LPN program versus RN degree

Published

Hi, I have not posted in a long while, but I still come here often to read. I am hoping someone has some information that may help me in making a decision. I am 45 years old, getting ready to finally pursue an RN degree. It has been a dream for a long time. Anyway, I have taken just 2 prereqs. Now, I am contemplating possibly getting my LPN first and then finishing up an RN degree at the local college (where I was originally planning on going anyway for the RN degree).

Here's the scoop, our local Tech school has an LPN program, which starts in September (next class 2009) and ends the following August (so I would be done in August 2010). It's a year long class, so I would be done a lot sooner than at the comm. college. BUT (Big BUT) the price is $13,500!!! (everything is included, books, uniforms, equipment) That to me is a lot of money.

I could go the RN route and be done in approximately 2 years and it would cost me about $8,000 but of course, I would still have to pay for books, uniforms, equipment).

So, any suggestions that will help me make a decision are greatly appreciated. I would love to be done quickly, and then work towards the RN degree at a bit of a slower pace, but the cost is mainly what is getting me. I honestly thought the tech school would be cheaper than the community college.

Has anyone taken their tech school's LPN program?

Thank you all in advance. I appreciate it!:D

Robin

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Suesquatch makes some good points but I was inclined to suggest doing your LPN first. :) Are you guaranteed a space in the CC's RN program? Keep in mind that including pre-reqs it normally takes a bit longer than two years to complete a RN program. While I agree that $13,500 is expensive if you do not have a good job now you could work as a LPN, make a decent buck and possibly get money for school from your employer while you are going to the LPN to RN bridge program. If you decide to do the LPN program first between now and September I would finish up the pre-reqs that you will need so once you get your LPN you could start the bridge right away.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
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.

My gpa was 4.0 so I didn't think much of it either and only applied to the LPN program. In my area the competition was very stiff for both programs but from what I have read on this board in some areas it is easier to get into a LPN program. Here it was easier to get into a LPN to RN bridge program than to get into the RN program if that is a concern for someone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, Orthopedics & Public Health.

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion