Hi I need a little help! (:

HazelLPN, LPN · Mar 17, 2012

okay so i'm 17 and i'm in high school. i'm a little behind in my math (i'm doing pre-alegbra ) and i would just like to know what kind of math is needed. do i need to get through alegbra 1 or 2 or both? and also what kind of sciences will be needed? and how difficult is the entry test into the school? i know i know i've got a few questions but, i really really really really really want to be a lpn and i just know i can do it! i just need to know what it is i have to focus on.
thanks for any help! and any additional info on being or becoming a lpn would be very helpful too

i would say take as much math and science as possible in high school, because it builds critical reasoning skills. if you are a very poor science and math student in high school and you really want to be nurse, you can still do it but it will take work. take algebra at the local community college, get a tutor, ask for help and work like a dog.

i worked with a cna who really wanted to become a nurse, but she too wasn't a good math student. she was taking pre algebra at the community college so she was more behind than you were. she did eventually get accepted into the nursing program (rn program) of the community college but it took her several tries. many nurses flat out told her "you're not smart enought" and to be honest, i thought the same thing but never said it. however, work ethic can overcome lack of background and lack of natural talent.

i can't tell you how hard the test is to get into lpn school because every place is different. it would be best to contact the school that you are interested in directly and ask them about the requirements for the entry test. avoid any for profit school as these are extremely expensive and often have low graduation rates.

i would also advise you to shoot for your rn instead of your lpn. i had a wonderful career as an lpn in the days when lpns could work anywhere in the hospital. now,in many places, lpns are being forced out of acute care settings and limited to areas like ltc or ambulatory settings. the bsn will simply give you the most options in you career in nursing. as an lpn, your options may be sadly limited.

best to you,

mrs h.

agldragonRN · Mar 18, 2012

math in nursing is pretty basic. so don't worry about the math. worry more about the sciences like human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, etc...

you should check out the websites of your prospective schools and look at the classes that are needed. they should all be listed there.

just like the poster above said, shoot for your rn first. use only lpn as your back-up.

good luck to you and don't hesitate to ask more questions if you have more.

justcup · Mar 18, 2012

Take all the classes you can in high school since they are free. But, don't sweat the math. Both posters above are correct as well.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Mar 18, 2012

You have to pass a "TEAS" test in order to get into an LPN program in a lot of states. I would also check to see if in your area there's a vocational high school, as many of them have pre-LPN courses of study that you graduate as a CNA, and that is helpful if you want to work through school. I have a child your age, so I went to school for my LPN pretty late in life, however, I had to be tutored for math and science. I would take algebra (as you need to figure out medication calculations this way) and also A&P if it is offered at your school (especially if sciences are challenging for you). Then when you become and LPN, you can work while doing a bridge program in your area. If you find that you are more "hands on" of a learner, then LPN would be a better choice to at least get your feet wet. However, if you find algebra and A&P is "your thing" then you could take on the challenge of an RN program right away. Best of luck, and really use your guidance counselors at your school, they are a wealth of information!! Let us know what you decide!!