Is it better to become a CNA or LVN before entering into a Nursing Program ?

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I'm currently a senior in high school and I'm planning to attend community college for the next two or three years. While attending a jc and taking Pre-reqs, I am thinking of becoming an LVN but University of Washington (dream school) suggests becoming a CNA. I live in California and still have time to go on mission trips, volunteer, study hard, get good grades and create myself as a nursing student. Anyone applying or accepted to University of Washington have any tips? Anything would help! Thank You ! :)

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Working as a CNA while your in nursing school could help you get your foot in the door. But you know that LVN stands for Licensed Vocational NURSE.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

If you can get your CNA in high school or without disturbing classes for your RN, do it. It gives you part-time/PRN job opportunities. If not, I wouldn't spend extra time or money on it unless it will help your chances of getting into nursing school. You'll likely be able to become certified while in nursing school.

As far as becoming an LPN, I wouldn't spend any extra time or money on that either if your goal is to be an RN.

Don't waist any time. Rock your prereqs (the classes you need to take to qualify for nursing school) and go straight into an RN program.

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It's much better going into an RN program, brand new with no prior experience. I say that because many people who were lpns in the program. They relied on past experiences or "real world/ life nursing". Nursing school is much different than working as an actual nurse aka " real life nursing ". Exam wise especially, it's better coming in with no experience.

FYI. . . just be prepared to wipe someone ass.

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Specializes in Psych.

The LVN program is a nursing program which can be anywhere from 3 to 4 semesters. That is after prerequisites.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
The LVN program is a nursing program which can be anywhere from 3 to 4 semesters. That is after prerequisites.

My LVN program didn't have any prereqs.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Oh, read the post So you think you want to be a NURSE.

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Yes I'm aware what LVN stands for but I was wondering if becoming an LVN would be a higher advantage than being a CNA when applying to nursing programs. My friend's an LVN applying to an RN right now and I could take a 13 month program for around 25 k but don't now if thats a smart choice to do.

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Thanks for advice :) ! I just wasn't sure if being an LVN would put me at a greater advantage of getting into a nursing program than being a CNA part time.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

$25K seems kinda expensive if it's a bridge program.

If your goal is to be an RN, then I would suggest becoming a CNA & work PRN. Unless you need money sooner then I would become an LVN

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I don't think it's a bridge program. I think its just a program from a private college to obtain your LVN. Yeah I'm in no rush to make money, just wanted to know which one appeals more to University of Washington's Nursing Program, but they did suggest becoming a CNA. Wasn't sure why they didn't suggest becoming an LVN.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I don't think it's a bridge program. I think its just a program from a private college to obtain your LVN. Yeah I'm in no rush to make money, just wanted to know which one appeals more to University of Washington's Nursing Program, but they did suggest becoming a CNA. Wasn't sure why they didn't suggest becoming an LVN.

Well getting your CNA takes less time & it wouldn't make sense to get your LVN license if you're in a program to get your RN-BSN.

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