LPN or RN Route?

Whats up everyone,

As you can probably already tell this post is about the different routes taken to becoming an RN. MY ultimate goal is to become a registered nurse (RN) and to work as one for a few years to master those skills and patient contact before going back to school for my masters in Nurse Practitioner.

The reason for the article post is in regards to would getting an LPN possibly be a quicker route to RN? Now I know this sounds dumb because people can just get an associates RN and then bridge over to there BSN later but for me in the state of Georgia I just finished all my pre-reqs for the RN programs but there are literally no schools taking applications right now until the spring semester of next year and for me that is a bit of a stretch to wait just to apply because right now I am working part time barley making enough money and really am looking to start my career.

I understand that a LPN makes almost half of what an RN makes and I can deal with that for a couple years while working towards my RN but what I am nervous about is if this is the smarter route to take or if this could possibly be a longer route and a waste of time. I was also considering the LPN for the early experience by working under an RN as well.

My last question is for anyone who has did the LPN-RN bridge program. Do these programs put you right into a BSN program or is it like earning your ADN? I really do appreciate any input from anyone on this subject. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and in advance I always appreciate any advice and insight from experience. Thank you!