Allied Health vs LPN with bridge to RN

allnurses Guide · Oct 1, 2012

If I had the choice I would go for the LVN program. Once you pass the national standard test for licensure - the NCLEX-PN (called that because only California and Texas use the term LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) everywhere else it's LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) your options to bridge to BSN will be greatly expanded. Do a google search for "LPN to RN" or "LPN to BSN" to get an idea of how many there are.

If something unforeseen happens the LVN will pay better than most other jobs of similar education, which can be very helpful if you need it.

Nursing school is unlike most other forms of education, so you will get a good idea of what that entails. This can either solidify your career goals or make you say "Phew, glad I didn't invest any more time or money on that one!"

My :twocents: Best wishes whatever you decide to do!

You may find helpful information here:

LPN to RN Nursing Student

or here:

Online Nursing Schools, Colleges and Universities

RinaM · Oct 1, 2012

Thank you so much, that's very helpful. I didn't even think about LVN/LPN to BSN programs.

mandilynn13 · Oct 2, 2012

You don't have to do either. You can go straight into a BSN program without any prior degree. Research schools in your area. There are some great accelerated BSN nursing programs out there.

Hi there -

I'm considering going into nursing and am wondering what type of associate degree would be best when applying to a BSN program. My local community college (in California) offers an AA university transfer degree with an emphasis in allied health as well as an LVN program. If I do the LVN program I would afterward move to another city to attend a community college that has an LVN to RN bridge. Would my chances of getting into a BSN program be better if I did this rather than going with the allied health transfer degree?

mandilynn13 · Oct 2, 2012

I don't know why it put your question in the one above lol sorry

RinaM · Oct 2, 2012

Thanks. I live in a pretty isolated town that thankfully at least has the community college that is does. There are no universities close by, and I'm not prepared to move to another city right now and won't be for some time. Otherwise I would definitely look into that.

RinaM · Oct 3, 2012

I have a question in case I do decide to go with the AA transfer degree. I've heard that BSN programs don't accept transfer students into their programs unless the student has an ADN. I believe I saw somewhere in my community college catalog that the AA allied health degree is specifically to prepare the student for transfer into the California State University system, although it doesn't specify transfer to a BSN program. I looked at the info for the Pre Licensure BSN program on the Sonoma State website and it doesn't specify that you need to be an RN to enter the program, only that if you want to transfer into the program you need to have their pre-reqs met and have CNA certification. So it looks like at least some BSN programs accept students without an ADN? I'll be meeting with an adviser in the next few weeks at the community college so I'm sure I'll get my questions answered then, I was just wondering in the meantime.

allnurses Guide · Oct 4, 2012

Hi Rina -- you're right that you do not need to be an RN already before you transfer to a BSN program as many of them are a four-year total program when you do not take the licensing exam until you finish. The state college system probably has students who started after high school as well as students who transfer from community colleges.

I know it's confusing. I get confused, too. There are so many options now. Anyway, I found this page that explains the "nuts and bolts" process in pretty simple and clear language. Always contact the school you plan on attending for their specific requirements, though.

Board of Registered Nursing - Steps to Become a CA RN

RinaM · Oct 4, 2012

Thanks again :); checking out the site now.