LPN first or no?

That's a long and potentially expensive plan. There are plenty of things you can do to start making money while you're still in school. I know I worked in fast food all through college, bought my car, paid my bills and then started working. All schools- LPN, ASN, BSN have a very wide range of price tags, but I think you're still better off going ASN/BSN or right to BSN in order to keep the bills more reasonable. I know our CC program's ASN degree is probably $9K for the two year degree. Even the least expensive 4-year college is at least twice that. As far as LPN programs, I know a few in my area that are $25K for the 20 month program. They have good skills, but are limited in where they can work here because hospitals don't hire LPNs anymore. You'll need to do a lot of research to find what will make the most sense for you, good luck.

I'm actually doing it all through one university. Their pathway includes getting your LPN and ASN before BSN. There are other options the school also has, such as straight to BSN. I'm just wondering if it's worth it to get an LPN first? I feel like I might gain more experience in the nursing field this way.

I'm actually doing it all through one university. Their pathway includes getting your LPN and ASN before BSN. There are other options the school also has, such as straight to BSN. I'm just wondering if it's worth it to get an LPN first? I feel like I might gain more experience in the nursing field this way.

It really depends on two factors, I'd say:

1. How much is the university charging for the LPN-ASN-BSN path? Is it a for-profit school? What are its NCLEX pass rates?

2. What is the market like for LPNs and even ADNs in your area?

Your school's program seems like it could be neat. You can get nursing experience earlier, perhaps, if you can get a job as an LPN that would work with your school schedule. I think getting workplace compensation for school would be a good thing to look into. If your CNA workplace pays tuition benefits, I'd stay there for a while. If they hire LPNs or RNs, I'd see about getting the first degree that could get you a position change at your workplace. Otherwise, I'd think the RN/ASN would be a better option than LPN simply because it offers more options for jobs. But that is my opinion, and your idea is just as valid.