College courses while in lpn courses(can it be done)

caliotter3 · Jul 12, 2009

Well, you know what you can do and what you can't do. You may find it difficult to keep a high GPA and you can't afford to get sick. I burned the candle at both ends while in school. It worked while it worked, but when life threw in the monkeywrenches, everything fell apart and I ended up not finishing school. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Widdiewonka · Jul 12, 2009

im sorry to hear about you not being able to finish school. and thank you for sharing your personal experience

NatsFan15 · Jul 12, 2009

Have you taken into account the hours you'll have to dedicate to studying for the LPN course as well as these college courses you're thinking of taking? Not to mention when it comes time for clinicals and your schedule adjusts for them. I would suggest that if you're determined to do both to wait until you've been in the LPN program actively so you get a feel for your time commitment/constraints.

Good luck with whichever way you decide.

amjowens · Jul 13, 2009

I highly recommend dedicating a semester or two of RN pre-req courses separate from the LPN program. I am in a RN program, but finished my LPN last year. LPN school is actually more difficult than the RN program...sure, for me, a lot review, but time-wise, since LPN a year, very intensive. I could and do work in RN, have earned straight As, but did not work in LPN school and most who were not completely dedicated didn't do well in my class. Of course, we are all unique, and there's always the exception. For me, I gave my all for a year to pre-RN courses the year before LPN school. You need excellent grades if you don't want a huge wait list these days, too. And, in big pic of whole career, a year is not a big deal. You need to be happy in your "year" though, and if you set yourself up for struggle (yeah, there's good struggle, but trust me, pre-RN or LPN full-time, plenty of a challenge alone!) that doesn't do much for you or your career.

I'd almost do the LPN, earn your money and move out/pay tuition to continue on for the pre-RN, and straight to RN. If not strapped for cash, have options, go straight for the RN. But, as an LPN, financially, I'm able to take care of everything, including tuition. A real consideration, not to mention gaining experience in this competitive job market for RNs at moment.