Is LPN a viable career these days?

[TamiCoyle]

I am in my mid-50's and making a career change after 15 years teaching elementary school. I am seriously considering enrolling in a for-profit college where I can earn an LPN certificate in about one year. If I were younger, I'd go for RN but need pre-reqs before I could enroll and not sure it makes sense to do that at this point. I would like to get a job at a clinic, doctor's office or long-term care facility. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for any advice you have to share!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

How much is the tuition at the for-profit school that you plan to attend? I would think twice about attending if the tuition is in excess of $20,000 because your student loan monthly repayments will eat up much of your salary otherwise.

Have you researched job opportunities and pay rates in your geographic area? Since you're in you mid-50s, how much longer do you plan to keep working? You'd probably need to keep working another 15 years to make this career change worth it.

Here in the US, unless you're working for a government agency, employers will not contribute to your retirement. It will be up to you to fund a 401k or IRA. In that respect, schoolteachers have it better than nurses. Just some food for thought.

[BishopLPN, BSN]

As thecommuter has stated, I would think twice before attending a for profit school for your education. I'd try to look into state facilities.

Jobs in clinics tend to pay the lowest for LPN's. You're looking about $12-$15 an hour depending where you live. You would get weekends and holidays off.