Am I crazy to do LPN to RN instead of ADN

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I'm considering nursing as a 2nd career. I have 3 schools to choose from where I live. I can get my BSN or ADN in 2 years, but the schools with these are private and would cost me $20,000+. Or I could go to much local community college. The offer LPN and LPN to RN bridge programs. I can get my LPN and then do the bridge program in the same 2 years for about $10,000.

My my goal is RN, but I can't see paying twice as much or more to get there in the same amount of time! Are there any reasons not to take the less expensive route? The NCLEX pass rate is pretty even among all the programs.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

It depends on what you want to do with your career, as well as the types of opportunities available to LPNs and ADNs in the geographic region where you live.

I also took a similar route. I started as an LVN, then completed an LPN-to-RN program that resulted in an ASN degree. Now I am a few more credits shy of the BSN degree. However, I am totally fine with jobs outside the acute care hospital setting. Your mileage may vary.

Good luck to you.

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My plan would be to immediately go from the LPN program into the RN bridge so I may only work as an Lpn for that year while I'm in school.

My my goal is to work in the OR. Would hospitals frown on the LPN experience for any reason once I've got my RN. I'm not limited as far as location so I would go anywhere to do a new grad periop internship.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Personally, I don't think it's crazy to go that route if you follow through with it. I'm not knocking LPNs because I was one for over 20 years. I think it's a good idea simply because the traditional ASN/ADN route is so very competitive with very long waitlists at times. In my area, the LPN-RN bridge is so much easier to get into (even though they wouldn't even hand me an application). I think this is because there are lots of LPNs who did an online bridge program instead of sitting in a classroom. At the time I bridged, there were still 14 seats open in the local community college when my RN license came in the mail (I know because I called the nursing program's office to gloat, but I didnt).

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LOL. Thanks BSNbeDone. I figured as long as I end up with the RN in the end it's all the same. I just can't figure out why everyone here chooses the more expensive route!

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Specializes in Public Health.

That would be because it's not more expensive. There are many schools to go to. Expand your horizons.

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Slinkyhead - Thanks for your input, but you are making an assumption that's definitely inaccurate. My world view is very broad.

When end I say I don't why people here are choosing the more expensive route, it's because people "here in my location" are choosing to spend between 20,000 and 40,000 for an ADN instead of 10,000 for the same degree at our CC.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Just make sure the programs you select are legit, approved by the state's board of nursing, and accredited. In recent years, hopefully not anymore, there seemed to be a rash of fly-by-night LPN programs whose sole purpose was to rob unsuspecting students and in the end, issued no diplomas or degrees.....they literally took the money and ran.

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Specializes in Urology.

I'm doing the LVN to RN route because I'm in the same boat. I did the math and it would take me LONGER to do the RN only route because there is a 2 year wait list to get in AND I needed a couple more prereqs. I work full time and have a toddler so it would have taken me almost a year more just to do additional prereqs. I'm happy with my decision, I start my program in August BUT may get to start in Jan if someone defers. . . Also my CC has a mobility option for LVN to RN and it's only 3 semesters and you go during summer. I will prob end up spending about 10000 for everything once I'm done and by 2017 our CC may be offering a BSN option :-)

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Thanks karbear. I've been asking around and it seems like most people in my area are choosing the other schools because of the wait list. Since I have to retake some prereqs to meet the timeline I'm ok with a wait list.

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Specializes in med-surg.

Would the LPN to RN grant you a BSN or ADN? Just keep in mind that hospitals are increasingly requiring/strong preferring BSNs and excellent new grad internships/rotations/fellowships are extremely competitive and would definitely favor BSNs.

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Specializes in Postpartum, Mother/Baby, Comm. Health, Geriatric.

Our waitlist here in the Metro-Detroit area are crazy for ADN programs. I was accepted and am halfway through the first semester of my LPN program, which is one of four ACEN accredited LPN programs in Michigan.

I plan on working while completing a LPN-RN (community college) bridge program. This way I will continue to receive tuition reimbursement from my employers as well.

Best wishes future :nurse:s!

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