Kaplan vs Vickie Milazzo Certificate, would like opinions

d2by · Apr 30, 2010

Hi,

I know what u r going through. I have been reading these post mostly everyday for about 2 wks or more. I too am a nurse for 20+ yrs and have finally made a decision. I am taking a college base online course which starts monday. It is a legal nurse consultant course (ALNCC based course), not a paralegal course. I will miss the marketing aspects of the VMI class, and this course will take me 7 wks vs the 6 days that VMI offers. After researching and researching this works best for me.

I am really excited and hope all works out in the end. I am inspired by Vikki's blogs. I have started reading the text book already and find it VERY interesting, so I know this path is for me.

Good Luck

Deb RN, MSN, WOCN, ANP-BC and soon LNC!!!! :nurse: :yeah:

4eversail · Apr 30, 2010

Hi Deb,

Thanks for the reply and good luck on your new endeavor. You mentioned the 7 week online course, ALNCC based. Was that through a local college ? The Kaplan program is close to $4000 for the certificate program. I have not officially signed up yet and won't do it under pressure. I just really want to get started on it ! Thanks again for the reply.

d2by · Apr 30, 2010

The centers for legal studies. website www.legalstudies.com Doesn't hurt to check it out classes are about 800 bucks. that better fits my budget. Like i said i won't get all the marketing skills like VMI but I will at least have the fundamentals. The center for legal studies contracts out with major colleges/universities throughout the state. you can choose a college close to u and they do have an option of taking the course directly on campus. for 3 weekends 9-5pm

Good Luck

Deb rn

Kathaleen · Feb 1, 2012

Before you make a decision, be aware that the only legal nurse consulting course accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties is the program offered by the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC).

The Milazzo program, the LNCStat program, etc are not accredited.

Kath

lindarn · Feb 2, 2012

I would not spend $4000. for an LNC program. I would take the program by the AALNC. It is accredited, as the others are not.

As I stated in my thread above, all of the high priced, greatly hyped, LNC programs, will not buy you credibility with attorneys.

You need to have quality nursing experince, be able to read between the lines of medical records, in other words, be able to use critical thinking skills to evaluate the medical records and the case. You will then have to be able to articulate your findings to an attorney who has probably not taken a science class since they were in the 8th grade (true!). I have fond memories of trying to explain arterial blood has results to a malpractice attorney, who had no idea what I was talking about. He has NEVER taken chemistry at all. Not in HS, and not in college. He was pre law and it was not needed. THAT is what you are up against.

I would not worry about missing the marketing in the VM programs. You can take low cost business and marketing classes at a local community college. Save your money to purchase business cards and stationery, fliers, a web site, etc, instead of spending on high priced LNC programs.

Contact the Small Business Association in your area, and attend their meetings, or meet with some of the members. They offer valuable, FREE business advice to those new to the business world.

LNCs are becoming a dime a dozen, so you may indeed have trouble finding work. That is unfortunate reality of the LNC market today.

See that you think, evaluate the market in your area, and if you are still interested, give it a go. Just don't bet the farm!

JMHO and my NY $0.02

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Somewere in the PACNW

Kathaleen · Feb 2, 2012

I don't know of anyone who has taken the Kaplan course, but there a lot of Vickie Milazzo graduates out there. In my experience, VMs newly certified nurses are short on legal procedure and long on marketing, which I think shortchanges the consultants in a big way. Certainly, LNCs are hired for their medical expertise, but a strong legal foundation is absolutely critical and should not be underestimated.

NayRN · Feb 6, 2012

My BSN nursing law and ethics teacher got her LNC through a University. She told us that the certificates are useless and almost meaningless. I am looking as a masters of jurisprudence in health care law as my solution to this problem. Little more expensive, but lots more credible.