Frustrated $8000.00 in to LPN Refresher/Re-entry program(s)

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Mar 5, 2015

If I were going to spend $8000 on anything, I would go for my RN, unless as an LPN you are able to get a job that you would like.

It is outrageous that they are asking that kind of money for a refresher. I would also think it a scam.

Before you pay, look at all your options.

Fiona59 · Mar 5, 2015

If I were going to spend $8000 on anything, I would go for my RN, unless as an LPN you are able to get a job that you would like.
It is outrageous that they are asking that kind of money for a refresher. I would also think it a scam.
Before you pay, look at all your options.

this in Canada.

the schools mentioned are both highly regarded and publicly funded. If the OP requires a refresher for their PN licence, they would be looking at four years at uni for their degree to become an RN! roughy 50-60 K.

LPNs in the province of Alberta are quite well paid. 8K is less than 3 months wages.

nobody here knows why the OP let their licence lapse, but they have been out of the workforce for more than three years and our scope of practice and skill set have expanded dramatically in the last decade.

so, don't use words like scam if you don't know the schools and local market.

Fiona59 · Mar 8, 2015

What frustrates me is the time we take to respond to these posts and then the OP doesn't return.

If it's a vent/rant, label as such and then we won't bother responding.

sidraali · Mar 9, 2015

What frustrates me is the time we take to respond to these posts and then the OP doesn't return.
If it's a vent/rant, label as such and then we won't bother responding.

I appreciate your response in every Canadian post.

dayshiftnurse · Apr 4, 2015

I actually agree with Mukens (OP) re: the Norquest college program and am very disappointed in this program as well.

Years ago when i wanted to retrain to become a nurse i found this program through a long internet search and was so happy to find it! It was home based study, including practical tests using video camera sending in and getting graded that way, the home study material was lovely, very comprehensive and then you could get exams proctored so you never had to leave your city except for placements; you were supposed to go to Alberta to do the placements, i think there was 2 you had to do there, and 3 in total (something very similar to that anyway...). and you could get the whole program done within 10 to 16 months, depending on the timing of courses/placements etc. I had started it and was so pleased, but ended up doing an RN program in the States in a similar format so stopped my lpn program there.

A couple years later, I encouraged my aunt to go and do the program, i knew if i could do it she would be successful too. When i inquired the price had jumped from ~ $3k to over $12k and canadian students were now charged the exact same rate as international students...I asked them why the price had sky-rocketed for the exact same program especially considering you are basically teaching yourself from home...and why cdn. students were charged the same rate as international students who dont contribute to the tax base which funds education here, i was basically just told something like 'that's how it is now". so of course, my aunt couldn't do it at that cost.

disappointed that an affordable, high-quality and accessible program that met the needs of many women who can only really do a home-based/didactic nursing program is now completely out of reach for most.

schod · Feb 1, 2017

Hi people ,

I know i am re- linking this post. Hopefully someone will answer my question. It seems that in alberta the only way for a refresher's course for LPN is taking the norquest program. Is there any other way for a refreshers course that is at least 6 months and not a year and half or two years, which means taking the whole course all over again. I am at my wits end. instead of spending two years studying again for LPN i might as well study for RN. I cannot afford to spend so many years studying LPN all over again. I mean i cannot even find a decent LPN to RN program online.Anyone has any idea?? I have been out of nursing school LPN for five years and to go back and study all over again is killing me. I was working as an LPN but due to some issues ( not work related but home related ) had to quit for three years .Now to have to study all over again at my age . I feel frustrated. CAn anyone provide any advice please ?