Vo-tech vs. Community College

nursbee04 · Mar 2, 2004

I'm considering going to either a vo-tech or a community college for practical nursing. At the vo-tech, its for adults and its just strictly the nursing program...no other classes involved like at a community college. So its only a year long compared to probably 2 years a community college. Do you think it would be better to go to the vo-tech thats just strictly nursing or a community college where other classes are involved? Thanks!

Are you sure the community college program isn't an ADN/RN program? Where I live, the CC program is for ADN/RN and the technical/vocational school program is for LPN. Just curious. :)

aegirl · Mar 2, 2004

Are you sure the community college program isn't an ADN/RN program? Where I live, the CC program is for ADN/RN and the technical/vocational school program is for LPN. Just curious. :)

It's actually a LPN program at the community college. They offer LPN and RN as well as nurses aide.

nursbee04 · Mar 3, 2004

It's actually a LPN program at the community college. They offer LPN and RN as well as nurses aide.

Oh, Ok. Well, if you don't plan on going on to get your RN, I would do the technical school without all of the other classes. If you plan on going on, I would do the CC because you'll need the generals & prereqs anyway. Plus you have to decide which path fits your needs the best at this time. I'm guessing the tech program is shorter and probably costs less, right? I would do research on both avenues (cost, pass/fail rates for the NCLEX-PN, etc.).

Good luck on your decision! :)

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2004

Our community college offers both LPN and ADN degrees. The only difference between the vo-tech and CC programs are the CC program and its pre-reqs are accredited and able to be transferred either to another school, or toward the RN program. If you go vo-tech you may end up having to take the pre-req classes if you want to continue to RN even at a CC level. Vo-tech is fine if you only want to go LPN and stay a LPN. Most vo-tech wont transfer as college class credits.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Mar 3, 2004

The school i go to, all of my classes are transfered to most community colleges. I took this route because the tuition was cheaper, and the class population was smaller.

RN 2005 · Mar 4, 2004

Sounds like it would be a good idea to really look into if the classes will transfer etc. I definitely would try to meet with an advisor and get as much info as possible. There are always choices aren't there?! :rolleyes: I chose an Associates RN as opposed to a BSN because I had to get out and make some $$$$ as fast as possible. You just have to do what is right for you!!! Good luck!

bmw804 · Mar 9, 2004

I have decided to go to a technical school for the LPN only b/c they offer evening weekend classes. There is a one year wait list so far for the RN ADN program, so I figured I would start the lpn to get my foot in the door while I am waiting. I have to retake my prerequisites since its been over ten years, but I am going to take them online since I am sure they will transfer. This will cut down on some of the classes that I have to take for the LPN also. The community college does offer a bridge program, so the prerequisite courses will transfer there. I would recommend to take all prerequisite courses from the community college and then start into an LPN program, therefore you shouldn't have to take them twice. Just my opinion though.