LPN or Surgical Tech?

[sbenson1]

I'm looking to work my way up to completing an RN program, but I want to start small so I'm thinking LPN is a good way to go. But I've heard people say there aren't jobs for LPNs anymore and that becoming one is a waste of time. Being a surgical tech, and ultimately a surgical assistant, is also an interest of mine, but I have no idea if the program is worth the money. And how difficult is it to go from surgical tech to nurse? There are so many options here. I'm just looking for opinions from people who have been there to help me make my choice. Just a little about me: I'm 23 and just now going to back to school and I live in Birmingham, AL. I really don't want to spend six years getting a degree, but I definitely need to get the ball rolling on a good career. Thanks in advance!

[CaramelApplePop]

It probably depends on where you live, but I see a lot of job opportunities for LPN's. I am even seeing hospitals hiring them in the clinics and outpatient settings. Skilled nursing facilities and sub-acute facilities highly utilize LPN's as well. With that in mind I don't find becoming an LPN to be a waste of time, and especially if you are looking to move forward to become an RN. There are several schools that offer LPN to RN bridge programs (one of which I am working to apply for soon), so in my opinion it would be easier to move from LPN to RN. I don't know much about surgical techs though.

[NurseEmmy]

I would only pursue a surgical tech education if there are a lot of surgical centers around you.

LPN's can work plenty of places: LTC, AL, LTACH, Corrections, HH, PDN, Hospice, Outpt clinics, some are able to teach certain classes, school nursing, etc.

I would think it would be easier to go from an LPN to an RN than a surgical tech to an RN, but you need to check with your local programs/schools to see what they offer/require.