I dream of becoming a nurse---HELP!

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First of all let me just say a big THANK YOU to this site and all who are in it..I've been getting info here for many years now as my wife is an RN and I secretly try to help her by knowing about your profession as much as I can.

Now I WANT TO BE A NURSE! (and my wife couldn't be happier!=)

Here's my situation:

-Just moved to USA (San Fernando Valley) last November (no credit record whatsoever)

-Since we have a child, we compute that I really only have about 12-18 months to pursue my dream before our funds run out.

-From what I've read, I believe the only way to do this is fast is do an LVN course at a private institution (taking all the financial aid I can get), get licensed fast, get to work, then study part time to get RN. I would like to go for RN now but our finances just cant take the length of time it takes to become one.

I'm now doing the rounds of interviews and exams at the LVN schools and I cannot decide between "brand name" schools like Concorde or smaller schools like Marian College (where everyone is Filipino). At first glance the small schools seem attractive since it's nice and homely but my main concern is do I get quality training (education) there? I'm up for intense or challenging schools as all my energy will be concentated to becoming a nurse anyway and I will do everything to become one.

PLEASE advise on a decent LVN school near N. Hollywood or Van Nuys where i can get decent training but costs less than Concorde ($26,000).

Thanks to everyone in advance and I hope I'll be joining you guys soon as a nurse!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Back in 2004, I attended the LVN program at Casa Loma College, which is located in Van Nuys.

However, their tuition is similar to Concorde's.

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Back in 2004, I attended the LVN program at Casa Loma College, which is located in Van Nuys.

However, their tuition is similar to Concorde's.

Thanks Commuter, I'm headed there next week. How was Casa loma? Good teachers?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Well, Casa Loma has been in existence since 1966, which is actually a good thing.

The school accomplished it's mission: I completed the program, passed NCLEX on the first attempt, and am now working as an LVN. While I have some complaints regarding the program, be aware that most trade school LVN programs are going to have their problematic issues. The most important thing is the fact that I earned my licensure.

I don't really care about the quality of the nursing program, just as long as I earn that license.

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