LPN or RN

Try job shadowing!

Working in the healthcare field peorid is a great choice... But right now there is a lot of changing happening in nursing, in some areas of the US, new grad LPNs aren't finding jobs, and here in PHX,AZ new grad RN's aren't finding jobs very easy...

How far do you want to go in your new career, LPNs are limiited to what they can do career wise, RNs have a much great avenue to go down.. If you want to be a RN, look at the BSN path over ADN... More doors open up with a BSN then with a ADN.

Hi Everyone,

I am really torn as to whether I should go to LPN or RN school. For that matter, even Radiologic Tech school.

This is so frustrating going around and around with my career decision.

I'm 43 years old now, and feel that this will be my last chance to get it right.

How do I even know if Nursing is right for me? I love anything medical related, but I'm not sure about the stress of the job. Rad Tech might be interesting but perhaps not as interesting as nursing. I don't know.

Can anyone help me out here?

Thanks.

For LPNs here in PHX, AZ is horrible, all the hospitals have stopped hiring them, the hospital where i work at was the last hospital to stop hiring. So this means Home Health and Nursing homes are were most LPN work.

Regarding Rad Tech, there are lots of things they can do, the come move to be a CT Tech (starting wage is about $28/hr) then can move up and br MRI techs, they can also go on and finish school as Ultra Sound Techs (starting off about 28/hr) also starting wage for Red Tech is more then a LPN too with the same amount of schooling.

I'm currently working towards my RN/BSN as I saw the writting on the wall about 2 yrs ago regarding the lack of jobs for LPN. In a year I'll be moving to Tulsa Ok and the LPN make about 15/hr (I'm currently making $20) I have notihng bad to say about being a LPN, but if you are looking for job movement with the least amount of schooling, Rad Tech is the way to go.

I decided on LPN first because I also wasn't sure I wanted to be a nurse and figured I could get through a year of anything and at least have something. To me nursing is more flexible than rad tech if you go on for your RN at some point but that also is a good choice if you think it would be interesting. What is the market like for LPNs in your area? Good luck.

I agree with Justiceforjoy try job shadowing each field first. I guess it also depends on you and the area you live in. I live in AL right on Ga state line. LPN programs are generally 12 mos long. The RN programs and Rad Tech programs are 22-24 mos long. There are no more accredited 1 yr Rad programs in our area they are all 2 years like Rn programs. In AL and GA Rad techs do not make more than Rns. Some Rad Tech make less than some LPNs working in LTC. I chose LPN first due to being wait listed for an RN program. My friend graduated last May 2008 in Radiologic Technology and has still not found employement in her field. Nurses especially RN's have more job oppurtunities period! Nurses are employed in hospitals, clinics, health departments, home health, nursing/rehab homes, dentist offices, schools etc. (you name it)! Rad techs dont have that versitility, the are employed mainly in hospitals and diagnostic centers and on rare occassions at a Dr.'s office. If you do receive additional (Rad) education in CT or MRI thats usually only when you'll see pay that is compatible to an RN's (atleast in my area). Contact your local hospital for shadowing opportunities to explore each career field. Both are rewarding in their own way. It will be your personal preference of course. Good luck!

Let me remind you that you're still young. You can have a successful career in the health care field and a long one too. I agree with one of the previous posters. Try job shadowing, I've come across a lot of professionals who love it when potential students come and shadow them. What's nice about the health care field is that you can do just about anything with just your prerequisites. Most of the prerequisites that you take can be used for 1. nursing 2. radiology 3. occupational therapy 4. physical therapy 5. medical laboratory scientist 6. respiratory therapy 7. dietician 8. physician assistant 9. and many more. So you have your choices, read up on each of these and see if anything might interest you. If you're interested in doing nursing then I would strongly suggest taking the CNA course. If you're interested in doing Occupational or Physical Therapy, I would take the CNA course too and also take the RNA (you need your CNA first) course afterwards. There are short courses for Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy Aides too. The Occupational & Physical Therapy Assistant programs are equivalent to 4 years of course work and program study. But in comparison, it's like being a LVN. They do have their limits but are also a vital part of the health care team. Radiology Technician works under the Radiologist. You have the RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapists) and the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) which works under the RRT, but does do a lot of independent working in respiratory therapy. I hope this helps. Good Luck!!! Let us know what you decide.