LPN or straight to RN

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Hi there!

I am 22 years old and work part time at a bank as a teller. I was looking into the LPN program after being told that there was a 2 year wait list for the RN program. Very discouraging! So I heard that you need to be CNA certified to be a LPN. With my work schedule I don't think I can do it (that I figure out later) but my question is "Should I go for the LPN certificate program and start working at a hospital and then go for my RN degree ? " or should I just do all the PreNursing courses and just wait out the time for the RN Program?

The help/advice is much appreciated!

Your helping a lost soul right now.

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If you can swing it, do your RN degree. Although transitioning from LPN to RN is rewarding and gives you experience, take it from me, it would be worth your while to just complete your RN right away. If your in the position to do it of course.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Many LPN programs do not require CNA certification. I completed an LPN/LVN program that did not require it. After all, you learn CNA skills during the first quarter or semester of most nursing programs, so the CNA training would be repetitive in my opinion.

Should I go for the LPN certificate program and start working at a hospital and then go for my RN degree?
It is difficult in many cities and states to obtain hospital employment as an LPN, and in some places it is impossible because the local hospitals only hire RNs.

If you are willing to work in home health, nursing homes, hospice, private duty, psych, jails, or any number of workplace settings that employ LPNs, this might be an option. However, if your heart is set on working in a hospital, the LPN certificate might not be for you.

I worked as an LPN for 4 years prior to becoming an RN and it laid the foundation for my nursing career.

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I am doing the LPN first. Everyone keeps telling me to do RN first but i don't really understand why. RN program takes two years, lpn program takes a year and then it's another year for the RN bridge so that's still 2 years regardless. This way I can go to school for a year and then get paid an LPN salary while I finish for my RN. I might work as an LPN for a year before going back for the bridge. I don't feel the need to rush. Do works best for your schedule. Where I am located, you don't know need your CNA first to be an LPN. I guess it depends on the school. Good Luck!

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If your end goal is to be an RN and you have the time and money, I highly recommend just doing your RN first. If time or money are an issue there is nothing wrong with doing the LPN program first. There are a lot of LPN to RN programs and even a few LPN to BSN programs that can be done totally online.

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Hi I would say do what fits best in your lifestyle. I keep going back and forth with RN or LPN. I have 5 pre reqs left before I can apply to RN so it makes since for me to just keep pushing through. I did get my CNA and am working as a CNA and that was the best thing I could have done although I do not plan or working in the program it's a great experience and will help you realize if nursing is really your passion :) either way you will be a nurse and if you do LPN first you can get your experience and bridge to RN ;) good luck!

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Specializes in OB.

Most places you have to at least work for 1 year as an LPN before you can even apply to the bridge program so it'll be at least 3 years all together. I would do my pre-reqs while working and saving so once you're accepted you may only work PT while in the RN program.

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If there is a two year wait, I would definitely start classes that go towards your BSN!!! You can take classes in the evening or online. If you've never been to college before there are certain classes every student must take. You know, the basics: English, math, psychology, etc.... At least you've got the ball rolling while you wait. Good luck..:)

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I would do the RN...I was on the local hospital website yesterday and they had one job for LPN listed and pages of RNs. That is just the 3 close to me...but that is crazy. I think you would have more opportunity as an RN.

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I'm so happy I did LPN first, there are plenty of jobs, just not in hospitals. You get great experience, and pretty good pay while getting your RN.

Good luck

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I'm a LPN getting ready to start a RN program and I'm so glad I did become a LPN first. I feel like I'll have more of an edge over some of the non-LPN's due to the fact I've had actual hands on experience and I have worked in the world of nursing. There is one thing that RN school cannot teach and that's experience. So if you feel like becoming a LPN would be beneficial for you then do it. It's not like you'll regret the experience you'll receive by being a LPN. Best of luck!!

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