LPN program versus RN degree

Rob, go for the RN. It gives you much more flexibility, far more opportunities, and a greater scope of practice, not to mention considerably more money.

The first thing I would do is investigate what the requirements are for the RN programs in your area, because many times, they have long waiting lists or require an extremely high GPA. Also, seats may be limited (say 40 seats and 300 applicants, thus, making the GPA requirement even more of an issue because they will probably take the highest GPA). Some waiting lists are 2 years long. If this is the case, then, I would do the LPN to RN track. Also, consider investigating if there are LPN to RN bridge programs in your area. Being armed with the facts would make the decision a bit easier to make. Good luck!

I didn't know abything about waiting lists when I applied, or pre-reqs. I did have a high GPA. I applied, I got in.

If you have a lot of science and math courses with A's and B's go for the RN. But the LPN program here had the same waiting list - it was required for the RN.

Hi and thank you all for your help. Actually, neither of the programs here have a waiting list. I would have a wait at the 4 year schools in my area, but not at the 2-year community colleges or at the tech. school, so that is one thing I am not stressing about at all.

I do work at home now as a medical transcriptionist. Some days the money can be great (today has been awesome, constant work) and I average $20 per hour, but other days, the work can be close to nonexistent and I can average close to $10. It all depends on the doctors and the number of patients they have seen in the past day or so. (And this is with working for 8 hospitals while also having an account that does independent medical exams.) Course, I don't do the 8 hospitals by myself!! LOL! I get paid by the line. Anyway, my pay can vary greatly because of the above, so yes, it would be nice to get a job where I can rely on the pay and have it be consistent from week to week, so that is also an idea regarding becoming an LPN and then having whereever I work help pay for my RN degree.

I have thought of even doing something like that now. Possibly getting a job as a CNA--or just a job in a hospital or somewhere they have tuitioin reimbursement and using that to help pay for my degree:rolleyes:

Well, again, thanks, and if you think of anything else, let me know.

Robin

Robin I plan on doing the same thing, going to the tech school for LPN then working towards an RN on-line degree program while I work.

But here I don't think the tech school is 13,000 I believe it is considerably less. Have you looked into financial aid?

If I had to do it all over again, I would definately go straight for the RN. I just graduated in July with my LPN and now I'm considering going back for my RN. I have 5 prereq classes that I have to take and have completed by summer 09 and then it would be summer 10 when I get my RN. I would for sure go the RN route. There are a lot more opportunities for you as an RN. If I can stay working full time where I am at than maybe I wont go back, but if not than maybe so. GOOD LUCK.

I too am a medical transcriptionist in SW Ohio for almost 20 years and burnt out! I started classes a couple of years ago with prereq's, but couldnt go any further because I couldnt afford to. I am 41 and tell myself I am too old to start over, but here I go again! I am going the CNA/LPN route just so I can be working sooner and get some benefits which I need desperately. The pay wont be the best, but my pay as an MT is definitely not going up, it has only steadily dropped. I wish you all the luck!

Wher I live my CC offers RN in 3 yrs(includes perreqs) and the LPN is one yr for the nursing wiht less prereqs. its alot harder to get into teh RN.

i found the RN program, did over a semester of the actual nursing, overwhelming-its too much to learn for how much time you have and the profs were not good at teaching and didn't knwo their A&P or teach from the knowledge of it.

I'd go for LPN(if it was offerd in the day, here). Ease into it. the head fo the dept said that those who have alot of healtcare expereince tendt to do better. They make good money around here, MD 18-28$/hr.

Hey Rob,

I'm kinda in the same boat as you. I am currently in an RN bachelors program. I would have graduated in may 2010 but I failed my maternity class and will not be able to graduate may 2011. My big thing is money. I recently applied ans was accepted to an lpn program and would graduate in may 2010. The rn program is 11,000 a semester at a private university where I do not recieve much financial aid. The lpn program is 10,000 for the full 15 months. I am thinking I could work as an lpn and then go back for my rn. I I am avery dedicated person and hope to eventually get my doctorate in nursing. I have no kids and am not married.I am so confused and frustrated about what I should do. Does anyone have any suggestions.

Consider what type of nursing you want to do. in the short term until you are an RN. I hear that LPN's are being phased out of hospitals. They tend to work in LTC, AL, Rehab, Dr's office. A lot of those places are sound great to me. And since you just want to be an LPN for a short time should be fine for you if its not exactly where you want to work.