LPN or RT?

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Hello everyone, I just found this website and love it! I live 50 miles south of Nashville and was permanently laid off several years ago due to a plant closing in my town. Initially, I applied for the LPN class at Tn Tech in Pulaski and was rejected. My NET scores were 92 in math and 63 in reading. I wasn't happy with the way this school conducted their 'interview' session which wasn't an actual interview at all. It seemed as though they already had in mind who was getting in before we attended the 'interview'. Anyone else out there had any experience with this school?

I had some college credit but was not a good student in my younger days (I'm 36) but decided to return to Columbia State Community College. I wasn't able to apply to any of the healthcare-related programs since I started out with a lower gpa. Plus, I wasn't sure if nursing was for me. I graduated last Dec with an associates in psychology with a gpa of 3.8. So next I decided to apply to the respiratory care program at Columbia State and also to the LPN class at Tn Tech in Shelbyville. I had a wait of almost 5 months from the time I put in my application to the RT program so the LPN just a back up. I'm not getting any younger, lol. I took the NET again since it had been over 2 yrs since I'd taken it before and got a 96 in math and a 76 in reading. Then I received my acceptance letter for the RT program! I won't know if I'm accepted into the LPN class until July so there wasn't time to wait to decide which one. There were about 100 applicants to the LPN class and they are accepting 48 I think. The RT program only accepted 24 and I don't have a clue as to how many applied. Luck was on my side, lol. But from what I know (my husband is an LPN) I believe I will be much happier as an RT even though it will be more expensive, more driving, and take longer to complete.

I guess my question to all of you is this-what would you do and what are your thoughts? I've already sent in my acceptance letter for RT cause I only had a few days to decide, I just want to hear what others think. Thanks!

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I say if RT is your first choice, go for it! I am starting an RT program this fall because I find the waiting lists to get into nursing school crazy! I found the RT program and decided that I would rather do this. I dont think I have the stomach to deal with some of the things that nurses deal with. I can handle sputum but not poo!

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I am awaiting my letter of acceptance into RT school....letters go out Fri.....hoping get in. I also chose RT for many of the reasons mentioned above but also I find it intersting.

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Specializes in A little of this & a little of that.

Personally, I hate sputum. Could never be an RT. But, if that's OK with you, definitely go for RT. It's a very demanding course, just getting in is a good sign. RT pays better, has more job opportunities, more respect in the hospital and is really interesting. And, did I mention, THE PAY IS WAY BETTER! Good luck. :yeah:

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Well thanks for your replies and good luck to you all. I've raised 3 kids so I've seen some pretty disgusting things already. I'm happy with my decision to go with RT and glad to have found this mb to help me through the next 5 semesters.:loveya:

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

CONGRATS! RT is an awesome field. I don't think you'll regret it :)

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really? I thought nursing had better opportunites and pay. I think the autonomy of working as an RT was a plus for me.

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Packrat, I've raised 3 kids as well....seen it all....I've started school after 30 yrs...first time in college and loving it.

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Whoo Hooo.....I got accepted....one of 30 out of 217 applicants...I start Intro to Respiratory Care the end of Aug....I'm thrilled!

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Congrats on your acceptance!!!! I also start Respiratory Care 1 at the end of august. I just ordered my books. I am also very excited and scared at the same time!

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Maybe we should do a Respiratory Thread for the fall....any takers?

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Does anyone have any information on the Regents Online Degree Program in TN?

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