Cna to Lpn Question.

[ParkerDarling]

okay so this may be the wrong thread to post this question, but i'm going to go ahead and post anyways. i recently got my cna certificate, and am looking to start on my lpn. now i live in tulsa, oklahoma, and i don't really have much knowledge of getting to where i want in the medical field. so does anyone know of any good lpn programs in tulsa, ok?

[ctmed]

Id work CNA a bit just to see if medical culture is a fit before

going gung-ho. However....

A few pointers from a guy who isnt in your area, but is considering

going CNA to LPN himself after 3-4 years doing this.

- Ask co-workers who are LPNs.

If they graduated within the last 5 years, they may be able to give you

heads up on local programs. I found out about one popular program that

treated thier students like they were in GI Jane bootcamp and were very

unprofessional. NEXT! Also heard about good schools. If you manage to get

agency later on with CNA, you will have lots of info.

-Google is your friend.

Check the nursing board's site where you live. Try to avoid private

colleges because while they seem to accept more folks, the price

seems to be a bit steep versus non-LTC LPN pay.

-LPN programs take alot of time and study and is no joke.

CNA is short, and if you ask me, seemed to be common sense

8th grade level stuff. LPN, however, is a long, arduous 12-18

month ordeal of all-day classes with clinicals on top of that

at points. Be sure to ave things squared away if you

must work or have other responsibilites as ths WILL affect

this.

Other medical fields:

EMT-basic

Pays cruddy, but is a gauranteed job if you can pass a

physical and good driving record. Combined with CNA

and hospital experience can make it easier to get a tech job in ER.

Consists of riding in ambulances. 1 semester course. Can

lead to paramedic with 2 years of school. I have also

heard of paramedic-RN bridge programs.

Phlebotomy/ Med Tech / Scrub Tech

Problem I have found with these is while they start a bit higher

than CNA, there arent as many employment opportunities, you

cannot go to school to advance upward without starting over,

and the programs are 12 to 18 months.

Respiratory therapy/ x-ray tech

2 year programs. My research has fund out these guys

start out slightly higher than starting RNs, but quickly cap out.

You also cannot advance further without starting

over.

Anyone have anything to add feel free.

[Happy2bLPN]

Thanks ctmed - excellent advice! :)

[ChristyBug]

I am in Oregon so I may not be much help, but just researching online I found out that ITT Tech in Oklahoma City has a nursing program...I don't quite remember if it was LPN or RN, but if it's RN that's even better for you because you get the better degree faster with less hoops. I am looking into technical colleges like that one cuz community colleges are so competitive! Good luck!