Going to a non-accredited technical school for LPN. good or bad?

willow44 · May 20, 2010

Hi, I would call your state nursing license and make sure. I was told when I went for my interview who is accredited that you can't take the state exam in a non accredited school, so you wouldn't be able to get a job. I don't know if this is true for your state, I live in MA. Hope this helps

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 20, 2010

The vast majority of LPN programs are not accredited by the NLN or CCNE, even the ones that are offered at some community colleges. As long as the school that you wish to attend is approved to operate by your state's board of nursing, you will be fine. State boards of nursing care about approval, not accreditation. Moreover, too many people confuse approval with accreditation. Accreditation is a higher standard that many schools choose to attain. However, the LPN program only needs approval in order for your state board to license you.

I attended an LPN/LVN program at an unaccredited trade school 5 years ago, and I have never been without a job since I have had my LPN license. I was even able to earn my RN license recently because I was granted credit for having attended an LPN program at the trade school that was not accredited.

headliner1889 · May 21, 2010

thanks for the responses. how do i find out what my state board of nursing's number is so i can ask? i live in illinois btw. thanks again

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 21, 2010

thanks for the responses. how do i find out what my state board of nursing's number is so i can ask? i live in illinois btw. thanks again

Type the words "Illinois Board of Nursing" into any internet search engine such as Google, Yahoo, etc.

OpenHeartLPN · May 22, 2010

Only one question.

Why go to a non-accredited tech school, when there is sure to be an accredited state-run college for cheaper, and all credits earned definitely transfer to 2 and 4 year programs?

NoWomanNoCry · Sep 22, 2013

This worries me because I'm in northeast Pa and I'm trying to find a lpn school. I found one but I'm very nervous about it not being up to par because its a VoTech school and I can't find it listed being accredited. It's approved by the state though.

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Sep 22, 2013

This worries me because I'm in northeast Pa and I'm trying to find a lpn school. I found one but I'm very nervous about it not being up to par because its a VoTech school and I can't find it listed being accredited. It's approved by the state though.

An accredited school near you or not too far is Center Arts and Technology (I think that is the name). Ive heard many great things about them. In PA a school being accredited is better but not too important, the most important is it being approved by the SBON. Good Luck

NoWomanNoCry · Sep 22, 2013

An accredited school near you or not too far is Center Arts and Technology (I think that is the name). Ive heard many great things about them. In PA a school being accredited is better but not too important, the most important is it being approved by the SBON. Good Luck

Thank you! Off too google that school!

NoWomanNoCry · Sep 22, 2013

Thank you! Off too google that school!

Just googled ...it's 2hrs away

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Sep 23, 2013

Just googled ...it's 2hrs away

Omg are you serious? Its near abington that can not be right Northeast is not that far from it and my gf lives up Northeast and its not that far from her. Which school did you apply to?

NoWomanNoCry · Sep 23, 2013

Omg are you serious? Its near abington that can not be right Northeast is not that far from it and my gf lives up Northeast and its not that far from her. Which school did you apply to?

I haven't applied yet. But the 2 schools that are in my area is the Schuylkill Technology Center in Frackville Pa and a tech school in Hazelton Pa. I live in Schuylkill county and there is NOTHING here. If my husband and I didn't share a car and we had the money for gas I'd drive further if I had too for a decent school.