Diplomas and Degrees and Certificates, Oh My!

[bluemorningglory]

I am looking to enter an LPN program. A local community college offers one in a certificate form. The program last ten months, is recognized by my state's BON and allows you to sit from the NCLEX. If a nurse is a nurse is a nurse, then will having a certificate vs. a diploma/degree be detrimental?

[Reigen]

LPN programs are certificate in practical nursing type programs. RN programs have degrees either ASN/ BSN for entry into registered nurse practice. Further education at the college level is needed for MSN NP CRNA PhDs.

[red2003xlt, LPN]

Your employer won't care if you pass the boards.

Questions, can the LPN count towards a RN at a Juco college (sometimes it does)? what the pass rate of the boards? and lasty whats the employment rate?

[newway]

Just to make it clear a LPN is not a RN they have different scopes of practice per each states BON but is always more limited than a RN. I have never heard of a degree for LPN. The lowest degree is usually a A.A.P for RN in the nursing field

[happyinillinois]

LPN's are primarily employed in LTC, RN's in hospitals. RN's have way more job opportunites. Go to your community college. Don't waste your money on a school that will charge you $15k for the certificate. That way if you want to continue your education, your credits will transfer, which isn't always the case with those for profit schools.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

Since the program is at a COMMUNITY COLLEGE then it is not a for profit school and the LPN may count towards an RN bridge. ASK about it. As an LPN I have worked in the ER, on a med surg floor, step down, and surgery so while the opportunities may be more limited for LPN's they do exist. Lastly, there are actually many schools that offer associate degrees in Practical Nursing. They even offer associate degrees in medical assisting. I would never attend but they are offered. Consider getting the LPN and continuing straight through to your RN. Hope it all works out for you :)