High tuition vs. Wait list need help fast!!!!

Mom2Cassidy · Jul 21, 2009

Well, I guess it depends on how long the wait is!! The only advice I can offer is that if you got your LPN you could work and gain experience while you wait!!

GL with whatever you decide!!

AARN · Jul 21, 2009

I got my LVN from an adult school, paid cash and was done. There were a few of us who already had degrees so we didn't quallify for financial aid, but almost everybody else did. I then discovered while doing clinicals that we were really well prepared after talking with students from private schools. Also there are several hospitals that will help you get into RN bridge programs and pay you while hyou are in school. If you apply now you can start an LVN program at a local public school before the end of summer. For a fraction of private school price. Also look at the state board websites for complaints and pass rates.

GoldenFire5 · Jul 21, 2009

That's what I did. I started my LVN program in Jan 2006 at Concorde, did my RN pre-reqs at night at National while I was at Concorde, and finished RN school at Grossmont in June 2009.

I was able to work as an LVN while I was in RN school. I know a HUGE reason why I was hired into a hospital new grad RN program was because of my LVN experience. It definitely paid off.

I had the same dilemma as you when I was trying to decide on schools. I made spreadsheets for each scenario and included school costs for each plan. Then I also included expected yearly income while completing each plan. Keep in mind, each year you sit on a waiting list is a year of lost RN income (unless you have another source).

holland5151 · Jul 21, 2009

Maybe I'm wrong but it looks like there are very very few jobs for LVN's out there. How did you

get into Grossmont so fast? Everyone keeps telling me that you need all your prereqs done before

even applying. It looks like with the waitlists in San Diego I might have to move :-(

GoldenFire5 · Jul 22, 2009

The wait lists for LVN to RN bridge programs are much shorter than traditional 2 year programs.

Yes, you have to have your pre-reqs done to apply for the bridge program.

Wanna-B-Nurse · Jul 27, 2009

I'm in a similar situation. I'm debating whether to start an LVN program in January or wait 2 years to start the RN program in Santa Barbara. I think I'm going to start the LVN program in January and hopefully I won't have trouble finding work as an LVN while waiting to start the LVN to RN program. It can't hurt to get some expierience as an LVN before going on to be an RN.

TooHotinAZ · Aug 1, 2009

I'm not actually replying directly to your question, however, I have a few comments. If ROP is still offering an LVN program you might want to consider that. You do need your CNA first. Last word was that Golden Care Academy's CNA program in San Diego was on hold for some reason. Oh, they only charged about $400 for the course! Anyhow, I could "maybe" see paying $25-$30K on a private ADN program, but not for a plain LVN. In any case, you will have to knock out several courses including A&P, micro, English, and a moderate degree of math in order to get into a fully accredited ADN program. I'm sure one could always "buy" a degree at say Kaplan over in Kearny Mesa to add to your LVN. Then again, you'll be making loan payments for 10 years!

My understanding is that once you have you LVN/LPN license the fast track LVN to RN program wait isn't super long. At least nothing like it is to get into a community college's standard ADN program. City College and Grossmont have ridiculous wait-lists for their programs. After 2 years I was number 445 on the list at City and didn't even hear from GM College. Hence I applied and got accepted elsewhere! Still, there are a few more school options in SD that have recently popped up. For example, look at Mira Costa. Just obtain you LVN, affordable, and worry about the RN later.

It's nuts that private schools charge about $50K for a non-transferable ADN and that community colleges continue to have 2, 3, or even 4 year wait lists! This is especially nuts considering that nursing jobs, particularly for new graduates, in these current economics times aren't as easy to come anymore.