high school graduate with a 3 yr. old

PedsHopeful · Oct 17, 2011

35,000 for a LVN program is wayyyyyy too much damn money. Look at your local CC for LVN programs. There are RN programs that cost way less than that.

av3194 · Oct 17, 2011

Thank you for the fast reply.I have looked around at my local cc but it seems as if every single one of them has a waiting list that are about a year long. I feel very frustrated and most of the lvn programs are very competitive and hard to get into. But the ones that arnt very hard to get into cost a large amount of money.

Getting To Great · Oct 17, 2011

Don't jump into things out of desperation! Please! What state do you live in? There should be LPN/LVN programs that are way less then that. There are also RN programs that I way less then $35,000. Like I said don't be convience or talked into joining this school or any school that cost that much because you will regret it in the end. Don't do it...point, blank, period!!!

Getting To Great · Oct 17, 2011

You just complete high school so look for a local job and wait a while because the LPN/LVN program takes a year to complete. It's not like you going to get paid when you begin the program. That's just my MO.

av3194 · Oct 17, 2011

I live in California. Yeah i am a little desperate i guess i just dont want to be one of those people who are 21 years old and have absolutly no kind of a career going on. But i do understant what your saying. Im unsure if i should just reapply to college but am stuck onthe thought if it would be the best for my daughter and myself?

sn.amk · Oct 17, 2011

Dear AV, It is easy to see your laudable concern about your Moms finances and your 3 year old. The older more experienced heads would try to help you see that a panicky reaction like jumping into a school that will cost so much more than it should is not a good idea. The LVN programs at your local CC may have a waitnig list but if you go speak to an admission counselor you may find some ways that you can stand out from other applicants. The idea of working while you are on the waiting list is a good idea. Even if the pay is not too good, you may be able to take some online classes through the CC that will make your applicationa SHINE!

Good luck, remember a decision made out of panic will eventually cause more panic. AMK

PedsHopeful · Oct 17, 2011

Thank you for the fast reply.I have looked around at my local cc but it seems as if every single one of them has a waiting list that are about a year long. I feel very frustrated and most of the lvn programs are very competitive and hard to get into. But the ones that arnt very hard to get into cost a large amount of money.

I ran into the same problem here in Wisconsin. What I chose to do instead was complete my pre-reqs for the RN programs and then I applied to transfer to a private university that doesnt have a waitlist. The university is more expensive than the CC for my RN, but because I completed alot of my classes at the CC (English 1 and 2, Microbiology, CNA Cert which is required in WIS, Developmental Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2) I will pay MUCH less than those who dont. I dont mind this if it means I dont have to petition and wait, hopefully, if I get in.

So consider taking a RN program and start taking your regular courses to get them out the way. Then look into transferring somewhere that 1. Doesnt cost as much as that and 2. Doesnt have a wait list. Hell, if you are going to pay THAT much, might as well go to a better University.

PedsHopeful · Oct 17, 2011

Dont wait to get started taking classes. Even if its 1 class a semester, start working towards something. Working part-time will help finances and still allow you time to study, if you apply to a larger University, you can go to the Student Affairs office and ask about Student job placement on campus. Dont wait to get your education, if you have to work, do it part-time around your school schedule, but work towards a goal. Luckily you have a mom helping you, so get going and get it done.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Oct 18, 2011

Honestly, the instant gratification of doing school now is not worth it. Keep in mind, in this economy it is not easy to find work. Do you have a way to pay that 35000 dollar loan (which the payments would be close to 500/month) if you do not get a job?

I have twice that in debt, and I'm barely keeping a roof over my family's head, and I'm an RN. I assure you the quick instant school is not worth it, it's my biggest regret and I'm paying for it dearly.

Get a job doing something, anything. There are hospital jobs out there that don't require much, such as a unit secretary or a PCT, many will train you, and the money isn't usually much less than an LVN. Find a job like that to finance your education, where they do scholarships at work or at least will contribute to your expenses.

I know you feel rushed right now, but honestly, breathing and taking a little bit of time is ok, and so worth it when you don't have these large payments breathing down your neck every month, crying at night because you can't find work, or your work is slow and calling you off on shifts, or there's no overtime and you NEED overtime to make the payments.

tiffjh2 · Oct 18, 2011

Student deferred loans are the best way I think if u can't get grants or financial help. Why can't I get financial assistance? You could probably get a low interest rate and you don't have to start paying it off until 6 months after you graduate. Working as a nurse you could pay it off pretty fast especially if you find a place that u sign a contract you can get reimbursement

av3194 · Oct 20, 2011

thank you guys so much for all the help. i feel much better nnow about my decission. feww