question about jobs and schools in east tennessee

This question is for all the nurses in the tri-cities area, I'm currently going to ETSU but lately I have been seriously considering going into nursing. As far as I know the only school near Johnson City to get my associates degree as an R.N is the partnership North East State, has with Walters State. I was surprised their are no more programs in my area. I was also considering starting out at Tennessee Tech. School, in Elizabethton for the LPN program, though I hear it is equally hard to get into. I was wanting to hear all opinions on both these schools. I would love to work in Labor and Delivery and was also wondering if LPNs are used at all anymore in postpartum care or in Labor and Delivery in our area. In help or advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated!