advice plz: private lpn school or community college?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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Hello,

I am 23 yr old and want to go to nursing school in Northern Virginia.

My original plan was to go to nvcc(local community college), finish pre-req, be on the waiting list, and get into the program.

But it seems it's gonna take 3+ years and it's holding my back because I have to support myself.

On the other hand, I could go to private lpn school on Mon-Thur, work on the weekends.

After I graduate, I could work as a LPN and go back to school for RN.

As I was considering, I leaned more toward the second option.

But my friend in California (who works as LVN and going to school for RN) called me and told me

not to go to private LPN school because a lot of LVNs are out of jobs in her area.

Please give me some advice because this is a really important decision for me and since I am new to the area,

I lack in information.

Thanks,

gee gee

PS: and also, would anybody let me know good LPN program in Virginia?

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Hello,

I am 23 yr old and want to go to nursing school in Northern Virginia.

My original plan was to go to nvcc(local community college), finish pre-req, be on the waiting list, and get into the program.

But it seems it's gonna take 3+ years and it's holding my back because I have to support myself.

On the other hand, I could go to private lpn school on Mon-Thur, work on the weekends.

After I graduate, I could work as a LPN and go back to school for RN.

As I was considering, I leaned more toward the second option.

But my friend in California (who works as LVN and going to school for RN) called me and told me

not to go to private LPN school because a lot of LVNs are out of jobs in her area.

Please give me some advice because this is a really important decision for me and since I am new to the area,

I lack in information.

Thanks,

gee gee

PS: and also, would anybody let me know good LPN program in Virginia?

Welcome to allnurses! I don't know what your friend means about not attending a private LPN school because many are out in her area, unless she is saying not to spend a great deal of money based on a maybe? However, some of the Californian members of this forum can probably tell you that because there are so many LPN programs that are turning out new grads that there are not enough places for them to work. Also, with this recession, it is an employer's market-meaning that they can get as picky as they want to. They may have more of their pick of the litter of experienced licensed nurses, and that can equate to less orientation time compared to a new grad.

I hope that people who live in your geographical area will chime in, however, my suggestion for now is to try and find out what the job market for LPNs is like in your desired area. It may be more plentiful. And, if you are challenged by the long waiting lists for RN programs, starting with an LPN program may be more advantageous. Try and find out of there are many LPN to RN bridge programs in your area and what the requirements are ahead of time.

Regarding private schools, it doesn't make a difference regarding licensure. But if there is a community college in your area, you may have a better advantage because you may be able to take more pre-requisites towards the RN program, thus possibly lessen the time in school. Best of luck to you. And, if you don't get enough responses here in the LPN forum, request that we forward this to the forum of your geographical area to generate more responses.

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