Accredited LPN Program?

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Hey everyone I had a quick question. I just graduated from a state university with my associates in human services with high honors. I applied to two schools near me for nursing programs, one RN and the other RN but the first year you can opt out and just do your first year for LPN. They both were already full so I got wait listed. I have applied to BOCES for their LPN program and have to take the TEAS next week. I figured I could get a head start and then I could always go back for RN if I decided to. However the BOCES program is not accredited. Do you think this will be a negative factor in trying to find a job once I become licensed and complete the program? Have you or anyone you know gotten their license through a non-accredited program and gotten a job? Thanks in advance for your answers!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I would NOT recommend going to a school that isn't accredited. You would even need to check with your state board of nursing to ensure you are even eligible for sit for the NCLEX. Credits will not transfer, and you will not be able to earn a higher degree without starting from scratch. You've got the grades to make it in a traditional college/program, so why sell yourself short?

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I would NOT recommend going to a school that isn't accredited. You would even need to check with your state board of nursing to ensure you are even eligible for sit for the NCLEX. Credits will not transfer, and you will not be able to earn a higher degree without starting from scratch. You've got the grades to make it in a traditional college/program, so why sell yourself short?

I know I am eligible to sit for the NCLEX, I checked on that, and I know people who have graduated from the program, who have become licensed after taking the NCLEX. And as I stated in my original post, the schools I applied to were already full so instead of sitting on my butt for an entire year just waiting I figured I could just dive right in. And there are some bridge programs that will accept me after I become licensed because I am just that--licensed which means I know what I am doing. Also if they wouldn't take them, I could challenge the courses and test out of them. This is only one of two schools that offers LPN in my area, and the other I got wait listed at :-/

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Noo! Please save yourself the time, money frustration. Don't ever ever ever go to a nonacredited school. Especially for something as serious as nursing. Maybe business school, and that's a BIG maybe, but for nursing?!? Noooooo

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I forgot to mention it is not accredited meaning no college credit--but it is approved by the NYS board of nursing as an approved PN program.

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I know people who have graduated from BOCES and got a job. I would go for it.

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I called the board of nursing for NY state recently and they say that BOCES is a legit program, at least for NY state (I too am applying for one). Now, I do not know exactly of the prospects afterwords as far as jobs and what will or will not transfer or if RN schools accept the BOCES LPN but I would assume so because as aforementioned, you get licensed.

What most likely will not transfer are classes like microbiology, anatomy and physiology and will most likely need to be retaken when getting an RN.

Good luck!

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Just wondering which Boces you are talking about in NY. I am starting one in Sept. I Know it doesn't count as college credits but qe can bridge over to an RN program. Good luck

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Just wondering which Boces you are talking about in NY. I am starting one in Sept. I Know it doesn't count as college credits but qe can bridge over to an RN program. Good luck

ONC BOCES- Otsego Area School of Practical nursing. And yes, my aunt did a BOCES program and got a job, and I know a few others who have gotten jobs also, thanks everyone :]

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Most credits from PN schools will not transfer. I checked that for MANY programs. What is important is if it is licensed by the state's BON so that you can sit for you NCLEX. Most facililties don't give a hell where you trained at. All they want to see is your name on the BON's registry. I say go for it. You might have to work hard to get a couple of credits in the LPN to RN bridge program, more than likely A&P and Microbiology but you already have a degree with prereqs like math, english, psych and electives done, so all you'd have to satisfy are the nursing science courses and you're in there like swim wear. Don't let anyone deter you. Sometimes this nursing road can be a rough one but ride those bumps til the wheels fall off and then buy new wheels!

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I actually looked on the BOCES site for the program I am going to do. And they have a link to LPN-RN bridge programs in the area. I clicked one that's about a half hour away and they are a state university with an RN program both ADN, BSN programs. On their website it says this:

"Advanced placement is possible for successful graduates of many BOCES and hospital-based practical nursing programs. Students desiring advanced placement are considered on an individual basis after the admissions process to the College is initiated. This process includes a challenge by examination of Nursing courses in the first year of the Nursing program."

So coming from a non-accredited program and going to a state university, sometimes you can bridge over if you meet their requirements and you can pass their challenge exam. It is possible!! :] And as far as getting jobs, I've been doing my research for my area, and it shouldn't be a problem :]

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The only thing that is important for an LPN to RN program is not really the credits themselves but that you have your LPN License good luck

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