Get LPN through Tech School vs Community College?

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Hi all,

I'm a CNA and I want to become a LPN and if nursing is still for me I'll eventually become a RN.

I've been hearing so many different things like, I should go to a community college b/c the credits will transfer and its less expensive, but from what I'm seeing Ill have to still do general courses to graduate.

With a tech school its a one year program but its more expensive and some people say the credits won't transfer and you get more hands on experience.

Let me know what you all think/have experienced. I'm planning to start some where next Spring.

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I'm wondering this myself. Ill be watching this thread :)

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Hi! The best course for you will depend on the local programs and the policies and (possible) cooperative agreements between institutions.

Right now, I am preparing to go into a technical program for LPNs (not a community college program). When I'm finished, after a year of clinical practice and completion of my remaining pre-requisites, my LPN certificate will allow me to test out of 30 hours of the LPN-BSN program at my state university, something I've heard is not difficult for a practicing nurse. Then, I'll complete my BSN while working.

Several technical schools here also have agreements with community college RN programs, such that one's LPN counts for the first year of the two-year RN program.

So, my advice is to start making calls, asking questions, and thoroughly searching websites.

Also, while many PRIVATE technical schools might be more expensive than community college programs, public technical programs are very affordable. My entire LPN program will cost less than $6,000, including the NCLEX test... and my experience is not unique.

Do your research; it could save you thousands and thousands of dollars and set you up for success.

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I chose a private college LPN program because I would've had to do all my pre reqs (1-2 years), wait for acceptance (1year), and then do the program (2 years) at the CC.

So instead I went to a one year LPN program and I will graduate this fall and work as a nurse while getting my RN and BSN. I still have to do my pre reqs but now I will be gaining priceless PAID nursing experience while doing it. And once I get my pre reqs done, I can do the CC bridge, going into the second year of their RN program because my LPN license and work history counts as the first year of the program.

It worked out better for me! It's not for everyone, but if you want a faster route to becoming a nurse, it's definitely a good option!

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If you want the RN one day, go to community college, that way when you pursue your RN your pre reqs are out of the way. I did my LPN at a tech school and I am having to do all my pre reqs before my bridge program since nothing transferred. Also my LPN was 15k, at the cc it would have been 5k and a better education. Generally, in my experience, you end up doing better job wise and furthering education when you got to a cc.

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I am going to a tech school and still plan on getting my RN eventually, the reason I am going is because they have the best NCLEX pass rate compared to any other school in my area. I think this is because of all the hands on experence and my school also offers a review course for the NCLEX after you graduate. I am paying around 34,000 dollars for my program though, where as some of the community colleges charge around 4,000 dollars to 10,000 dollars. I feel better paying more knowing my chances of passing the NCLEX is higher and I get so much hands on experence.

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