shorter time, bigger debt...smaller debt, longer time

somedaypeds · Nov 4, 2011

As an LPN who is currently in the middle of an ADN program and will advance to the BSN after that, I would recommend going strait for the BSN program. $30,000 does not seem like excessive debt for a 4 year degree. BSNs are much more marketable than LPNs, at least in my areas.

Also in my area, the jobs for LPN are limited to nursing homes and home health. Neither are likely to offer tuition reimbursement, in my experience anyway.

If you find there are many job opportunities for LPNs in your area, then maybe you would want to consider going that route first.

ktliz · Nov 4, 2011

I think you will be in a much better situation with $30k in loans and a BSN than you would be with $0 in loans as an LPN. Guess it depends on the job market in your area, though.

SquishyRN, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

I personally have chosen the smaller debt, longer time route. I currently have a non-healthcare related bachelor's. I had no inclination of going into the healthcare field until I graduated with my bachelor's in 2008 only to find myself at the beginning of the economic downturn having to work nonpaid internships to gain experience. At the suggestion of my family, who are all in the healthcare field, I went to an adult school for my LVN and am now working on my RN prereqs at a CC. I plan on applying to CC ADN bridge programs since I have no intention of acquiring any more debt for my second degree when I am still paying for my student loans from my first bachelor's that I don't even use. I then plan on going into an RN-BSN program. Many of my classmates in my pre-reqs wonder why I don't go into an entry-level master's program in my position, but I tell them that jobs aren't guaranteed in this market, and I have no desire to commit myself to more debt when I'm able to pay my way as I go through the longer route.

Jules A, MSN · Nov 5, 2011

I also did my LPN to ADN to BSN to MSN. It was cheaper didn't take much longer and I was able to work and support myself the entire time. Does the $30,000 debt include living expenses? I made a lot of money during the years I was in school.

eslvn · Nov 5, 2011

A hard decision, but if I could have gone into a BSN program I would have. Is this a private school? It sounds a little expensive if its just 5 semesters, if it is private, can you apply to a public BSN program, or go through an ADN program, because those are a lot cheaper and you can do RN to BSN all online. Those are a couple options. Being an LPN its hard because people dont give us much respect, but it pays decent and there are usually jobs available in the SNF, so you could work your way through school. But personally, I would probably go for a BSN and keep looking for more scholarships. The only reason I say this is because once I became an LVN my income doubled, and while I still struggle to pay my bills a lot of the time, I cannot obtain very much financial aide now. Just something to think about.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 5, 2011

In this day and age, NO DEBT longer route.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Nov 5, 2011

There are very few LPN to BSN programs (most are RN to BSN) because most LPN programs are considered vocational not academic. There are many LPN to RN/ASN programs. Is the BSN program a private school? Most direct entry BSN programs in my area start freshman year with nursing courses so your nursing and general education are integrated throughout the four year program. Have you looked at any other BSN programs to determine what if any other options are available? Perhaps look at an associates program that might be less costly than the BSN program you are looking into? I understand that $30,000 in student loans are daunting, heck that would scare the peanuts out of me even if the end result was a BSN with eligibility for the RN. (Remember that the $30,000 is only the principal and interest and fees add up quickly. While federal loans can be deferred, and even forgiven in certain circumstances, private loans are there forever without federal backup.) There are no guaranteed jobs in any industry and in many areas there isn't a shortage of new graduate nurses but a shortage of experienced nurses. While we all may have opinions to offer, ultimately you are the only one who can determine which is the best course of action for you.

Juwon · Nov 5, 2011

I would say that it depends on the job market in your area. Personally, in my area LPNs and RN new grads can find work relatively quickly. You can make a nice buck as a LPN while going back to school to get your RN. Me personally, i have applied to both a LPN and RN program at the community college level and if I get accepted into both, I am going to take the LPN route because its 12 months long, and start 8 months before the RN program start. When the RN program do start, I will have 3 more months in LPN school, then can go out find a job while getting experience, and then can bridge over after completion of the program.

wetzoo · Nov 5, 2011

Go straight for the BSN. In the current job market, you have to look as competitive as possible, and that would be the person with the higher degree and the most certifications.

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 5, 2011

It depends on your local job market.

In my area, LPN's are pretty much limited to working in long-term care facilities. If that's the kind of work that interests you, then that might be the way to go. But understand that many of them do not offer tuition assistance. So, you may end up with student loans even if you go that route.

In my area, the major hospitals all strongly prefer BSN's to ADN or diploma graduates. So, if that's the type of job you seek ... the BSN may be your best investment. Apply for every type of financial aid you can. Get a part-time job to help defray the costs, etc. Try to keep your loans as low as possible -- and only get government backed loans. Do NOT get private loans as they are much more dangerous. Do your homework about the types of loans available, etc. Some are much better than others.

graceomalleyRN, RN · Nov 5, 2011

About 6 months ago, my hospital let go of all of our LPNs. No one was grandfathered, nothing. It was something like a 3 or 4 week warning. All those who were LPNs could stay on as CNA's if they wished. One of them was 2 years from retirement and a great nurse. Welcome to the race to become Magnet.