GO for PCT or LPN???

[Misslady113]

Hello. I am a CNA in NYC. I have two opportunities to be either a PCT or an LPN. Both are for free due to state funding. The LPN program is a 10 month accelerated and the PCT is 10 weeks. My ultimate goal is to be an RN in the E.R but I need something for now to make money. I want to do PCT because they do work in the E.R and they don't have as much responsibilites as the LPN does. I do have two small children at home and also thought with PCT it would be a bit easier going for RN since I dont have as much responsibilites as the LPN. The LPN of course pays more (about 5 dollars or more) and I would finally be a nurse. But I don't know if LPN's work in the E.R and they mostly pass meds. I love the patient contact as a PCT. Also the LPN program I would take doesn't have credits that I can take to college, so there is no LPN to RN option for me when I'm done. Please help. I only have a few weeks to decide.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

I would say the PCT program, only because you mentioned that you have young kids & the LPN program would not qualify you to participate in a LPN-RN bridge program. Best of luck to you!

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I would get your LPN. With an LPN you would be a nurse, and have as a nurse would be able to advance, and, later on, go back to school to get your RN. If you get your PCT and later want to become a nurse you would have to start at square one.

Wanted to add, you say there's no LPN-RN bridge, but alot of the schools around me (and I'm sure where you are if you look) will still waive RN classes/advance place you if you have your LPN. The school I went to for my RN was not part of a community college and only had an RN program, but all LPN's were allowed to skip the first year olf classes.