LPN to RN Bridge or Accelerated Nursing program...

[WCSU1987]

Probably not going to get a lot of love for this. Here is my dilemma I have my mind set on going into the accelerated nursing program. The next program starts in the Fall of 2016, but planning to do the program in 2017. Have my pre requisites and application completed by then.

The dilemma is LPN program starts in the Spring of 2016 finishes up in the Spring of 2017. I be a nurse about two year's earlier then if I did the Accelerated Nursing Program. I know being a BSN is the way of nursing now.

Now to the topic so our state decided that they wanted to not allow LPNs to practice in the state anymore. Went on for two year's and state run LPN programs were shut down until 2012. Now the state is back suggesting to shut the state run program's again.

I looking for feedback on the future of the LPN program?

Here is my thinking. The program ends in the Spring. You are off during the summers. You can apply for second year nursing school in the fall. Here is my thinking I was looking into becoming a CNA work night's over the course of the year of 2016 and part of 2017. Plan would be to work as a CNA for the state in corrections or at another hospital in our state I know hires LPNs. Then move into a day LPN program and they have this online class to complete over the summer prior to sarting the ASN program. You have to take Micro, but can do that during the summer break of the program.

They then have associate program for LPNs at night. The program is only two semester's long and if all goes to plan your a nurse with an associate's degree, be at the end of Spring 2018. There is three online RN-BSN programs in the state that takes 16 month's to complete. I be able to start in Fall of 2014 be a BSN by the end of 2019. It is an additional, six classes for the BSN.

The accelerated program would start fall of 2017 and finish by the fall of 2018.

I have this gut feeling it is a better option to go and start with the LPN. I feel financially it be a better option overall the program is an extra $10,000, but figure employer probably offer more tuition reimbursement for nurse's seeking to advance self. Currently making $22 an hour. Average CNA an hour in the hospital is $15 an hour. Average LPN is $25-$28 an hour in our state. Average ADN is $30-$35 an hour. A BSN is about $35-$40 an hour. MSN and above mostly salary. Did hear one nurse with MSN mention making $40 an hour getting an additional $10 an hour with MSN, so not sure. If I go the LPN route I make $50,000 a year more than if I go straight into the accelerated program.

Any feedback be greatly appreciated?