Re: RN vs. LPN (Please Give Advice)
I just finished an LPN program at a community college. Community College important there because I would not be able to justify a LPN program for an expense more than around $10K. I started my RN program right after I graduated from LPN school (I also had a wait list for RN, and chose to get LPN while waiting), but I invested about $5000 into it AND VERY IMPORTANTLY, my classes such as pharm and nutrition, plus the basic sciences I took for the RN and PN (micro, anatomy, etc.) TRANSFER to major colleges....I've noticed that some of these high-priced business-type schools often will offer a certificate, but your classes/credits are meaningless to any accredited college..ouch.
Most LPNs aren't making a whole lot more than aides, and when you add that tuition fee, well, the figures don't even go...that said, if you can go to a traditional college where tuition is reasonable and it is accredited, then I'd do the LPN in a second. You'll be passing meds, doing assessments, and learning valuable skills as you continue on for your RN. Unfortunately, LPNs are being phased out or not given the credit they deserve in many parts of the country, so it's almost a given that you'll want to get your RN eventually anyway. Just my 2cents, hope helps.
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