LPN to RN or Straight to RN

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I've been wanting to do a career change into nursing and am torn to go to a vocational school to become an LPN so I can get a job in a hospital then later on go for my RN degree or just go straight into an RN program. My main concern is my tight budget. I was hoping to go to school part time, but I got laid off. I have been looking into Fortis College (formerly VCI), but I would need to go for my LPN first. Both MCI and ITT tech are expensive and traditional places would take about three years. At least if I had my LPN, I could start working in a hospital and hope that they could help me get my RN degree. I also considered an Accelerated BSN program since I have a BS degree in a non healthcare field. Would I be wasting my time if I went for my LPN to later get into an RN program? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, I feel I'm getting a little overwhelmed!

thanks!

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sorry for the alert icon btw

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Depends on your area -- are LPNs hired in your area? Some places have slimmer employment prospects. Also, consider length of the program -- most of the time it seems that some LPN programs take almost as long as RN programs. If I'd had the Accelerated BSN option, I probably would have gone that route!

Good luck, whatever you decide.

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thanks for your reply! it's about 15 months for lpn and 1/2 the price. there's only one place here i can go for an accelerated program, but I would have to wait until next year to enroll.

thanks again!

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I would recommend going right for the RN. Many hopsitals in Virginia are laying off LPNs, and there is much less tuition support for people to go on for the ADN degree in non-instituitional settings.

Look at the community colleges, and the state schools for the ABSN programs. It may mean starting in 2010, but could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the MCI route.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I agree with the above poster; having the RN will provide you with more opportunities in general, given the hiring climate these days. And going straight to BSN would be a bonus!

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Straight for RN. No question.

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I know this is late, but thanks everyone for the posts!

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