LPN then RN degree? RN is so competitive

ejones4 · Jun 16, 2014

I just applied for the LPN route at a local college for those exact reasons. I'm a PCT now and I was eager to start nursing school. After doing my research, I decided to apply because:

-the amount of time to do the ADN program is 2 years, then 1 year in an rn-bsn program to get my bachelors. Going the lpn route equates to the same (in my town); 1 year lpn, 1 year lpn-rn and 1 year rn-bsn.

-the classes I take as an lpn will count towards my rn degree so majority of them will be out of the way.

-I don't have to keep waiting and applying for the rn program (I missed last semester by 5 points)

This is only my opinion. You could also consider a bsn degree as well. But for me, I'm anxious to get the ball rolling and start on my nursing career! Hope this helped!!

sarahamelia · Jun 16, 2014

I just applied for the LPN route at a local college for those exact reasons. I'm a PCT now and I was eager to start nursing school. After doing my research, I decided to apply because:
-the amount of time to do the ADN program is 2 years, then 1 year in an rn-bsn program to get my bachelors. Going the lpn route equates to the same (in my town); 1 year lpn, 1 year lpn-rn and 1 year rn-bsn.
-the classes I take as an lpn will count towards my rn degree so majority of them will be out of the way.
-I don't have to keep waiting and applying for the rn program (I missed last semester by 5 points)
This is only my opinion. You could also consider a bsn degree as well. But for me, I'm anxious to get the ball rolling and start on my nursing career! Hope this helped!!

I feel the same way and this helped so much thanks for tellin me this!! If you don't mind me asking what town do ou live in? I have seen about a college in my area that HAD the lpn to rn program but they discontinued it do you think colleges will get rid of these programs?

ejones4 · Jun 16, 2014

I'm from SC. The one I applied to is the only one in my area, other than the brown mackie one, which I'm not to sure on as far as accreditation. The other college no longer offers it. But there are several area the state. Personally, I think they may eventually do away with them since medical assistants seem to be what everyone is doing now. But I don't think it will be in the next 5 years. Maybe after that. But that's just my opinion. It could be sooner or later.

ejones4 · Jun 16, 2014

Also the college I applied to has the lpn program as well as the lpn-rn program. So I would only have to go to another college (Clemson cause I have all their prereqs) to get my bsn. So if you can find a college with both programs, that would be a really smooth transitions because you know what to expect and know their requirements off the top!

Nienna Celebrindal · Jun 17, 2014

It really depends on where you live. In California it does nothing for you, when I talked to HCC in Tampa they said the same. However there was Galen in St. Pete and that would have been a great option for me but I ended up moving back to CA. Talk to the nursing programs in your area.

The other option I know of in Tampa (not sure if this would be a viable commute for you but I figured it was worth mentioning is South University's satellite campus.

Cfowler8 · Jun 21, 2014

Hi, I am a LPN starting the LPN to RN bridge this Fall. I actually just got my acceptance letter today. First and foremost, make sure you GPA is kept up. From the statement you made in your post about taking a year and a half to complete pre-reqs, it seems that you are going to be working while going to school. I would suggest taking two classes a semester and at the most three. Be sure your classes are balanced. For example if you're going to take a 4 credit hour class (Anatomy, Micro, or Bio) make sure you take a 3 credit hour class (English, humanity, or nutrition) to go along with it. Do not over whelm your self with too many classes which in turn may have a negative affect on your GPA. I went for my LPN because the waiting list for Valencia nursing (Generic Track) was about 2 years, give or take. I did my LPN at a private school which was a lot of money. You can go to Orlando Tech and become a LPN for around $5,000. After you obtain you LPN, you can take you pre-reqs while working for decent money ($16-$22/hr) as an LPN and gain experience. You can then apply for the Advance Standing Track (AVS) program at Valencia. There is no waiting list for the AVS. You either get accepted into the program or you keep reapplying. Before you look into the LPN, check Seminole College. A friend of mine completed her pre-reqs at Valencia, applied for the next semester at Seminole (generic track), and was accepted. You have a few options. Don't waste money going to a private school. Do your research and visit the colleges for more information. Valencia has a Health Science Information Session that is open to the public. It is held on specific days. Google Valencia health science information session and you should be able to find the schedule. Good luck. Hope this helped.

crispycritter · Jun 25, 2014

I also did LPN first, worked as LPN for a couple years while finishing RN prereqs, and just got my acceptance to RN bridge. Will do RN to BSN after that, my reasoning is I enjoy working my way into positions, when I am fully aware of what the people under my supervision do as a job. I did CNA years ago, then EMT, combat medic for 6 years then LPN for 2. I don't suggest this route for everyone, because it is the long route, but works for me. It has been great learning experience and a fun ride. Getting as much experience in the medical field isn't a bad thing at all. I was hired for jobs that were not open to new grads because of my extensive experience in a wide variety of fields. Good luck with whatever you decide.