Is it worth Starting LPN vs. ADN Nursing Program

cwa82 · Oct 14, 2010

I would definitely go for the ADN (or BSN, if you can find a program). Things may be different in Georgia, but in Virginia, I see less and less job opportunities for LPNs. At my hospital, for example, LPNs cannot work on most floors. The LPNs we did have on my floor (who are all wonderful nurses) were all downgraded to PCTs in the last several months. Now their only choices are to work at a doctor's office, land one of the few LPN positions still available at the hospital, or stay on the floor and work below their license.

I just finished my 2nd degree BSN, and the other thing I would be worried about is not wanting to go back to school after all of that! Nursing school, LPN or RN, is rough! I'd get the highest level of degree possible in one shot if I were you.

ann945n, RN · Oct 14, 2010

i don't live in georgia so i can't comment on the schools but i will say nursing school is very hard to get into. there are always more qualified applicants then spots available. sometime 300 plus qualified students and only 30 spots. my advice to all pre-nursing students is apply to all lpn, rn adn and rn bsn programs you qualify for. chances are you will be lucky if you get one acceptance your first time applying. take what you get offered and get into the nurse club. once you are an lpn or rn going on for further education becomes less competitive. i went cna-lpn-rn adn-rn bsn-rn msn, worked fine for me. had i waited around for only rn programs or rn bsn only i might still be waiting..... good luck! it will happen!!

svdbyGrace0976 · Oct 14, 2010

Hi Kyliyah,

I am a recent LPN grad in Port St Lucie, Florida. I do not know about how Ga works but here in Florida if you complete an LPN program it gives you a leg up when applying for the RN program. Applying for the RN program here is VERY competitive (hope I spelled that right) and therefore some people prefer to go the LPN route 1st. Your BS may give you a leg up as well. I like the route I took because it gave me a glimpse of what is to come (I start the RN program here in Jan). I hope that helped.

Kyliyah · Oct 14, 2010

Thank you Ann945n and CWA82 i truly appreciate your help...I just don't wanna waste time in one school if its not going to benefit me in the next school...so will look into BSN programs and take it from there....thanks ...

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2010

My vote is to do the ADN program. I think you will be happier working as an RN. The fact that you have a BS in Science will give you a leg up when applying for an ADN program. Just my opinion...

Kyliyah · Oct 14, 2010

@svdbyGrace0976...yes that was reason why i looked into LPN cause i figured it would give me leverage upon entering the nursing program in Georgia..but all LPN programs here lack the classes needed to enter schools for RN so that is why I am in search of a school that offers all the classes needed....

Kyliyah · Oct 14, 2010

My vote is to do the ADN program. I think you will be happier working as an RN. The fact that you have a BS in Science will give you a leg up when applying for an ADN program. Just my opinion...

that is what i figured me having my BS will help a great deal...thanks a lot that narrows my search some.... :nurse:

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2010

that is what i figured me having my BS will help a great deal...thanks a lot that narrows my search some....

And don't forget that when you graduate from the ADN program you can always do an RN to BSN bridge program. In your case, since you already have a BS, you can actually apply for an RN to MSN program. HUGE plus!!:)

Kyliyah · Oct 14, 2010

My vote is to do the ADN program. I think you will be happier working as an RN. The fact that you have a BS in Science will give you a leg up when applying for an ADN program. Just my opinion...

And don't forget that when you graduate from the ADN program you can always do an RN to BSN bridge program. In your case, since you already have a BS, you can actually apply for an RN to MSN program. HUGE plus!!:)

Thanks for that helpful information i did not know that...i will definitely do that...WoW......great help.... :yeah:

heavenlynurse · Oct 14, 2010

My main concern with the LPN program in Georgia is that they do not offer A&P I&II in there curriculum..

I completed an LPN program here in GA two years ago. You have the option to do an allied health version of A&P one and two, or to do the bio versions as your prereqs...it's totally up to you. Seeing as you're looking to be an RN, I'd complete the bio versions which transfer. Saying that...when I graduated the hospitals weren't hiring new LPNs in general, though two of my classmates were able to get in - one from their clinicals and the other already worked there as a tech. I ended up working private duty nursing because of not wanting to work in a nursing home.

Knowing what I now know, I tell everyone that asks to NOT do an LPN program. It's a lot of stress for one year with very limited options, when you could complete an ADN with just a few more months. What's also worth considering is the fact that institutions are becoming more selective about nurses and the trend is going toward BSN's. Since you already have a BS you could get into an accelerated program...much more worth your while!

svdbyGrace0976 · Oct 14, 2010

Here in Florida A&P I and II are not part of the LPN program either. They offer body structure and function which is the a down grade of AP I&II. All of the girls in my class had to take AP I&II in order to get into the RN program. Check around and see if any school offers AP I&II as part of the LPN program. I think that going through the LPN gives you the foundation you need for the RN program. In my class we had a few girl that remediated form the RN program. They were by no mean stupid people. The RN program is a whole different ballgame. And if you don't do your research and talk to other people that have done the RN without doing the LPN you may find yourself in a world of trouble. I wish you the best of luck!