LPN then Nursing

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Hi, wanting to become a Nurse, but won't complete perquisites in time by deadline next February. I wouldn't be able to apply unless look out of state for another year for nursing. Applications for state LPN programs are being accepted by end of May so can scramble get a packet out. The class starts end of August. It is a 20 month program so I be a LVN in two year's.

Appreciate the feedback.

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Twenty months is a big commitment for the LPN program. How is the job market and how are your finances? I tend to believe I would be a little more patient with working on the RN prerequisites first.

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LPN/LVN market is so so. Wouldn't say great I mean definitely a lot of changes going on. A few hospitals still hire them and a lot of group homes in the area do hire LPNs/LVNs. I wouldn't mind moving once becoming a LVN. Guess they have two starts dates August 2015 and January 2016. Both programs end before May 2017, which is nice. They did suspend the LVN program here in the state due to budget cuts, but it was restarted back in 2012. The cost is $12,000 with private school being $20,000 to $25,000 for the LPN program.

I want to go for my BSN. However, tuition is high being a $1,000 to $1,500 alone for a class not including books or any clinical fees. Where an associate program class is around $300 to $600, way better deal financially. Accept all the community colleges just merged under one program so they have an application deadline by February every year. There is one private college that offers an associate program, but the cost is $2,000 a class. They just did away with a RN Diploma program and another private college in the area changed there associate program over to a bachelor program.

There is at least ten state funded LPN programs in the state. There use to be two part time evening programs, but think there is only one still in effect. There is also a few private LPN programs in the state as well. With I think five part time evening LPN programs. I know one of them close to home is also affiliated with a private college that offers an associate program and a online RN to BSN program. The program does assure anyone in the program will be selected first for the Associate Nursing program for the college before considering outside applicants.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Why do you say " LPN and then nursing?

LPNs ARE nurses.

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Why do you say " LPN and then nursing?

LPNs ARE nurses.

He just left out the "registered".

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20 months is a commitment, but you knock out first semester of nursing school. It is about 2 1/2 semesters part time for the RN program with a longer wait to start. I would knock out first half before I even started school. Would rack up some debt only downside.

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Specializes in hospice.

Excuse me, LPNs are nurses. What do you think that N stands for?! :mad:

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Would paying $25,000 includes book's uniforms so forth be too much for a LVN program?

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That is about par for the course for proprietary LPN programs. Programs found at Regional Occupational Centers, some adult high schools, or community colleges are much more reasonable.

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Specializes in hospice.
Would paying $25,000 includes book's uniforms so forth be too much for a LVN program?

Yes. For what LPN/LVNs make per hour, that's insane. My CC LPN program is about $3000 inclusive of books.

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will your classes transfer for an RN program? I just finished my lpn program last Tuesday took my NCLEX yesterday, but none of my classes transfer so I have to take them all. however when I start the RN program I can challenge nursing 1 & 2 bc I'm a LPN & I will be working as a nurse which is only going to help when going for RN. Very competitive here in RI to get in a RN program especially at the community college it's based on a point grading system so many people wait a really long time...so instead of just waiting I can gain experience and wait... but my lpn program was 13 months and $24,000... 13 months was way to quick...but like everything else pros and cons..but now that's it's over and I passed I am glad I chose the route I did...

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20 months is a commitment, but you knock out first semester of nursing school. It is about 2 1/2 semesters part time for the RN program with a longer wait to start. I would knock out first half before I even started school. Would rack up some debt only downside.

I had this plan when I first went into nursing. Not the exact same reasons (Community college required CNA or LPN, LPN transition had no wait list, general program had three years wait list after pre-requisites). The thing is, life happens. A lot can happen in 20 months. We get side tracked by things outside our control sometimes. If I had gotten my CNA, waited the wait time, and then finished I'd be done for over 10 years at this point. Now, because I had life happen, I have just less than a year before my projected graduation date for the registered nursing program.

Another thing, make sure that ANY program you look into is properly accredited or you will be starting from the beginning again when it comes to degree advancement. Good luck with whichever route you choose.

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