Lpn...rn...surgical Tech...totally Confused

[pixieshmoo]

I started posting on here in the LPN section because ultimately my goal is/was to become an RN. However, I also heard that LPN is a route that I may want to consider first, as nursing school isn't always the easiest to get into. So I continued my insane research on nursing only adding to it LPN. Then I came across surgical technician, which also is very intriguing and quite honestly what jumped into my mind is "I can skip over LTC facilities and get right into a hospital!" But the more I read and surf around the net, the more confused I become. I've decided this much: I need to something sooner to get started in healthcare (i.e. LPN or ST) and then proceed with RN from there, if I choose to continue. Because I am currently not enjoying my career in the legal field, I want out, I want to be in healthcare, someway, somehow without having to go on a waiting list for 2 years and stay where I don't like it. At least if I'm in school while I'm at my miserable job and caring for my family (not miserable lol) I will at least be a step closer to getting where I want to be instead of waiting around. So ANY opinions on LPN or surgical tech would be greatly appreciated!!!

thank you :)

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

You don't have to be an LPN to be a surgical tech. A CNA will do, if you can find a job that will train you. Keep in mind, training a surgical tech is a MINIMUM of 6 months probation. If you work in a hospital without 3 shifts of surgical staff, you will have to take call. That can suck in a big way.

Good luck

Actually, in many parts of the country, surgical tech is a career in it's own right. Many places won't hire you unless you are certified and to sit for the exam, you need to have graduated from an accredited surgical technology program.Most of them are 2 years long, much longer and more intense than CNA training. OTJ training used to happen but hardly any place does that anymore. I live in the Northeast. So, the OP most likely will have to go to school to be a surg tech as well. If you find an affordalble program, this may not be a bad option. I was a tech for 7 years and enjoyed it-pay is much better as an RN though.

I think if it were me, I'd either go the RN route and just wait it out, or go the surg tech route. LPNs are great, but sadly, they seem to be phasing them out.

****I didn't read the whole thread and forgot that I had answered before..ooops!

[Crux1024]

If your ultimate goal is an RN, then LPN is the way to go. There are tons of 1yr LPN - RN bridge courses. A surg tech - RN bridge does NOT exist and you will have to go back for the entire 2 years. If you want to get there sooner rather then later, I suggest LPN.

Its up to you. Either job will give you wonderful experience.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

Certain community colleges offer a variety of non-nursing healthcare careers including surgical tech.

A state run surgical tech program does not cost $30,000 and cant take 12 to 15 months. Of course that is what is going on in my local area.

I wish they had had a state run surg tech program when I was doing it...to make matters worse, this school is now offering an RN program which will be an Associates degree..this program will cost about $50,000!!! I've been warning everyone I know away, because there are BSN programs around here that don't cost that much. My RN cost me $6000,is also an Associates degree.

[Crux1024]

I wish they had had a state run surg tech program when I was doing it...to make matters worse, this school is now offering an RN program which will be an Associates degree..this program will cost about $50,000!!!

WHAT?!

My surg tech program was $5500 in 2002 and was 11 months. Also eligible to sit for the CAAHEP cert exam afterwards.

The business schools up here charge upwards of $30,000. Even my old program, which revamped itself into an Associates degress is now about that much. I dont quite get it. My intensive 11 month program was more than enough to get me ready for the field.