can't claim you.. something like that??

So that the p's income doesn't count at all when the students apply for financial aid?

caliotter3 · Apr 10, 2011

Typically the best programs are in adult vocational schools (the ROP), and in community colleges. The private schools give you access to taking the NCLEX, but they cost more. You attend the school that you are able to deal with and afford, in order to sit for the NCLEX and get your license. If you can attend an excellent program that costs less, all the more power to you. The LPN license in the end is the same.

magichospital · Apr 10, 2011

Thanks for all the answers so far...Here's some details: I actually live in Livermore,ca., Hayward is basically the closest town with any nursing program in it (it has both the LVN and RN programs I mentioned) and the CNA program I was talking about is actually offered at Livermore's adult education center. I am in my first year of college so I am not sure I can still take an ROP class??? Can a non-high school student take an ROP class??? As far as the emancipation thing, don't you have to be out of your parents house for that to work? I am still trying to find a CNA school I can afford, I haven't completely given up. Here's the site I found the original expensive CNA program I had mentioned:http://www.livermoreadulted.org/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1256479842104 . Maybe it's a good thing I didn't get my education from there considering "community" isn't spelt correctly. LOL. Thanks for all your help so far:nurse:

Sonusai · Mar 22, 2013

I'm actually looking into the same thing, and am really confused on which school to pick. Community colleges in the San Fernando valley are straight to RN programs and very hard to get into. I want to go to an LVN program so I can get some experience first, but they are only offered at trade schools. Should I shell out the 30,000 for a private school or look into an LVN program from a trade school? It's cheaper but I don't know how well it will get me a job.