LVN first ? or Community College?

[anthony_t]

Hi my name is Anthony and I am looking for advise and help. I currently work at a retirement home right now but I do not make that much money. I rent a room right now and live on my own for personal reasons but my question is this, Should I go to a trade school and become an LVN first or would it better if I go to a CC and get the pre-reqs out of the way? The reason I would like to become an LVN first is because 1) That way I can earn more money and get a small place on my own and 2) It would help get into an RN program. I always read how there is no jobs for LVN'S anymore but my mom is the administrator of the retirement home that I work for so she has connections for me to get a job as a home health lvn but than I talk to RN'S and they always tell me how LVN is a waste of time and money. What do you guys think, is becoming a LVN really a waste of time or does actually help in the long run ? Does being an LVN help you get into a rn program faster?? Im 20 years old and live in California. And oh yea this was my original plan.

1)LVN

2)LVN to RN (30 unit option)

3)online RN to BSN

Thank you for your time and help

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If you are set on starting as an LVN, attend a community college, ROP or adult education center to ensure your tuition is less than $10,000 for the entire program.

DO NOT attend a trade school. Spending $30,000 in tuition to become an LVN in California is not worth it. The student loan debt will eat away at your take-home pay.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

In my area, the best way to go is to a community college. Many have both the LPN/LVN and ADN. A lot of times you are able to bridge from one to the other seamlessly. There are many people who do the LPN first and work while getting the ADN or RN. Like you said, the income is more than a CNA or tech or whatever.

[Alisonisayoshi, LVN]

Don't do the 30 unit option, it's super limiting!

[caliotter3]

As previously stated, your best bet is to attend an LVN program at a community college and receive the degree along with the diploma/certificate for the nursing program. Check into DeAnza College in the Bay Area to see if they still offer an LVN progam along with their RN program. Mission College is also in that geographical area but the last time I saw their website as I recall, their LVN program is limited to a certificate, the associate's degree is not an option. But still, you can use some of that coursework toward entering their RN program. Go to the link on the BRN website to check out nursing programs to find those that are associated with public colleges. Your general next best bet is an ROP program. A very good ROP program in the San Jose area used to prepare a student for LVN licensure at a total cost of $2000. You can't beat that with a stick, especially considering the quality of the instruction (I heard about through word of mouth several years ago). Good luck.