I need help finding a local/affordable LVN school

I have been searching online for weeks now, I have still haven't been able to find a local/affordable LVN school near me. I live in the 91320 area and most schools near me (within a 30 min drive) are all private, so they are all at least $28,000 tuition. I am 24 years old with a bunch school loans, I cannot afford to take out that much more in loans. My goal is to get my LVN, then go to school for my RN/BSN while working as an LVN.

Any advice?

Maybe try a Adult School near you. I was just accepted into a private LVN program. Me and my daughter start in Jan 2013. We looked for months and werent able to find much cheaper than what you quoted. Good luck!~

Have you looked into a local community college?

my local community colleges do not offer the LVN program, that is why I was hoping to get some help searching for schools. I have looked online on BVNT (BVNPT - California Approved Schools) but there are so many and I dont know what it means to be an "accredited" school. I am also wondering if most people do private schools and it's worth it in the end, or if they wished that they went to a cheaper school. I dont want to be paying off school loans for 10 years.

Thanks! Can I ask which school you decided to go to?

my local community colleges do not offer the LVN program, that is why I was hoping to get some help searching for schools. I have looked online on BVNT (BVNPT - California Approved Schools) but there are so many and I dont know what it means to be an "accredited" school. I am also wondering if most people do private schools and it's worth it in the end, or if they wished that they went to a cheaper school. I dont want to be paying off school loans for 10 years.

You are so smart to be thinking like this! I went to a private 30k LVN program without researching other, less-expensive options and I regret it. I now have to pay off these loans, and it is no fun! I have one loan in forbearance right now accruing interest which I will have to start paying on next year.

That said, if your goal is to avoid waiting lists and get through school quickly, then a private program would help you do this. The market right now for new LVNs (and RNs) in CA isn't great, so you might spend a year looking for a job after you're licensed. There's really a lot to consider.

Also, you might want to consider the benefit of driving more than 30 minutes if you can find a program in another county that is affordable. I did this last year while attending a public LVN-RN program (my commute was about an hour each way) and have no regrets. Gas is probably still cheaper than all the interest you'd be paying on loans for private LVN school.

There are many accredited LVN programs offered at community colleges and adult education centers in LA County.