Lina.561~I totally understand how you feel about the waiting list and all the politic that goes with the nursing program at PBCC now PBSC. I graduated from the LPN program Lake Worth last year out of 30 (9 of us graduated) it's a though program.
But keep in mind PBSC now longer allow LPN to test out of semester 2. As an LPN you can only test out of Semester 1 (ACE and you must I believe have a 76%) if you do pass, most of us that graduated from the LPN program do pass. Before applying for the transition program you MUST have 6 months experience as an LPN.
Anyways just thought I would let you know, it's your decision but make sure you do some research. Once done with the LPN that's not IT. Just because you're an LPN doesn't mean you are garuateed a spot, There's lots of requirements to get into the RN program.
The RN portion is much more difficult, far more sciences are required such as microbiology, in-depth anatomy and physiology (doing a dissection, lab time, etc.) and chemistry, at least this is what was required in my program. The difference from the LPN program I graduated from and the 'bridge' program were great. Much more was expected of you for being an LPN, critical thinking skills are highly utilized. Personally I would see if you could get through the science courses and then decide. I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide.
In my area, they're not even doing the bridge anymore. If you are an LPN and want to be become an RN, you have to start over at the beginning.
Also, RN requires A & P I and II, microbiology, chemistry, biology, etc, etc, etc, and the LPN program doesn't require any of those. There is a basic anatomy class and that's about it.
For the LPN program: it is much more than book work. You must attend lab where you are tested out on skills such as catheter insertion and care, injections, suctioning - trach care, sterile dressing changes, tube feedings, etc. You must pass each skill in order to progress in the program. We did not learn any IV starts, we were only taught how to calculate dosages and drips and to monitor the IV site for infiltration, infection, etc. We were taught how to DC an IV with a physician order.
Hey thanks for the great information. I thought you just jump right into the RN program after you do your LPN. There is a long wait for the RN program here at lake worth. So many students, its crazy!
I'd rather go for my LPN after my CNA, like stepping stones. Get my experience and then try for the RN. WOuld it be better for me to still bridge over after 6months of exp. or do you think I should go ahead and wait and take the RN program head on? (if I even get accepted!)
You think I have a better chance of getting into the RN if Im LPN?
Thanks, I know there's a lot of ?'s Im sorry, when you have the time...
I really can't answer that Lina-561 because I don't know your situation....Let me tell you what I know, we had a lot of RN students in our group because once you fail the program at PBSC you must complete the LPN program before you get re-admitted. Of course you pick up where you left off. As far as clinical experience, we go mostly to hospital ex. Bethesda, St Mary's, Delray and Good Sam. our LPN program at PBSC it's like the RN as far as the clinical goes, except we can't do IVP, or anything but D/C an heplock. If I were you, I would weight my options then go talk to Rhonda (RN coordinator at PBSC)... See what she thinks. But at the end, it's up to YOU.
I did a 1/1 program, LPN then RN. Frankly, I would not recommend MY program, at least. The emphasis was on preparing us to become RNs with an LPN first and the clinicals were woefully inadequate. In addition to that, a lot of the RN curriculum was introduced in the LPN year and I was quite confused about my role as an LPN given that it was being all lumbled together.
The RN coordinator sells the CD. I didn't buy it because I am currently attending Excelsior, studying for the first exam.
Good luck to you, remember one thing at a time... you can't rush when it come to nursing school. It is a very though profession, try to learn as much as you can as a CNA then build up.
both programs are a challenge. I'm a LPN in a bridge program for my RN . i work and school both full time but I think that the experience that I got as a LPN helped in the RN program. You already have the general concepts of nursing and jut build on that. I chose this avenue b/c all of the RN programs here in OH have a waiting list and I figured I could get some experience and make more money.
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WestPalmLPN
359 Posts
Lina.561~I totally understand how you feel about the waiting list and all the politic that goes with the nursing program at PBCC now PBSC. I graduated from the LPN program Lake Worth last year out of 30 (9 of us graduated) it's a though program.
But keep in mind PBSC now longer allow LPN to test out of semester 2. As an LPN you can only test out of Semester 1 (ACE and you must I believe have a 76%) if you do pass, most of us that graduated from the LPN program do pass. Before applying for the transition program you MUST have 6 months experience as an LPN.
Anyways just thought I would let you know, it's your decision but make sure you do some research. Once done with the LPN that's not IT. Just because you're an LPN doesn't mean you are garuateed a spot, There's lots of requirements to get into the RN program.
Good luck!!!