LPN program in NY

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Hi everyone,

I recently have been thinking applying to a LPN program, instead of a BSN program. I’m 27 years old and have a Bachelors degree. I was looking at some accelerated nursing programs, but it is way too expensive. I already have school loans and don’t want to accumulate even more. The only reason why I’m interested in applying to an LPN is because I want to start earning good money ASAP. I’m planning to apply this month to begin the program In September 2020. After finishing LPN school I want to apply to a bridge program (LPN to BSNor LPN to ADN)

Should I take my prerequisites classes now (in the spring semester) for the bridge program? (A&P2 & Microbiology) or should I wait until after I finish LPN school.


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Please look at RN programs, I have a bachelor's in psychology but am attending an associate's degree level nursing program for the lowered costs. I believe that many LPN positions are being phased out. If you really need to start work on short notice, perhaps look at phlebotomy and ekg technician jobs, I think the training for those is a few weeks.

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I too have a bachelor's in psychology and I am nearing the end of my LPN program. While I do agree with the comment above that there are cheaper and quicker routes to take if you simply need to start making money ASAP, LPN positions are here to stay. LPN positions have been "phasing out" for the last 20-30 years. Go figure. It's true that they were phased out of NY hospitals but some hospitals are hiring them again.

I took the LPN route because I needed money fast but mainly because RN programs are extremely competitive in NYC if your prereq grades are anything less than like a 3.4. It was easier for me to go with the LPN-RN route than to spend an extra year retaking prerequisites.

It's a lot to think about.

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On 1/5/2020 at 1:08 AM, Erika said:

Hi everyone,

I recently have been thinking applying to a LPN program, instead of a BSN program. I’m 27 years old and have a Bachelors degree. I was looking at some accelerated nursing programs, but it is way too expensive. I already have school loans and don’t want to accumulate even more. The only reason why I’m interested in applying to an LPN is because I want to start earning good money ASAP. I’m planning to apply this month to begin the program In September 2020. After finishing LPN school I want to apply to a bridge program (LPN to BSNor LPN to ADN)

Should I take my prerequisites classes now (in the Spring semester) for the bridge program? (A&P2 & Microbiology) or should I wait until after I finish LPN school.

Me too, I also have my bachelors. I think the LPN option is okay because at least you can get some healthcare experience. I was considering doing the practical nursing once, but a counselor told me not to and so I just continued with my studies trying to figure out what to do and I got a degree though. I feel I could go back and have more options since I would have a degree, I can apply to any kind of program, but I would never get financial aid.

Either way you might have to take some biology before going into the program. I don’t think it really matters if you take it before or after, its up to you whether you would want to take those classes while you work. However, during the time you are waiting to start, you can take one or two just to fill in the space and get involved in your studies.

Hope this helped, and I wrote a bit more because I realize how many say just go and skip to the RN but the nursing programs are very particular, it takes a lot of getting adjusted to because you don’t have chances like in regular college courses.

On 1/5/2020 at 1:08 AM, Erika said:


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On 1/5/2020 at 1:08 AM, Erika said:

Hi everyone,

I recently have been thinking applying to a LPN program, instead of a BSN program. I’m 27 years old and have a Bachelors degree. I was looking at some accelerated nursing programs, but it is way too expensive. I already have school loans and don’t want to accumulate even more. The only reason why I’m interested in applying to an LPN is because I want to start earning good money ASAP. I’m planning to apply this month to begin the program In September 2020. After finishing LPN school I want to apply to a bridge program (LPN to BSNor LPN to ADN)

Should I take my prerequisites classes now (in the Spring semester) for the bridge program? (A&P2 & Microbiology) or should I wait until after I finish LPN school.


You only can do what you feel is best and obtainable/ realistics, noone should make that decision. Also research some articles for guidance.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

If you're going to bridge eventually, why not go into the ADN program right away? There are other ways to make money such as CNA, EMT, etc. I for one, was a CNA before I became an RN. At the time, I was making $18/hour (which is close to what some LPNs make, or about the same).

There is no guarantee that bridging will be easy. Remember, you still have to apply and if you don't get in, it's time lost. I recommend getting the prerequisites instead (if you don't have them already).

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Specializes in Hospice, Assisted living,.

I originally was going the ABSN route as well but I am now in an LPN program here in NY as well. I’ll be getting my feet wet in nursing while making a decent living fairly quickly. It’s so competitive to get into an RN program right away.

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LPN will not make you good money. I was a Medical Assistant (not certified) before getting my LPN and was making $20.65 an hour and as a new LPN I get $20.45 an hour. Also, agency companies will screw you over as a new grad. I got accepted at an agency making $23 an hour and got dropped without notice due to lack of experience. After one year of LPN experience, only then can you be considered for agencies paying $25-28 an hour.

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