Considering LVN/LPN program

[rileyc]

Hi there! I live in North Orange County and i'm considering doing an LVN/LPN course. My eventual goal is to become an RN but my family situation is sticky and I need to be financially independent in order to pursue those goals. I've looked into a few different LVN programs but I'm kind of nervous. My friend attended American Career College, and he has no complaints. However, when I research them online I see nothing but horror stories so that is a little unsettling. Also, i'm worried that after completion of the program, it's going to be difficult to find a job. I've read through many of the new grad RN threads, and it seems near impossible to find a job in Southern California. Is the job market the same for LVN/LPN? Will I be able to find a job? Very scary Also, do employers look down on private programs? I know I should probably go the public route, however, I irresponsibly destroyed my GPA after high-school and that would be a long, long road to repair.

Any thoughts on American career college? Anyone who completed their LVN course in OC and was able to find a job?

If not, does anyone know of another reputable private college I could get an LVN education at?

Please help.

I'm desperate.

[SquishyRN, BSN, RN]

I would say the job market for new grad LVNs in Southern California is worse than the job market for new grad RNs, although both are dismal either way. Most hospitals don't hire LVNs anymore. As an LVN (if you find work), it will probably be in a doctor's office, outpatient clinic, SNF, or home health. But no matter where you apply, most places want at least one year experience.

In my job hunting, employers didn't seem like they looked down on private schools. One DON that interviewed me kept praising West Coast University because she had gone there and sent her daughter there as well. The main stigma you'll encounter is experience.

Also, IMO, it isn't worth it to go to a private school for LVN. It's too risky. You'll end up having a debt of around $30k+ with no guaranteed job. If you apply to adult schools or ROP programs, most don't factor in your previous schoolwork or GPA for admissions, so don't count yourself out of getting into a public school yet. It's very competitive to get in though. Different schools have different criteria, but I'm pretty sure all have some sort of aptitude test in which they take the top scoring people and then narrow them down from there.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Finding a job as a LVN is hard all around. There are some nurses who you kinda wonder how the heck did they ever graduate nursing school and there are some top notch nurses. I'm learning that it's the nurse that makes their reputation in the work force, and not the school. I work with some dingbats who are both RNs and LVNs, they either know how to pass exams or they just cheated their way through nursing school. Also, look at the fact that nursing schools set your basic foundation in nursing but it's actually practicing in the field is where you will gain more knowledge. Good Luck