LPN or RN?

[cadyjayne]

I am currently attending a four-year university on a 6-year degree path (dietetics.) I cannot afford to complete my degree here, nor do I have the desire to do six years on school with nothing but a big pile of student loans at the end of the tunnel.

I am tentatively planning to attend an Associates in Nursing program here in the same town (I have an amazing living situation - VERY low rent in a nice, safe neighborhood in a great house) rather than moving home. I realize moving home and living for free would be the best idea financially, but I have chosen not to do this because of a rocky relationship with my parents. Assuming I get into this program for the Fall 2009 semester (which is looking more and more unlikely, my biology grade this semester was lacking due to an illness that I am having surgery for next month.) I will end up with about 20k in student loans - around half (or more) of the expected starting salary for an RN, from what I understand. I spoke directly to the director of the nursing program at this school and she advised me to enlose a cover letter explaining my situation and that I could be considered outside of my less than great (78 average) biology scores.

My other option is to attend a LPN program here, which should take about a year and cost $6000. I am unsure as to whether I can get student loans for this program but am sure I could work something out.

My problem is, if I don't get into the next semester's program, I will have to wait a year before the other one. If that happens, I will probably go half-time and get my GPA and grades up to where I will FOR SURE get into Fall 2010 program.

Should I take a chance on the nursing program and just pray I get in or should I go straight into my LPN and work my way towards my RN? Money is the biggest concerning factor at the moment, but I would also really, really like to stay in the same town.

[caliotter3]

If money is your main concern at the moment, perhaps you should go for the LPN program so that you can work as an LPN and get some income. Also, some RN programs have LPN to RN bridge programs that allow you to start ahead of the game and/or with an easier chance to be accepted. Many people get their LPN license in order to smooth the way into an RN program; others do so in order to be able to work while in RN school. Either way, it is not detrimental, except you might take a little more time. Good luck.