LPN/LVN to RN Transition Programs - How difficult to get into?

[Jimmydaves]

Hey Everyone!

I love this forum! I've learned so much.

Here's my question: I have been accepted into an LVN program from a good school in my hometown. I did not have enough Pre-requisites to get into their RN Program. They also offer an LVN to RN Transition Program as well.

My ultimate goal is to become an RN and I was wondering how difficult it is for an LVN to become an RN? I know that it's so competitive these days to get into RN Programs and even LVN Programs. After I finish my LVN training am I going to have a rough time trying to get into an LVN to RN transition program?

I really don't want to end up a waiting list for 1, 2, 3 years just to get my RN education and I'd like to get the RN training from the same school that I'd be getting my LVN Certification from. I know I could apply to other schools who have the LVN to RN program and I know a couple of people who have gotten their RN degree online, but started out as an LVN.

I know that the nursing profession is just getting more competitive and in my area, there are like 10 times more openings for RN's than LVNs. The Nursing Chair suggested this option for me. I need 4 pre-reqs (I've already taken them but they're over 5 years old now). So she suggested taking 2 of them this Summer, completing the LVN Program which is August 2009 to August 2010 and then working for a year as an LVN and during that time, take the other 2 remaining pre-req classes and also the TEAS test (which is a Texas placement type of test and that score is used to help them as a guideline to acceptance into the RN Program).

I don't really mind working a year as an LVN and I think it would be useful in many ways for this profession but my main concern is not getting accepted into the LVN to RN program. I don't know if the LVN to RN program is harder and more competitive than people trying to get into an RN program right off the bat.

Ideally, I'd love to finish off with an Associates degree in Nursing from the same school I would get my LVN Certification, but there are 3 other schools that are close enough that it would be feasile to go through their LVN to RN program. What matters the most to me is getting a quality education and I know that this school has a good reputation and very high pass rate for the NCLEX as well.

What do I do if I get turned down for the LVN to RN programs? Do I just keep persisting or do I looked into online programs like a couple of my friends did and they were quite successful at it?

Thanks!

[LinzyRN]

My community college I graduated from actually saves a couple of spaces for LVN's who want to bridge. I don't think there are any kind of requirements or waiting lists except for being an LVN. I think it's a good idea to do an LVN program while you wait for RN. It will give you valuable experience and a leg up when you actually do bridge as you will already have experience.