LPN or Dental Assistant

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Ok, so here goes my question for you...

My dream was once to become an LPN like my mother, I enrolled into a 9 month program, and ultimately failed out, (but not from lack of effort) now after about a year, I am contiplating returning, but wondering if I should attempt the LPN program again, maybe this time on a part time basis, or if I should just go into Dental Assisting, they seem to make the same money??? but I must admit, I am leaning more towards the LPN and I'm not in it just for the money? Any imput would be greatly appreciated?

THANKS

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

In my area, registered dental assistants earn between $9 and $12 hourly, with the rare few earning anything more than that. If you like the steady 9am to 5pm hours, an air-conditioned office, direct supervision by dentists and dental hygienists, and are fascinated with the human mouth, then go for it.

In my area, LVNs/LPNs earn between $16 and $27 hourly. Hospital LVNs usually are paid the least, and agency LVNs typically earn the most money. There's more room for advancement and flexibility in nursing, but this is just my personal opinion.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I agree, I would probably consider returning part time in nursing school. There are more opportunities available for LPNs, more shifts, especially if you plan to return for your RN eventually. Most dental assistants positions are hard to find, but those that are working are basically Monday to Saturday, 9-5 (or a bit later), and limited benefits. You never know, you may need to work an evening or night shift for personal reasons. Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

you have much more opportunity as a lvn/pn and make much better money. it will also give you a good stepping stone if you choose to get your rn license later... good luck to you.

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If you really want to become a LPN then that's what you should do. Use this time off to brush up on what you had difficulty with and get back in the program. You have an advantage now because you have the books already and you know what the tests are like and you have a general idea of what you will be tested on.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab/SNF/Sub-Acute.

Go back to Nursing school, for sure. Where are you from? In California, LVN's make more than Dental Assistants. Isn't there a diff. between a Dental Asst. vs. a Registered Dental Asst.?

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Specializes in Internal Medicine,Surgery, Wound Care.
Ok, so here goes my question for you...

My dream was once to become an LPN like my mother, I enrolled into a 9 month program, and ultimately failed out, (but not from lack of effort) now after about a year, I am contiplating returning, but wondering if I should attempt the LPN program again, maybe this time on a part time basis, or if I should just go into Dental Assisting, they seem to make the same money??? but I must admit, I am leaning more towards the LPN and I'm not in it just for the money? Any imput would be greatly appreciated?

THANKS

Hi:

I say go back to the LPN school, if you need to do it part-time, then go for it. I am attending now and it is rough, but I am dedicated to it!

I think there is much more opportunity for the LPN than the Dental assistant.

GOOD LUCK

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BTW

I'm in Massachusetts. Sometimes I hear, Dental Assistants do get paid pretty well, but nothing compared to LPNs. I just don't want to fail a 2nd time :o

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Specializes in Internal Medicine,Surgery, Wound Care.
BTW

I'm in Massachusetts. Sometimes I hear, Dental Assistants do get paid pretty well, but nothing compared to LPNs. I just don't want to fail a 2nd time :o

I do understand you concern. You do have to do what is best for you and your life schedule.

I am determined and told the other members in my household that Nursing comes first. If they don't have clean laundry, they'll need to pitch in and get it done.

I don't have small children in the house anymore. They are grown up and one home. So that is what I do.. I take care of me.. This is my time and my turn. I waited till I could do this. So I have all the time in the world to study and nothing to distract me.

You will need to sit back and do the research and look at your life schedule and see what fits in.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Go back to Nursing school, for sure. Where are you from? In California, LVN's make more than Dental Assistants. Isn't there a diff. between a Dental Asst. vs. a Registered Dental Asst.?
Since the OP used the term "LPN," I can safely conjecture that he/she is definitely not in California. Only California and Texas use the title of "LVN" to refer to their basic nurses, whereas the remaining 48 states stick with the title of "LPN."
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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

go for your lpn if that is what you want. more room for advancement, meaning you can be an rn later on if you wish and make big bucks. also, you can work anywhere...i don't know about dental assistant. i do know that dental hygenist make more money than the rn, which is also a 2-year program. so if you are really into the teeth, you can also do the dental hygenist.

angel

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