Don't know where to start...

Well LPN - RN is usually if you want to work as an LPN first or if you aren't accepted into RN programs. (Those are the only reasons I can think of). Lpn school by me is $17,000 and not covered by financial aid.

For an RN you can go to a 2 year (ADN) or 4 year school (BSN). Completing either degree will allow you to be eligible to sit for the nclex. If you pass you will be an RN with an ADN or BSN degree.

I have found ADN's are being hired less and higher salary for BSN. If you want a speciality or to continue education you need a BSN. But there are ADN to BSN or MSN programs. So I think it more or less comes down to what's the best school for you.

You'll take classes like english, college algebra, philosophy, literature, statistics, psychology, sociology...these are usually general education classes. Then sciences are called prerequisites anatomy and physiology I and II, chemistry, microbiology. The nursing classes are different names but usually fundamentals, medsurg, pharmacology, peds, psych, etc. You'd start taking these either sophmore or junior year. Most schools start the Jr year it seems. I think a 2 year college you'd be able to start as soon as you get most prerequisites done and depends on your GPA and their wait list so really 2 yr schools take at least 3 years for nursing. Oh and some schools have entrance tests for the nursing program called TEAS.

If you want to learn more look for a book called Nursing In Today's World by Hartley and Ellis. It's pretty easy reading and answers so many questions about the nursing profession.

Hope this helped any.