High school LPN to RN?

panic36 · Jul 3, 2014

I might not be understanding the question fully but if you're in high school and you want to get a jump on becoming a nurse pretty quickly then I'd suggest as soon as your GED eligible to take the test and pass it, here I believe the age is 16, and then apply to your local community college. If you're looking to get into the field of nursing then I'd probably recommend getting into an ASN/BSN Program. Reason I recommend going BSN is thats where a lot of the jobs are and even if you go ASN, there are plenty of RN-BSN programs to become a BSN. Less places are accepting ASN's so a lot of students I have met who have gotten their ASN have gone back to school within a year to get their BSN. LPN's are even fewer, and I see a lot trying to get transferred from their LPN program to an ASN one.

Miss.LeoRN · Jul 3, 2014

First things first. Focus on your GED. If you're going to be home schooled, unless your city/state allows you to earn a High School Diploma through home schooling you are going to need your GED. Colleges around me won't even let you enroll if you do not have a diploma/GED. You certainly can't get into a Nursing Program without one.

That is the second thing. Nursing School. You can't just "take a couple college classes" and then take the NCLEX LPN or RN. You have to graduate an accredited Nursing Program. There are several types of programs.

LPN/LVN is a Nursing Diploma. Takes about 2 or 3 semesters. There are two programs in my area, one is a Fall + Spring Semester, and the other is a Fall + Spring + Summer semester. Most LPN's take an RN bridge program to get their ADN or BSN.

RN/ADN is an Associates Degree in Nursing. These are 2 year degrees. Most who have an ADN usually later or right after will take a bridge program to get their BSN. In my area there are only ADN programs, so we have to bridge to BSN.

RN/BSN is a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. These are usually 4 year degrees.

I would NOT recommend doing any enrollment where you graduate with a MSN. I've seen a lot of people starting to complain that these programs lead to "Too much education, not enough experience".

Now... once you get your GED, you can look at your local colleges and whatever colleges you are willing to go to for Nursing School. Find out their admissions process for both the college and the program. Most colleges will require you to take a placement test if you did not take the ACT or SAT's. This is irregardless to your diploma/GED. It basically tells them whether you need to take remedial classes to make up for any gaps you might have in your education. You will be required to take these classes before you can take most regular classes. I saw most because some classes don't care. The most common remediation people end up in is Math. So just brush up on your algebra, or you can see if the school offers a "test prep" class.

To enroll in a Nursing Program, most colleges first require you to complete a certain number of pre-requisite classes before you can enroll. This means you're enrolled in the college, and you're pre-nursing. Once you've checked with the Nursing Department and you've met their requirements you can apply to them. Yes... apply. All programs are competitive. Which means just because you meet the minimum standards you're not guaranteed to get in. It doesn't matter if they say you only need a 2.5 GPA and a 70 on an entrance test. And there most likely will be an entrance exam, you want to get the highest scores you can possibly achieve. After this.. and you've been accepted.. THEN you start you nursing classes and with any luck and blessings to you in 2 or 3 semesters (LPN) or in 4 semesters (RN/ADN) you will graduate the Nursing Program. Once you've accomplished that, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX exam. The national test.

Overwhelemed yet? You will do JUST FINE!

If you are really aching to get your feet wet, check our your area for CNA classes. You probably still need your GED to enroll in them, but it will give you a foot hold into the field as you go through the rest.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 3, 2014

First, how's' your market, meaning, are there plenty of LPN jobs? Are they willing to hire new grads?

Look up your state's nurse practice act as well, to give you information as to what scope of practice your state has for LPNs, look at your RN practice act as well.

LPN is a great place to start; gives you a feel of nursing, however opportunities can be "limited", but many have had a wonderful career as LPNs; however, if your ultimate goal is to become an RN, then find out what would be more feasible, provide the most flexibility and what will work for you-but that calls for extensive research before setting on this path; that would start by research; including local facilities that are doing the hiring.

Best wishes.

cath3rine · Jul 3, 2014

I'm sorry!! It's actually an ADN program!

cath3rine · Jul 3, 2014

The market is mainly elderly care and private Dr. offices. I live in central TX if that means anything.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 3, 2014

Find out if they hire new grads; again, research fully what will fit best for you; if you want your BSN, go for it; if you want to dip your toe into the field, LPN is a great start, then go for the BSN...you will determine, after extensive research, what will work best for you.

I was a LPN for seven years and had always had great opportunities as a LPN; my ultimate goal was to be a bachelors-prepared RN; being a LPN certainly helped as a great foundation to my career.