Has Anyone Received their LVN from a Technical College?

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Specializes in Psychology.

I found an accredited technical college called Bell Tech Institute here in Houston.

It cost $22,000 but I could start the program in January 2021 instead of fighting for a seat at Lonestar College for their ADN program. Lonestar College doesn't have an application start date until January with the ADN program starting in Fall 2021. Their advisors are terrible!

I need to already be in a program by then because I'm supporting myself.

Sometimes I wish I had chosen the RN field before I finished my Bachelor's degree in Psychology (May 2020 grad) but by the time I decided it was for me, it was too late.

Can anyone tell me that I'm doing the right thing?

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1 hour ago, implathszombie9 said:

I found an accredited technical college called Bell Tech Institute here in Houston.

It cost $22,000 but I could start the program in January 2021 instead of fighting for a seat at Lonestar College for their ADN program. Lonestar College doesn't have an application start date until January with the ADN program starting in Fall 2021. Their advisors are terrible! 

I need to already be in a program by then because I'm supporting myself.

Sometimes I wish I had chosen the RN field before I finished my Bachelor's degree in Psychology (May 2020 grad) but by the time I decided it was for me, it was too late.

Can anyone tell me that I'm doing the right thing?

That sounds like a lot for an LVN program. Can you afford it or would you be taking out loans? And do you already owe money from your prior degree?

If you want to continue on to RN in the future, will you be starting all over? How's the job market for LVNs in your area and will you actually be making more than you are now once loan payback is figured in?

Are you a competitive candidate for an RN program? Have you taken the prerequisites needed to be able to apply?

I don't actually need to know the answers to any of those questions, but they are things that you should consider.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

YES.

The LPN program at my local Delaware County HS/Intermediate Unit is public program, federal funding available costing $20,000/yr + exam fees so not out of line. It is accredited by professional nursing association ACEN -gold standard. https://www.dciu.org/Page/3353

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology: Private, non-profit school in my area too. https://www.pit.edu/academics/programs/certificate-programs/practical-nursing/

Bell Tech Institute is a private, for-profit school started in 2011, no federal funding. Per TX BON, it is fully approved program; accreditation is from TX area career association, not ACEN -- TX BON list approved program shows few LVN programs have chosen to persue nursing association accreditation. Bells NCLEX 5 yr pass rate thru 2018 (per BON list link below) is lower than state standards--caution!. Their website lists an Interm Director,

There are 88 LVN programs per TX BON ---check to see how they compare to other programs in your area re classes offered and in which facilities clinicals held.

Texas Board of Nursing - Students: https://www.bon.texas.gov/students.asp

Approved LVN Education Programs: https://www.bon.texas.gov/pdfs/education_pdfs/education_programs/ApprovedVNschools.pdf

NCLEX® - VN/PN Pass Rates for Last 5 Years by Program

https://www.bon.texas.gov/pdfs/education_pdfs/education_programs/VN 5YR-19.pdf

If you are capable of taking rapidly paced classes, consider Acccelerated BSN program 12-15 months == compare costs in your area. Search ACEN Accredited Nursing Programs for those in your area: http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

Best wishes in your journey.

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Specializes in Psychology.
10 hours ago, NRSKarenRN said:

YES.

The LPN program at my local Delaware County HS/Intermediate Unit is public program, federal funding available costing $20,000/yr + exam fees so not out of line. It is accredited by professional nursing association ACEN -gold standard. https://www.dciu.org/Page/3353

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology: Private, non-profit school in my area too. https://www.pit.edu/academics/programs/certificate-programs/practical-nursing/

Bell Tech Institute is a private, for-profit school started in 2011, no federal funding. Per TX BON, it is fully approved program; accreditation is from TX area career association, not ACEN -- TX BON list approved program shows few LVN programs have chosen to persue nursing association accreditation. Bells NCLEX 5 yr pass rate thru 2018 (per BON list link below) is lower than state standards--caution!. Their website lists an Interm Director,

There are 88 LVN programs per TX BON ---check to see how they compare to other programs in your area re classes offered and in which facilities clinicals held.

Texas Board of Nursing - Students: https://www.bon.texas.gov/students.asp

Approved LVN Education Programs: https://www.bon.texas.gov/pdfs/education_pdfs/education_programs/ApprovedVNschools.pdf

NCLEX® - VN/PN Pass Rates for Last 5 Years by Program

https://www.bon.texas.gov/pdfs/education_pdfs/education_programs/VN 5YR-19.pdf

If you are capable of taking rapidly paced classes, consider Acccelerated BSN program 12-15 months == compare costs in your area. Search ACEN Accredited Nursing Programs for those in your area: http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

Best wishes in your journey.

Ah okay. Thank you! I am not a competitive candidate for the ADN but I need to be on the ground running starting Spring 2021 . The ABSN starts at minimal $50-60,000 and I haven't found any MEPN, DEMSN, ELMSN etc programs online. It's so frustrating.

12 hours ago, Sour Lemon said:

That sounds like a lot for an LVN program. Can you afford it or would you be taking out loans? And do you already owe money from your prior degree?

If you want to continue on to RN in the future, will you be starting all over? How's the job market for LVNs in your area and will you actually be making more than you are now once loan payback is figured in?

Are you a competitive candidate for an RN program? Have you taken the prerequisites needed to be able to apply?

I don't actually need to know the answers to any of those questions, but they are things that you should consider.

I'm not a competitive program and most BSN programs cost over $40-60,000 grand out here and the prerequisites will take me longer. LOL I need to be in a better financial situation with flexible hours like, now

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Hello, I am an LVN I got my diploma from Kaplan college. I, like you struggled with my decision. To me, it all depends on your financial situation. If you have someone who can support you financially in the long run, I recommend ADN program. But if money is a problem, I recommend getting your LVN (for now) to make more money, that way when you go back to ADN program, you are making good money as an LVN and don’t have to work as much or at all while in the RN program.

I have been an LVN for 4 years in CA. The past 3 I have been doing my prerequisites for RN program. I never struggled financially while doing my prerequisites because as an LVN I made good money. I did however, struggle while going to school for my LVN but only for a year. Now I did my calculations and I will be able to attend the nursing program (RN) and only work 1 day a week to pay my personal bills. (I live with my parents so rent is cheap)

I think it all depends on your current situation. For me, LVN then RN was the best option because my parents do not pay for anything I own/buy so I needed money right after high school.

p.s IDK about Texas but in CA if you have a bachelors in anything you can apply to the accelerated BSN program (2 years) and be done with it.
In CA the need for LVN is high, there is always jobs opportunities.

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Specializes in Psychology.
28 minutes ago, JustyourtypicalLVN said:

Hello, I am an LVN I got my diploma from Kaplan college. I, like you struggled with my decision. To me, it all depends on your financial situation. If you have someone who can support you financially in the long run, I recommend ADN program. But if money is a problem, I recommend getting your LVN (for now) to make more money, that way when you go back to ADN program, you are making good money as an LVN and don’t have to work as much or at all while in the RN program.

I have been an LVN for 4 years in CA. The past 3 I have been doing my prerequisites for RN program. I never struggled financially while doing my prerequisites because as an LVN I made good money. I did however, struggle while going to school for my LVN but only for a year. Now I did my calculations and I will be able to attend the nursing program (RN) and only work 1 day a week to pay my personal bills. (I live with my parents so rent is cheap)

I think it all depends on your current situation. For me, LVN then RN was the best option because my parents do not pay for anything I own/buy so I needed money right after high school.

p.s IDK about Texas but in CA if you have a bachelors in anything you can apply to the accelerated BSN program (2 years) and be done with it.
In CA the need for LVN is high, there is always jobs opportunities.

I'm considering moving back to California to further my education but I don't have a lot of financial support either there or in Texas.

The best I can do is sign up for scholarships and TX workforce vouchers if I get accepted at Bell Tech. I was thinking the same thing about not wanting to struggle IF I get accepted at an ADN/RN program that would start next FALL. I can't wait that long. I rather struggle for a year then struggle for two to three making like $30 thousand or less with my Psych degree.

The ABSN routes in TX are gnarly. They still want like five prerequisites with a 3.0 , HESI 80% pass rate and they only accept less than 30 students. I ran out of federal financial aid so I'm stuck with sticking to LVN. They make decent money down here too.

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I wish you the best in your journey, I know it seems hardly and stressful but it will soon be worth every struggle when we are financially stable. If you need any jobs, Aveanna Healthcare is always hiring , it’s an agency for pediatrics with benefits except vacation time. I get great hours and great pay as an LVN.

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Specializes in Psychology.
12 minutes ago, JustyourtypicalLVN said:

I wish you the best in your journey, I know it seems hardly and stressful but it will soon be worth every struggle when we are financially stable. If you need any jobs, Aveanna Healthcare is always hiring , it’s an agency for pediatrics with benefits except vacation time. I get great hours and great pay as an LVN.

Is this also in Texas?

And thank you!

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Not sure how I reply here yet LOL so I hope I’m doing it right but YES. I just searched it up and it looks like they are in Texas as well. They offer training if you don’t know how to do certain skills.

there is also an assisted living I worked at (Sunrise Senior Living) I believe they also have them in Texas, that’s for caregiving. In case you want to work and get a little experience while going to LVN school. It’s awesome because the have day, night, and graveyard shifts so you can work part time while going to school

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Specializes in Psychology.
2 minutes ago, JustyourtypicalLVN said:

Not sure how I reply here yet LOL so I hope I’m doing it right but YES. I just searched it up and it looks like they are in Texas as well. They offer training if you don’t know how to do certain skills.

there is also an assisted living I worked at (Sunrise Senior Living) I believe they also have them in Texas, that’s for caregiving. In case you want to work and get a little experience while going to LVN school. It’s awesome because the have day, night, and graveyard shifts so you can work part time while going to school

Thats the thing, I have been a caregiver/nurse aide for over two years and since I just had brain surgery- I cannot bend over for 12 hours wiping butts and lifting seniors who refuse to walk all day/night anymore. I am in search of a hospital job until I finish the LVN or whatever program finishes faster.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Due to your health limitations, taking a medial assistant course might be good starting block: Many work in physician/clinic offices performing phlebotomy, EKGS, administering TB test/immunizations, taking Vital signs, office paperwork --minimal to no lifting. Much easier chance of getting into medical setting employment. See if you have evening LPN program in your area too.

https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/medical-and-health/medical-assistant/texas/

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Specializes in Psychology.
18 hours ago, NRSKarenRN said:

Due to your health limitations, taking a medial assistant course might be good starting block: Many work in physician/clinic offices performing phlebotomy, EKGS, administering TB test/immunizations, taking Vital signs, office paperwork --minimal to no lifting. Much easier chance of getting into medical setting employment. See if you have evening LPN program in your area too.

https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/medical-and-health/medical-assistant/texas/

That's common but would be going backwards, not forwards.

I have friends with my condition that are R. N. s. There are so many fields besides lifting I can do as a nurse.

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