Decisions...Help!

[AspiringLPN2014]

Sorry this is a long post but I'm confused with what route to take in my career. I'm currently a CNA but my passion would be working in the OR. My local CC has a Surgical Tech and ASN program but the waiting list for both is 2 years! A for profit school in my area offers a 12 and 18 month LPN program, but it's a little more expensive. LPNs are not being used a surg techs in my area hospitals, only as CMAs. I DO NOT want to work as a LPN in LTC, but the benefits of becoming an LPN are the program is faster and I could bridge to RN after working for a year. The downside is I'd have to have my BSN to work as a scrub nurse (MORE TIME). So my question is, would you rather spend more money for less time in school or spend more time in school for less money?

[dorkypanda]

I see where you may be going with this. The degree required, if you want to work in hospitals and such is a BSN. If I were you, I'd go for the ASN or ADN program if you aren't competitive for the BSN program.

[MotoMonkey, BSN, RN]

In your area how many hospitals actually staff surgical techs? It seems like they are being utilized less and less in my area, hospitals would rather staff an RN for the job. There is only one college in my state (that I know of) who has one of these programs and it sounds like they have a hard time placing students after graduation.

[AspiringLPN2014]

There are 2 major hospitals in my area and they both utilize STs. I just hate that the wait list is so long for either program. I want to be in the OR sooner rather than later. If I went with the CST route, I could hopefully be working immediately in an OR, surgery center, etc. As for LPN/ASN, I'd have to continue my education because the hospitals here are magnet status and I don't want to be stuck in LTC.