Build up GPA or go through LPN program?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2006

After doing a quick little search, I've discovered that this is the seventh thread you've created in five days on this very same subject. I am an LVN and have absolutely no regrets about attending an LVN program before attempting to gain admission into an RN program. I did not have the time for lengthy waiting lists and the long slew of prerequisite classes due to my mortgage and other bills.

However, if you do have plenty of time and the RN license is your ultimate goal, building up your GPA might be a good consideration. If you don't have plenty of time, then go for the LPN program. Good luck with your decision-making process. :)

nursemike, ASN, RN · Aug 2, 2006

Hello,
I tried out for the RN program at Suffolk and I did not get accepted due to getting a "C" in A&P II. I went to the school today and they told me that I can retake A&P II there this semester and then take microbiology there next semester. You need to have a 3.0 to get into the school which is only English, A&P I, PSYH and A&P II and if you take Micro they look at your application before anyone elses. I got a B in English, A in Psych, B+ in A&P 1 so I have a pretty good GPA. They advised me I should apply to the program again in December for the Fall of 2007. Now the issue is that what if I dont get accepted to the program again and waste my time and money for these classes. I tried to get into other schools and did not get accepted. Now the question is due I go through taking these classes or just go for the LPN? Please help me !!!

Complicated question. If you can complete A&P II and Micro in time to apply in December, that seems like a good way to go. Can you afford to take just these classes, part time? Should make it easier to do well. Are you pretty sure of getting in if you do well? My program had a "points" system--if you had the points, you were in, period. If yours is similar, then just do what you need to get the points.

There's a lot to be said for the LPN route, too. Around here, only LTC pays decently for LPNs. Hospital jobs pay just a bit more than half what an RN makes, even though they do very nearly the same work. But the LPNs in my ASN program were very well prepared. My school also gave extra points if you were already an LPN.

MrsCD · Aug 2, 2006

Well they said it is not guranteed that I get into the program but they did state I have good grades and then said that I should take A&P 2 now and next semester take Micro. Then apply for the program again for Fall of 2007. I wish they had a points program like yours but unfortunetly they do not. Also, with the LPN program they do not really hire much around here for them and the pay is not the greatest. I have a job right now where I work from home few days and go into the office a few. So, I am trying to take advantage of this "schedule" and get into the program.

tookewlandy · Aug 2, 2006

If there is even a chance that i would not get in for next fall, i would do the LPN first because you can find work, even thought it may be few and far between in your area, if you look hard there are great jobs for LPNs. Plus You can become and LPN and then find a school to bridge over to RN when you are ready and have much easier time getting in. I say go for the LPN now.

Andy

MrsCD · Aug 3, 2006

Yeah, I am going to go for the LPN in Sept after I find out what is going on with these schools I apply for.