I desperately need advice on schooling...

[havenlove]

Hi everyone. I am 19 and I recently received my CNA license by going through a privately owned school. I took this last semester off of any schooling because I moved and everything was hectic at the time but I would like to get back to school ASAP. My main question is, would you suggest I get my LVN license before my RN? As of right now, I have never been to a "regular" college and I feel like it would better for me if I went for my LVN and then did a bridge to my RN. Honestly, I don't really have anyone guiding me when it comes to school so I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me the path they went on and how they did it. I'm going to be in Los Angeles so if anyone could suggest schools I would appreciate that a lot as well. Thank you for your time.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Honestly at your age and in LA, I would go straight for the BSN. You'd be getting your feet wet with all of the prerequisites, anyway. Now if you were in special financial circumstances (e.g. you're a single parent and need to get earning quickly, are 100% responsible for the cost, etc.) I might suggest the LVN->RN route.

Of course I don't know you though. It might be worth a discussion with your advisor.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Are you working as a CNA? Any chance your employer would pay for your LVN?

[caliotter3]

Just be forewarned that the route to nursing in LA is not an easy one. The best advice I can give you is to start working as a CNA and start taking prerequisite courses at one of the nine community colleges. Start with classes like freshman English. Get those general education courses out of the way and you will never have to look at them again. Then delve into your nursing prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, developmental psychology, psychology, etc. (varies by program). When it is time to apply to nursing programs, apply to any and all, but choose a BSN program if you are accepted. First look on the website link for the nursing programs at each of the local schools. Write down your questions and then call, or visit, the nursing advisors at the schools to get your specific questions answered. Try not to waste your time with one of the many LVN programs in the area. They are expensive and produce LVN's at a dime a dozen pace for a job market that is saturated. At least if you work at the RN level to start your education, you will have something better to work with if you have to relocate out of the area for work.