Have questions before starting school

kat7ap · Aug 12, 2009

I'd recommend you start out looking for LPN and RN programs locally. A good place to find a list of approved programs is on you state board of nursing website. Just google "(your state) board of nursing". They should provide you a list of programs. Only attend a nursing program that has been approved by your state board, otherwise you will not be eligible for licensing when you graduate. I don't believe there are any straight online programs for LPN. However, some colleges do have hybrid programs which offer some online classes but you still have to physically go to clinicals or lab. There are a couple distance learning colleges that do offer an LPN-RN transition. Ask around for recommendations. In general it is less competitive to get accepted to an LPN program than an RN program. Many go the LPN-RN route. The competition can be fierce. Good luck!

CharleeJo.RN · Aug 13, 2009

I take online and on-campus classes for both the LPN and RN program. Of course they are things you cannot learn to perform on a computer and being in class makes a big difference with how much and how well you absorb a concept. But I do like having the ability to do some classes online (med term, Pathophysiology, med micro, etc). I did the LPN program in 1 year (advanced) and am starting the RN program in a few weeks, which will take 2 years. It is absolutely worth the time and effort, but I hope you can anticipate the amount of MIND-NUMBING WORK nursing school is. Say good-bye to your social life and "fun time", there is no time for anything but studying. It's not so much that the work is very hard, just insanely time-consuming. But DEFINITELY worth it :) Good luck!

garnetgirl29, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2009

I'm taking my placement test next week and will begin my pre-req courses soon. I researched numerous nursing programs in my area and found that ALL of the ADN programs were VERY hard to get into and heard people complaining about being on waiting lists for 5 years and never getting in. Since I am a 34 yr old divorced mother, the 4 yr programs are not an option. It would take me 8 years to get through since I could only go part time.

Then, I found out that the LPN programs were easier to get into and there are LPN-RN bridge programs and those are easier to get into as well. The LPN programs here range from 12-16 months. Some of them require that you be on the CNA registry before applying. The one I'm taking does not require that I become a CNA first and only requires 3 pre-req courses, Algebra, Bio and English. It's 3 semesters long. I'm going to sign up for the study skills course as well. Once I complete these courses with a C or better, I have to take the ACT, then I can apply to the LPN program. This is at a community college & this was the easiest program I found to get into. They were recommended by the BON and had one of the best passing rates in the area. But, it's in a more rural area from the other schools I researched, so I think that's why it's not as difficult to get into. I live in a metro area, and I know that's a huge factor.

I am hoping that my pre-req courses will be offered through distance learning. I will have to continue working. Once I begin the LPN course, it's only offered full time days, so I'm hoping to get into the work study program. Or, I will have to try and find an evening job and will jut have to be MIA from my family for that year. It'll be worth it in the long run, and I'm hoping to get one of those 3 day, 12hour shifts once I'm licensed, so I'll have more days to spend with my family.