LPN or ADN? Help!

U.S.A. Connecticut

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I recently took my NET exam to enter the LPN Program in Middletown, CT. At this point, im second guessing my decision because ive been hearing a lot about the ADN programs in CT. Although going to one of the ADN programs will be costly, im unsure of the advantages vs. the LPN route. Ive also been looking into Excelsior College. Does anyone know anything about the LPN programs/ADN programs that could help me out? Thanks!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Nursing.
I recently took my NET exam to enter the LPN Program in Middletown, CT. At this point, im second guessing my decision because ive been hearing a lot about the ADN programs in CT. Although going to one of the ADN programs will be costly, im unsure of the advantages vs. the LPN route. Ive also been looking into Excelsior College. Does anyone know anything about the LPN programs/ADN programs that could help me out? Thanks!

I went to Vinal Tech in Middletown for my LPN and loved it. In order to get into Excelsior you already need to have an LPN or be a paramedic or other related occupational license. Get in where ever you can, either LPN or ADN. I just went to LPN school instead of RN school because I would have had to wait 2 years to start ADN school instead of starting right away with LPN. I now am working as an LPN for the State of CT making $27/hr and for the pool on the weekends making $30/hr all the while going through the Excelsior program towards my RN. I couldn't have asked for things to work out any better than they already have.

When I was thinking about going to school I thought about going to New England Tech or Goodwin, but they both were REALLY, REALLY expensive. I hear New England Tech in New Britain is pretty disorganized, although. Goodwin in East Hartford has the advantage of having classes whenever you want them (including Sat and Sun).

No matter what route you choose, the important thing is to just do it and get started with something...even if it's "only LPN school".

PM or post here if you have any questions.

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I'm attending the LPN program at Vinal, due to graduate in January. It's a great program and the instructors are awesome, so I think if you did decide to take the LPN route first then you wouldn't regret it. I don't know much about the Associate Degree programs in Connecticut, but I do hear about more and more people going through Excelsior. Although, I've heard the clinical testing in Albany, NY can be VERY tough. Anyway, I think I might be going through Excelsior to get my RN. Good luck, whichever you choose!

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Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics.

Hi there :)

I'm in the LPN program at EC Goodwin in New Britain. The differences between the schools are as large as the differences in the jobs between an LPN and an RN (ADN).

There are no specific prerequsites for LPN school, and indeed its a diploma program and not a 'traditional' college course. I believe its much harder than that of a college. There is a lot more 'clinical' or hands-on work here, and the schedule can be demanding on your family and finances.

All RN programs in the state have their own requirements, but most include courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and some form of Mathematics. Then, it depends on which school you apply to as to when (or if) you get in... most schools have a 2 to 3 year waiting list - and that only starts AFTER you obtain all your prerequsites.

There are several bridge programs once you become an LPN that will help you to obtain an RN degree if you choose. A number of people decide nursing is not for them, some enjoy being an LPN, and some pursue their RN degree. You will learn all about articulation when you go to LPN school.

Either way you choose, stay focused and enjoy your time...

Best of luck!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Nursing.
I'm attending the LPN program at Vinal, due to graduate in January. It's a great program and the instructors are awesome, so I think if you did decide to take the LPN route first then you wouldn't regret it. I don't know much about the Associate Degree programs in Connecticut, but I do hear about more and more people going through Excelsior. Although, I've heard the clinical testing in Albany, NY can be VERY tough. Anyway, I think I might be going through Excelsior to get my RN. Good luck, whichever you choose!

I went to Vinal, too, and can say that the preparation you get there is solid. I didn't study a minute for NCLEX-PN and thought the test was easy due to the fine job the teachers did at Vinal. I'm in Excelsior right now and have breezed through Nursing Concepts 1 and 7 already and have to say alot of what's helping me in taking the Excelsior exam is what I learned while @ Vinal. Vinal's a great program, with great teachers. I agree!

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If you have to wait two years to get into an RN program, you may as well go for LPN in the meantime - as one poster pointed out, you'll then have great earning power while you continue on to your RN. The state of Connecticut runs an LPN program out of some of the technical high schools and it's very inexpensive (it used to be free, but I don't know about now.) My sister-in-law went to Bullard-Havens in Bridgeport, as did one of the best nurses I've ever worked with. It's worth checking out.

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Specializes in geriatrics,chronic care.

I just enrolled in Excelsior after much investigation. I am not sure about those other programs.

Ann

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Specializes in geriatrics,chronic care.

i hope that helps?????:)

ann:coollook: :coollook: :smokin: :smokin:

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