I was curious...

[huggiebear1979]

Hi everyone,

First off, just want to apologize if this is the wrong forum for this, but wasn't sure where to post my question...I'm currently in school for my BSN, I have no LPN/LVN experience although I do have my CNA license but haven't used it...one of my friends is thinking about going for either an LPN or LVN in Boise, ID at Apollo College, she is currently working as a CNA and has a Medical Assisting degree....I'm unsure if this school is legit, because when I go to their website you can see the programs that they offer but nothing else, but a form that has to be filled out for them to contact you, I was curious first what is the difference if any between an LPN/LVN, second-about how much approximately can she expect for Tuition and Fees to be, and most importantly what certification should the school have to be considered an authentic nursing program? Just out of my own curiosity, money is tight for her right now, and I know that for students going for their BSN's that some hospitals will pay your tuition, as long as you agree to work for them a couple of years after you graduate, are similar contracts available for LPN's/LVN's?

[nursel56]

Hi huggiebear-- I can answer some of your general questions. An LVN and an LPN are basically the same thing. California and Texas have chosen to call us "Licensed Vocational Nurses" vs "Licensed Practical Nurses". So, she'll be an LPN student in Idaho.

The cost of an LPN program can vary, with the private for profit schools charging upwards of $20,000 or more, with some loan and grant programs available. Her CNA work and Medical Assisting certificate normally are not considered as credit or coursework, but will certainly give her a head start in her knowledge base.

I would strongly encourage your friend to contact the schools in her area that she might be interested in, with all of these questions about accreditation, tuition and fees-- there is so much variety from school to school!! I would also encourage her to contact the Idaho Board of Nursing before committing to any school's program IBN Home Page where she can get state specific answers to her questions.

She may want to join allnurses, too and become active in the student sections and the LPN/LVN forums for specific questions she has not answered by her prior research into potential LPN programs. Best wishes! :)