I am new here wondering if anyone took the LPN-RN route even though they have a B.A..

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Hello everyone, pretty new here and not sure if this topic has been started already...I have a BA and AA in the Political/Paralegal field..I am currently about to take my TEAS test next Monday ( eek). I initially wanted to apply for the accelerated programs but then I will be sitting at home taking pre -reqs till next fall, plus my BA degree was low 2.25 but my AD was a 3.53. I have twin 4 yr old children and I am single mom..so I decided even though it will take more time I will start off with the LPN route first then go for RN.. I am not sure if I will go ADN route or BSN route and if it will be at a 2yr college , 4 year or maybe Excelsior.. ( the stories about that CPNE are intense but that program seemed it would work for me)

Just wondering if anyone went this route or is thinking of this route any thoughts or encouragement is appreciated.

I guess the first step is to actually pass this TEAS test first lol. :)

Thanks!

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I have not done LPN to RN route but I can tell you what it is like here in Massachusetts (Holyoke Community College). All students entering either LPN or RN have to have all the same pre-reqs done. But for the pre entrance exams if you are applying for both programs you have to take both the LPN and RN NLN PAX tests (2 different tests). The 1st 2 semesters the LPNs and RNs take classes together. Then the RNs have the summer off. The LPNs go 5 weeks into the summer then they graduate with their LPN certificates if they pass the test. Then the school says work a year as an LPN then apply for the RN program. So you work a year at a LTC facility then apply. You would start in the 3rd semester with the RN students. So If I were you, I would go right to the RN. Thats what I did. I didn't even apply for the LPN program. I have 5 kids ages 9, 8, 7, 3 1/2, and 1 1/2 and I work part time nights 7p-7:30a 2 nights a week. I start the ADN program this fall September 3rd. Good luck :)

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For yourself and many students, your's is the first question one asks: "Should I go LPN first, then ADN bridge program later?"

For me, it was an option and unfortunately I wasted about a year debating it.

Many choose LPN to see if they'd even like nursing in general without the 5 semester, financial commitment of an ADN program.

What I can say is you are correct, it WILL most likely take longer with your plan of going LPN first. Many ADN bridge programs require at least one year of work as an LPN before you even submit an application. Since you're a single mom, I do realize the need to have steady income and in many bridge programs the students are actively working as LPN's while in school. However, LPNs are being phased out in many areas due to the demand for more educated/qualified nurses. Even many hospitals won't hire unless you have a BSN or agree to work towards your BSN while working for them.

Do realize, though, that LPN isn't always a cakewalk and you may not be able to work while in school, either.

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First, make sure to do the research about accreditation with the school's you're looking in to, and ask the hospitals or places you want to work if they hire grads from those schools (Excelsior, etc.) Some places will not even look at your resume if you've gone to a school that wasn't CCNE or NLNAC accredited...

As the above poster said, LPN is a commitment... Look in to the LPN hiring rate in your area, as well. Ask around, and find out where the jobs are for LPNs; more and more hospitals are not hiring them, and it may be tough to get a job with no medical experience as an LPN, because there is no guarantee after you get your LPN that you'll get in to the RN program, and you may be out of a job for a while... The bridge programs will still want you to have the prereqs before coming in to the bridge program.

From your situation, it may be better to take the time to do the prereq's and work, that way you can begin to save money and get your family accustomed to you going to school and living on a smaller budget.

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Thanks guys for all your input!! I have definitely looked and in my are NJ they are hiring LPN's still lots of openings...I plan to volunteer and network a bit so hopefully the job search will not take to long. My mentor went this route and is currently taking RN classes..it will be a sacrifice but one I am willing to take all my specified states that I would consider moving to including the one I live in take EC grads. I have also spoken to a few EC grads who found work in my area. I realize that LPN's are hardly being used in hospitals which is fine for me. MY main goal is to get my foot in the door and continue my RN as soon as I attain my LPN short term goal. It will be a long journey probably 3-4 years but after doing extensive research this is what will work for me. :) I take my TEAS for the LPN program tomorrow!

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To your original question: I have a BA and two masters degrees (MS and M.Ed.), and I'm doing the LPN-first route for financial reasons. :)

Lots of people do it, actually.

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

My friend had a BS degree in public health at the time she applied to a local LPN program at a community college. She did not do an accelerated RN/BSN program due to her noncompetitive 2.5 grade point average.

To keep a long story short, she earned her LPN license in 2006 and her RN license four years later.

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Thanks!!! :) Wow two masters! and a BA! Best of luck to you, everyone's path in life is different as long as we can reach the goal STRONG! :) Have you already started the LPN program ? I passed my TEAS! Phewwww the other two people that took it with me were coming in for the 2nd time! Thank God. I think I still have to have a formal interview but I will pass that hopefully by Gods Grace! Sept 30 Start date!

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Thanks for the story more motivation to me!!! Thank you!!!

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