How did you become a LPN?

Ella26, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2013

I would chose whatever option gets you to achieve your goal and doesnt cost and arm and a leg and something that is transferable, and approved and accredited by your state board of nursing so that you will be able to bridge over to get your RN. Be aware that there are some LPN programs that are not approved and you may be out of a lot of $ and not be able to get to bridge.

imaLvn2 · Mar 18, 2013

So, which way did you reach your goal? Have you wished you did anything differently? Have you seen/heard employers choosing one candidate for a job over another because of the school they attended?

Thank you all for any and all information!

I went through the LVN program at my community college which is accredited. I think it cost me a little over 2grand for the whole program due to I qualified for the bog waiver. I agree with Ella26. I'm not sure where you are from but where I'm from, theres a list of accredited schools through the boards website. I recommend that you look into that so you will know which school is accredited and then you can pick your path from there. As far as employers choosing one candidate over the other due to their schools, I have heard about it as well but I don't know if that is true. I graduated from a well known school and I still havn't found a job. I think its a matter of experience, luck and connection nowadays. If you dont have that, its harder to find a job in this economy.

HeatherMax · Mar 18, 2013

Fortunately/unfortunately all of the local programs I am interested in are accredited. I had hopes it would cut the list down a bit. I never even considered the vocational route, but the price is so much better than the others. I like the 100% placement for the LPN program at the hospital based colleges, and the clinical hours, double what you get at any of the other schools. I am more of a hands on learner.

Now I am getting flack from all my nurse family/acquaintances, telling me to skip LPN and go straight for the BSN. Thing is I will be almost 40 when I finish my LPN, I have 3 kids, a husband and bills NOW. I need to start working ASAP, and if I can work as a LPN, and continue my schooling towards my BSN, that would work best for us. I am just annoyed with all the negativity around my LPN choice.

notmanydaysoff · Mar 18, 2013

I am just annoyed with all the negativity around my LPN choice.

well then, if explanations are needed, going the LPN route is a means to an end.

I'm working on my RN, but got my LPN first. about 10 folks who graduated in the same class 3 yrs ago, are also getting their RN (adn or bsn). the lpn route is a stepping stone, a good way to fast track/bridge.

one must begin with the end in mind. and some folks just don't get it, nor will they ever.

btw - you're almost 40? heck, I'm 20 yrs older than you and doing my 2nd career. retired after > 30yr as a biologist.

carry on!

HippyDippyLPN · Mar 18, 2013

I went to a vocational school for mine, it was around $15k, took me 12 months. I wish I would have researched the schools before I chose but I was 19 and an idiot. I had to teach a lot of my LPN classes to myself because we had teachers dropping like flies...I should have gone to the much cheaper and more valued career center but coulda, woulda, shoulda. As an LPN I have not seen where I went to school mattered although my RN friends said that it did to their employers.

HippyDippyLPN · Mar 18, 2013

And if you want to be an LPN take pride in it! Soon there will be all BSN's and no LPN's with all the hospitals wanting it lol so I am waiting for that day.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2013

I completed a 12-month LVN program at a not-for-profit private trade school back in 2005. The tuition was $19,995 and I selected this program for the fast-track convenience of no prerequisites.

If I had the chance to do it all over again I would have attended a school with cheaper tuition because, in the end, all LVN licenses are the same regardless of where you attended school.

HeatherMax · Mar 19, 2013

I have my choices narrowed down to my top two schools. I am going to apply to both and see which one picks me. If I am offerred a spot at both schools... then things will get tricky. LOL

MrsMig, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2013

I went LPN and now 1 month from ADN and will continue to BSN. I wouldn't have done it any other way... Oh and I'm turning 42 next month! Apply and see where it takes you... GL!!

CLUVRN, MSN, RN · Mar 20, 2013

I attended a vocational school in 2008-2009 for about $5,000 (which I didn't pay for--its was funded by a WIA grant). Have never had trouble finding employment as an LPN, but am due to start an 11 month LPN to RN bridge program in May due to the fact the LPN role (at least in my area) is becoming more and more limited. However, I will never regret my choice to become an LPN first. It gave me the foundation to be the great nurse I am and will continue to be.

HazelLPN, LPN · Mar 20, 2013

I trained back in the dark ages at a long gone and forgotten Catholic hospital based diploma program where we trained for two years...with NUNS mind you! RN students trained an additional year to learn the administrative roles but the first two years were the same clinical training. It was hell on earth, but I received excellent training, although so many decades later my training is all but obsolete. When you finished you truly knew your craft and could work anywhere in the hospital. If you can find a hospital based diploma program, jump on it...because they are rapidly becoming things of the past and I would doubt if any will be left in the next ten years or so. Don't do any for profit school if you can help it because they are very very expensive and are more interested in taking your money than educating you as an LPN or RN.Best to you,Mrs H.