I'm 16 with a GED

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi, I'm 16 with a GED and I want to become a licensed practical nurse. However, I have to wait until I'm 18 to go to school to be one. I was wondering what should I do until I'm eligible to be apart of a practical nursing program? Should I take lpn prerequisites or would I still be too young to start an lpn program once I finish the lpn preresquites?

i would enroll at your local CC, general studies or a bio science if they have one. should not be an age limit on that.

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Thank you for sharing your experiences with everyone. I am so encouraged that you want to be a nurse so early in your career. I think that you could be a CNA which is a certified nurse aide. One of my friend's in nursing school became a CNA at 16 years old and was working at the nursing home for a few years until she decided to get her BSN. Being a CNA is really a good thing because it helps you become focused on nursing and it also helps you get into the nursing field. It could also help you do well when you become an LPN. You could do research on LPN schools and see which one works the best. Some places require that you have a GED and be 17, but you could ask to see if you could go. Some schools are a case by case basis. You could take online classes like a refresher courses or online courses from a community college so that you can be ready for your LPN classes. I wish you the best. You are on the right track. Keep up the good work. Marcy CNA

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Start taking classes now. Knock out all the courses you need for an associate's degree, focusing on nursing pre-reqs. Why not have a degree to show for the two years waiting to be eligible for nursing school? :)

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Specializes in CMICU.

I don't know where you are located but in my state CNAs must be at least 18.

I agree with what everyone else has said, enroll in a community college and knock out as many prereqs as possible. At least get some good basic classes under you belt to get a feel for undergraduate education.

College is much different than high school or GED programs and nursing school is another beast altogether.

I would second what a few others have said as well... LPNs are fabulous, skilled care providers, but are limited in practice settings. Especially now that many hospitals are pushing for RNs to have BSNs or higher.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Take some basic gen ed's, do a CNA course, become a HHA, take some courses and get certified in anything they'd let you do like phlebotomy. If worst comes to worst go on Care.com and work as someones caregiver, it'll help.

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Thank you for sharing your experiences with everyone. I am so encouraged that you want to be a nurse so early in your career. I think that you could be a CNA which is a certified nurse aide. One of my friend's in nursing school became a CNA at 16 years old and was working at the nursing home for a few years until she decided to get her BSN. Being a CNA is really a good thing because it helps you become focused on nursing and it also helps you get into the nursing field. It could also help you do well when you become an LPN. You could do research on LPN schools and see which one works the best. Some places require that you have a GED and be 17, but you could ask to see if you could go. Some schools are a case by case basis. You could take online classes like a refresher courses or online courses from a community college so that you can be ready for your LPN classes. I wish you the best. You are on the right track. Keep up the good work. Marcy CNA

Hi, I discovered today at a local school near me, Southern Crescent Technical college, you can be 17 and start the LPN program there. I will be 17 in October. I'm going to look into taking the prerequisites until I'm able to join the practical nursing program. You have to apply separately to the program than taking the English, basic physiology, anatomy, etc. classes.

Thank you for replying and for your help :cat:

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Thank you to everyone who replied and for your help. I decided to look into enrolling into a community college and get my prerequisites out the way. I found a school where I am able to join the practical nursing program at 17. When I turn 17 in October, I'm going to try to apply for the Spring semester.

Thanks, again :)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thank you to everyone who replied and for your help. I decided to look into enrolling into a community college and get my prerequisites out the way. I found a school where I am able to join the practical nursing program at 17. When I turn 17 in October, I'm going to try to apply for the Spring semester.

Thanks, again :)

Good luck. Keep searching you are likely to find a BSN program you can enroll in at 17. My sister was 17 when she started her BSN program

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Good luck. Keep searching you are likely to find a BSN program you can enroll in at 17. My sister was 17 when she started her BSN program

I will :)

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You're 16 and have your GED. My advice to you while you wait to attend an LPN program is take science classes at your local CC like ap1,2 and micro. Also take English 1&2 and Psych 1&2

these classes will help you get a good understanding of body systems and strengthen your writing.

Also, after you graduate from an LPN program you'll have the pre-reqs finished if you chose to bridge into an RN program. Use your youth as an advantage! And good luck !

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Hi, I discovered today at a local school near me, Southern Crescent Technical college, you can be 17 and start the LPN program there.

Have you looked at Atlanta Metropolitan College? It might cost less.

You could take CLEP tests now at your current age and earn college credits. They cost less than paying tuition. You'll have to first figure out the places you are likely to want to go to college and see which CLEP tests they accept. I used CLEP tests to fulfill several of my nursing school prerequisites.

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Hi, I was in the same position you are in. I graduated with my GED in December of last year, at 16, and I am currently in school for nursing. I originally wanted to get my CNA, and work and save money, because I had planned on going to college Fall of 2016, so I just wanted to get a trade. However, I was told thatI was too young for the CNA program, but I could get into the nursing program. I am currently at a community college, since I didn't take ACT's or anything, but I plan on crossing over to a university next fall. My first semester in college was the Spring semester and it was awesome. Thankfully the program I am going into goes off of the GPA, and I can avoid taking the TEAS. I am currently taking prequsites, but by Fall of 2017, I'll hopefully be in nursing school. I hope this helps!!

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