LPN (6k) vs BSN (35k) in the same timeframe. Help!

[NewNurseStudent]

Hello all,

Dilema: Within the same amount of time, e.g. 1.5 yrs, I can obtain either an LPN or a BSN. Both are certifed. LPN is 6k, BSN is 35k. Both are full time and would require me to quit and live off loans and/or work -2hrs a week. I have a 5 year old daughter, rent, car, phone expenses.

If I do LPN I can start working to at least make enough to support myself. Potentially, I can find a company with tuition reimbursement to pay for LPN-BSN bridge. After LPN i would have only 36k in bedt. If I do BSN I will have 35k plus debt I already have totally 60k in debt. I would be a BSN amd would obviously make 60k a year over 40k (as an lpn).

Take the debt and do bsn or extend school time but save almost 30k in debt?

[nolanurse88]

I'm a LPN now. I would never suggest getting the LPN first then BSN. You'll be $60k in debt now or $60k in debt later when you have to go back to get the BSN. Save yourself the trouble and just get it done now. Where I live there is no tuition reimbursement nor do we make $40k more like $30k. RNs make around $45-50k. It may sound good when broken down but talk to enough LPNs and they'll all tell you the same thing.. To go straight for your BSN.

[NewNurseStudent]

I decided to do LPN. The goal is to seamlessly enter into the local LPN-BSN program at my community college. The cost is about 4.5k. I won't start school until I get a job at company that offers tuition reimbursement.

[Hello_Pretty, RN]

I don't believe community colleges offer LVN-BSN. Are you talking about LVN-RN? There are only about 2 or 3 universities I know of that offer LVN-BSN in California.