input on LVN from trade school to ADN/BSN - PLEASE HELP!

caliotter3 · Sep 15, 2007

The problem with going to a trade school is that their courses will not transfer to a traditional college. So you get your LVN license, but when you want to enter an RN program at the ADN or BSN level, your prerequisite courses must still be from a community college or four year college. Many people have posted on this board that they were taking prereqs at a community college at the same time that they were attending a tech school for LVN. Thoroughly check out the availability of LVN programs at your local community colleges before you decide on a trade school. Good luck with your decision. Hope you get accepted into the program of your choice.

P.S. At the beginning of your post you stated that a trade school LVN education is cheaper than an RN program. I think you will find that most trade school programs, RN or LVN, are significantly higher in cost than the community college version. The only advantage is that you have an easier chance to get into the school without a wait. If you want to incur that kind of debt, the convenience may be worth it.

mk21 · Sep 16, 2007

Out of curiosity, which pre-reqs are you referring to? The courses I will be taking in preparation to become an LVN at the trade school, or the courses (anatomy, physiology, etc.) inbedded into the LVN program that mimic the pre-reqs I would need to take at a JC?

Am I still allowed to apply as a LVN-BSN student if this is the case, even after I complete my normal pre-reqs at a JC? Or am I back at square one, only allowed to apply as a generic entry RN student?

Thanks again!

NICUrn2B · Sep 16, 2007

This is the same question that I had. I was a student at a csu in the bay area for numerous reasons I had to join an LVN program at a vocational school. From what I understand, I can finish my LVN program and become an LVN but all of my pre-reqs and general ed will be done at either the CSU or JC then I can apply for a seat in the LVN to BSN programs, LVN to ADN, LVN to RN 30 unit option, OR LVN to RN via private/vocational school. As you can see, you have more options this way rather then doing pre reqs and waiting for a seat FOREVER!

My plan however is to complete my LVN, LVN to ADN via private vocational school that has high pass rates, while working on my bachelors at the CSU and then jump right in to a Masters program (not necessarily MSN but maybe MPH). This way I save time and still have enough education to calm my thirst!

Hope this helps

NICUrn2B · Sep 16, 2007

OH YAH- Forgot to mention, if you ever get caught up in life and can't attend school full time...

1) LVN

2) LVN to RN

3) RN to BSN (online!)

4) BSN to MSN/MPH/? (online/traditional)

WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2007

Out of curiosity, which pre-reqs are you referring to? The courses I will be taking in preparation to become an LVN at the trade school, or the courses (anatomy, physiology, etc.) inbedded into the LVN program that mimic the pre-reqs I would need to take at a JC?

I completed an LVN program at a private trade school in Southern California 2 years ago. These trade schools offer diploma-level A&P, math for meds, pharmacology, and so on, which are already included in the LVN program. However, this diploma level education will not transfer to a traditional community college or university, so you must take the A&P, microbiology, and so forth, at a CC or univ.

My former coworker is an LVN who received her education at a trade school, and was able to be accepted into a state university LVN-to-BSN program, because she had taken the 60 credit hours of prerequisite classes beforehand. Some of the required classes were A&P, chemistry, micro, English comp, speech, US history, literature, algebra, statistics, and many others.

guerrierdelion · Sep 17, 2007

Much like every pre-nursing student on here, I am debating whether I should finish my pre-reqs at a cc and hop on the wait list wagon, or whether I should get into a lvn program through a trade school (Unitek, Maric, etc).
If I do go to a trade school, my plan is this:
1) LVN program at trade school (because it is cheaper than RN and I want to become an RN through a college or university) = 1 year.
2) Work as an LVN get my feet wet in the nursing field, make some money, start taking pre-reqs: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbio, etc.
= 1 year
3) Apply to either LVN-ADN or LVN-BSN programs (i.e. Azusa Pacific University, or community college).
4) Become an RN and work for a year - get BSN-MSN (i.e. UCLA etc)
My question is, do LVN-BSN programs at universities like Azusa Pacific University, etc. only allow LVNs who took programs through cc and WASC schools, or do they allow LVNs who took programs through trade schools (i.e. Maric, Unitek) into the program?
Same question for cc LVN-ADN programs...
Just trying to make a well-researched decision before I enter a trade school program. The wait lists in socal are astronomical, and for the non wait list/non lottery programs, it's still a gamble. I want to keep being a progressive person, and not get discouraged by the waiting time. I cant work retail forever, and I want to be educated, and actively working towards a greater goal.
I appreciate any help anyone can give me. I've emailed all the schools like APU and some cc's to see if they will accept students from trade schools whom are licensed LVNs. I'll share any info they send back to me as well.
Thank you so much!

Here are some options:

1. Finish your prerequisites at a Community College and THEN skip the LVN and go for the RN ADN at what you call "trade schools". If time and waiting are the biggest concerns, having the prerequisites out of the way will speed you through a RN ADN "trade school" program. Know that Azusa Pacific MSN instructors teach at "trade schools" and that Azusa Pacific is one of the top notched schools in Southern California for both BSN & MSN. Azusa Pacific grads are very sharp and prepared.

Another option for you would be to:

2. Get your LVN and do the LVN to RN "bridge" ADN program at the same "trade school". Mega student loans but you will have what you want. One step from becoming an RN after successfully passing the RN NCLEX and having the LVN to back you up if don't pass the RN NCLEX the first time around.

And still another option for you if you are willing to sacrifice the ocean breezes, vibe of San Dog, and relocate:

3. Applying and getting accepted to the LVN program here: Riverside Community College:

http://204.69.1.62/academicPrograms/nursing/documents/VNInfo11-06.pdf

Then with LVN in hand, apply for this:

"Riverside County Regional Medical Center/RCC 20/20 Program LVN to RN

The LVN-RN 20/20 Program is a part of RCRMC’s recruitment, retention, and career development plan for regular full-time employees. The program offers paid release time for staff while enrolled in Riverside Community College (RCC) March Education Center (MEC) program in exchange for a commitment to continue working for the department after completion of the Registered Nurse program. Participants will work 20 hours a week and receive 20 hours of elective training time for each week spent in class."

And finally:

After you did that and you haven't had your fill of staying up late at night banging out care plans, research papers and going to clinicals like a zombie, then you could do this outstanding program for your BSN at the renowned Loma Linda University:

http://www.llu.edu/llu/nursing/documents/riverside_community_college.pdf

The options are limitless,

Cordially,:paw:

jchandler · Sep 17, 2007

Much like every pre-nursing student on here, I am debating whether I should finish my pre-reqs at a cc and hop on the wait list wagon, or whether I should get into a lvn program through a trade school (Unitek, Maric, etc).
If I do go to a trade school, my plan is this:
1) LVN program at trade school (because it is cheaper than RN and I want to become an RN through a college or university) = 1 year.
2) Work as an LVN get my feet wet in the nursing field, make some money, start taking pre-reqs: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbio, etc.
= 1 year
3) Apply to either LVN-ADN or LVN-BSN programs (i.e. Azusa Pacific University, or community college).
4) Become an RN and work for a year - get BSN-MSN (i.e. UCLA etc)
My question is, do LVN-BSN programs at universities like Azusa Pacific University, etc. only allow LVNs who took programs through cc and WASC schools, or do they allow LVNs who took programs through trade schools (i.e. Maric, Unitek) into the program?
Same question for cc LVN-ADN programs...
Just trying to make a well-researched decision before I enter a trade school program. The wait lists in socal are astronomical, and for the non wait list/non lottery programs, it's still a gamble. I want to keep being a progressive person, and not get discouraged by the waiting time. I cant work retail forever, and I want to be educated, and actively working towards a greater goal.
I appreciate any help anyone can give me. I've emailed all the schools like APU and some cc's to see if they will accept students from trade schools whom are licensed LVNs. I'll share any info they send back to me as well.
Thank you so much!

I am on the admission committe at Azusa Pacific University SON. I would suggest 2 things. 1. lf you are getting your LVN get it from a junior college (WASC) accredited program. We do not accept trade school credits. Trade schools can be very expensive and the units do not transfer. Contact the SON and get a list of the pre-requisites. Most University level programs want a 3.0 GPA to consider you for a spot in their program. 2. Get your RN as an associate degree and take our RN to BSN evening program.

hillarypeace2006 · Nov 30, 2007

Greetings,

I was curious at to how the admission process worked at APU. I am very confused as my admissions counselor there explained that my file would be reviewed by the nursing committee. I received the acceptance packet for the school, however, have not yet recevied any information on the status of the nursing school admission?

Thanks,

Hillary

The problem with going to a trade school is that their courses will not transfer to a traditional college. So you get your LVN license, but when you want to enter an RN program at the ADN or BSN level, your prerequisite courses must still be from a community college or four year college. Many people have posted on this board that they were taking prereqs at a community college at the same time that they were attending a tech school for LVN. Thoroughly check out the availability of LVN programs at your local community colleges before you decide on a trade school. Good luck with your decision. Hope you get accepted into the program of your choice.
P.S. At the beginning of your post you stated that a trade school LVN education is cheaper than an RN program. I think you will find that most trade school programs, RN or LVN, are significantly higher in cost than the community college version. The only advantage is that you have an easier chance to get into the school without a wait. If you want to incur that kind of debt, the convenience may be worth it.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Jun 1, 2008

I am on the admission committe at Azusa Pacific University SON. I would suggest 2 things. 1. lf you are getting your LVN get it from a junior college (WASC) accredited program. We do not accept trade school credits. Trade schools can be very expensive and the units do not transfer. Contact the SON and get a list of the pre-requisites. Most University level programs want a 3.0 GPA to consider you for a spot in their program. 2. Get your RN as an associate degree and take our RN to BSN evening program.

If you had all the prereqs like a&p etc and a LVN from a trade school would the application still be considered. I have a good GPA from my lower level courses at community college

frankiebaby · Jun 1, 2008

I did my LVN at a private vocational school, but I did all my pre-reqs at Community Colleges. I did them before I started LVN school. They were accepted at the vocational school and if I had done them there they would have cost me $1K - not only that, but then they transferred to my current RN bridge progam at the CC that I'm in. I would advise, as the previousl poster did, that for anyone interested in going all the way from LVN to RN to do their pre-reqs at a CC. Often at trade or vocational schools the pre-reqs for LVN differ from the pre-reqs for RN programs. For example: my LVN program accepted a combined 4 unit Anatomy and Physiology. My RN program accepts only Anatomy 4 or 5 units with a lab, and the same for Physio. Why do them more than once? That's just my opinion.

Good luck! It takes perserverance, but you'll get there. :specs:

dijaqrn · Jun 27, 2008

If your goal is to be an RN don't waste your cash or time with a private LVN program. It's hard to get a hospital LVN job, many are phasing them out. Start your prereqs or if you can get a substantial amount of financial aid shoot for one of the new private school RN programs!

Good luck.