Is it worth Starting LPN vs. ADN Nursing Program

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi I have a questions in regards to LPN programs in Georgia...I am currently seeking schools around my area...I really want to go for my RN but was wondering if it worth going for LPN to at least start working in the field. My main concern with the LPN program in Georgia is that they do not offer A&P I&II in there curriculum.. So is it best to just go for ADN program....i currently hold a Bachelors in Science so i do have some of the pre-courses complete. need help...thanks

p.s what are some good ADN programs in the Stone Mountain Area in Georgia...thanksssss

Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

The decision is yours. I would do ADN or BSN. I'm not from Georgia, however I have a friend who teaches at GPC Nursing department. If you want to know opinions of Nursing Programs in Georgia. Try here: GA Nursing Programs Discussion - Nursing for Nurses

Specializes in Community Health.

OP-If you are able to get into an RN program and it's something you are able to commit to, I would go for that. But there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. Personally, I did my LPN first for a few reasons...first because my state has very few RN programs and all of them had long waiting lists, and were lottery-based. As a single mom I needed to do something that would get me into the field and earning money as soon as possible-the LPN program had openings every 3 months (as opposed to once a year) and only took 15 months to complete. It also opened up the option of doing the Excelsior bridge program, which allows me to work full time while working towards my RN. And having LPN experience will give me a leg up when it comes to applying for a job as an RN. Yes, the job opportunities can be more limited, although this depends on your state and your nurse practice act-some states are stricter than others concerning what an LPN can and cannot do. Unfortunately the way the job market is right now, opportunities are limited to new-grad RN's as well.

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to become a nurse-so hold your head high and be proud no matter what path you choose.

Specializes in Geriatrics.
It never ceases to amaze how these LPN-slamming comments almost always come from first year nursing students :rolleyes: It's like they teach a class on how to be a condescending know it all as part of the curriculum.

I think it's because most community colleges have LPN and RN programs and if a student doesn't get into the RN program, they'll go for the LPN. So then the RN students know that all the LPN students wish they were in RN school but they weren't "good enough" so they think they are better than them.

I personally never knew the difference. I went to a private school and the RN program is 2 years- and the first year you could get your LPN. So no one was looked down on for being a "LPN" because it was just part of the process.

Oh well, when he is out in the real world and in an emergency situation as a new nurse he's gonna respect who ever helps his a$$ whether its a RN or LPN.

While I honestly believe that there are good LPNs and bad LPNs, there are also good RNs and bad RNs. Now, this was said to support the theory that if you have decided you want to get your RN (ADN, BSN, or MSN), and begin with the LPN you may have issues getting into the RN program later (hey, you never know... sometimes good students get left out and "bad" students slide through). With that possibility, would you want to get "stuck"?

So, I think the biggest question isn't if it's worth doing the LPN then RN, but if you want to 1. apply to school, 2. go to school, 3. apply to work, 4. apply to school, 5. work and go to school at the same time. Seems kind of drawn out to me if RN is the goal.

I do have a quick question for your though. If you already have a BS in Biology, was it, then how do you not have the anatomy classes? I mean, I have my AS in Biology and went two more semesters working toward it. I have my anatomy and physiology I&II, and I got them during my AS program! But, then again, I'm in Kentucky, not Georgia!

I just want to add one thing: As I said before, there are good LPNs and bad LPNs, and good RNs and bad RNs. The main thing is if the person is going to be a good "nurse" (the one thing they seem to share). I have seen, and known, some CNAs that are more knowledgable about certain issues then the RNs have because sometimes experience wins out! The main thing is that we are here to take care of people in their time of need, regardless of the letters behind our name. Just a thought! :yelclap:

Hi Kyliyah...I am an LPN in Georgia... I went to Atlanta Tech and finished in 06... When I came out of school, most of the hospitals in the Atlanta metro area were just starting to do away with LPN's... Nevertheless, at that time the job market was still pretty good, in I had no shortage of job interviews.... I interviewed with dr office's, ltc ltac, home health... I choose a in patient hospice facility and home health working with pt's on Ventilator's... Currently i am working as school nurse... And I just finished my LPN to RN with Excelsior College:yeah:, just waiting on my ATT... Then I will be entering my RN to BSN , in January 2011... I just wanted to give you a little background about me:p

My suggestion for your situation would be this... Since u already have a Bachelor's go for your BSN... Bsn programs are actually easier to get into ( here in Georgia) then ASN programs... Also, in these economic times it's best to start out with @ least a BSN, 2 reason being , a lot of hospital in the Atlanta area have limited new grad programs, and, a lot of hospitals period are trying to get magnet status, so they must have a certain amount of BSN on each floor ...

LPN programs are actually just as competitive as ASN programes to get into, 1 reason being alot of tech school are doing away with the LPN program... It may also be very hard to find a job for a new LPN in theses times... Again due to the present economy, ASN and BSN nurse's are now starting to apply for jobs at nursing home, and in home health, fields that were once dominated by LPN's:uhoh3:..

I hope this helps... And i wish you success in your endeavors:up:

Zoey Hill GN

op-if you are able to get into an rn program and it's something you are able to commit to, i would go for that. But there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. Personally, i did my lpn first for a few reasons...first because my state has very few rn programs and all of them had long waiting lists, and were lottery-based. As a single mom i needed to do something that would get me into the field and earning money as soon as possible-the lpn program had openings every 3 months (as opposed to once a year) and only took 15 months to complete. It also opened up the option of doing the excelsior bridge program, which allows me to work full time while working towards my rn. And having lpn experience will give me a leg up when it comes to applying for a job as an rn. Yes, the job opportunities can be more limited, although this depends on your state and your nurse practice act-some states are stricter than others concerning what an lpn can and cannot do. Unfortunately the way the job market is right now, opportunities are limited to new-grad rn's as well.

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to become a nurse-so hold your head high and be proud no matter what path you choose.

thank you truly appreciate that...i take all feedback into consideration...i haven't singled out lpn as a whole its just the curriculum for it as far as some of the classes that you may need lack so its kind of brings me back to square 1 in a way..but also me being a single mom of 2 i need to get things in order.... Always been in health care since middle school thru high school...and college...sooo i love it...worked along side nurses for yrs...sooo its something i am truly interested in and will give 110% of me...:):):):):)

while i honestly believe that there are good lpns and bad lpns, there are also good rns and bad rns. Now, this was said to support the theory that if you have decided you want to get your rn (adn, bsn, or msn), and begin with the lpn you may have issues getting into the rn program later (hey, you never know... Sometimes good students get left out and "bad" students slide through). With that possibility, would you want to get "stuck"?

So, i think the biggest question isn't if it's worth doing the lpn then rn, but if you want to 1. Apply to school, 2. Go to school, 3. Apply to work, 4. Apply to school, 5. Work and go to school at the same time. Seems kind of drawn out to me if rn is the goal.

I do have a quick question for your though. If you already have a bs in biology, was it, then how do you not have the anatomy classes? I mean, i have my as in biology and went two more semesters working toward it. I have my anatomy and physiology i&ii, and i got them during my as program! But, then again, i'm in kentucky, not georgia!

I just want to add one thing: As i said before, there are good lpns and bad lpns, and good rns and bad rns. The main thing is if the person is going to be a good "nurse" (the one thing they seem to share). I have seen, and known, some cnas that are more knowledgable about certain issues then the rns have because sometimes experience wins out! The main thing is that we are here to take care of people in their time of need, regardless of the letters behind our name. Just a thought! :yelclap:

for miss julie i have a bachelors in science but my concentration health service administration so many of the classes were not required that is why...i don't have many of those classes plus i did take a&p but it was without a lab so most likely will not be considered never know.....and i didn't obtain my degree in georgia it was in new york.

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.

Question for you... My fiance and I are moving to PSL and I will be an LPN by then, can't seem to find an LPN to RN bridge program there, where will you be doing that if you don't mind sharing? Thanks!

Specializes in PCU/Critical Care.

Hi Shan,

Sorry I took so long to reply. I am doing my RN at Indian River State College right now. It is a very competitive program, so having your LPN is a plus. The only bridge program I know of in South Florida is in Broward at Broward Community College. I will say that there is NOTHING easy about IRSC's program but it is right now the best in Florida. I hope that helps!!! Best of luck to you and your fiance!

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