LPN who wants to become an RN!!Online school or strictly classroom? HELP!!!!!!

HazelLPN, LPN · May 20, 2011

I have read that the for profit online schools can be predatory, leaving students with a lot of debt and they often have very low graduation rates. They prey on busy working people who's fiancial resources are strapped. I would go for a non profit nursing program that has been around a long time with a good reputation vs one of the fly by night schools that just want your money. Personally, I wouldn't like to learn on line...I believe that that best part of education is the relationships you form with other real live people...but thats just me. If you can swing it, find an LPN to BSN program. In many places, LPNs are losing their jobs in acute care. I think that the ADNs may be next. The BSN does not make one a better nurse, but it does give one the most options these days.

Best to you,

Mrs H.

Jules A, MSN · May 21, 2011

I went to a community college bridge program that was cheap and nearly painless. It was 4 days a week and only a short summer semester then the last two semesters with the RN students. Excellesior was the only online program that I was aware of and it isn't accepted by my state's BON any longer. Like Mrs. H said be careful because there are some preditory businesses out there. Although no one really has time to sit in a class room you may find that is your only option and it will be so worth it in the end.

demylenated, BSN, RN · May 21, 2011

I've heard high reviews of the ISU LPN to BSN program... but, for me - the LPN to RN bridge program (I was just accepted to) is perfect. I am taking a break from work (not completely), and as Jules said, it is a 6 week transition class in the summer then 2 semesters (4 days a week). So, I start classes next month and graduate next May - so less than a year!!! (For the ADN.)

With TCN you have so many fees you have to keep up with, then the clinical is HE!!. You have to go to an unfamiliar area (Atlanta, NY, CA) stay in a hotel, and pass in 2 days. I heard their pass rates are about 60% and TOUGH. And, you have to pay all over again (I think it is up to $1,800-$2,400 JUST for the clinical weekend) to do it... and you can only retake 3 times... If you HAVE to retake 3 times, that is 6 grand, not including the money you spent on classes, books, proctors, study material...

Good luck - As an LPN I haven't had much difficulty finding a job - but do notice some hospitals have completly phased out LPNS (unless you have extraordinary qualifications - like I am IV, TB, BLS, ACLS, and wound care certified with a few other certifications - I am considered an LPN III). That is why I decided on school. I am basically doing most of what an RN does and not getting paid for it.

I do plan on doing the RN to BSN program as soon as I am done, as well. The local university down here offers it online, so I can get paid as an RN while going through school... and it is only another year. (So 2 years total to get my BSN)

heathert_kc · May 24, 2011

If you are looking for a school with a more flexible schedule, you might just look around at all of the schools that offer bridge programs in your area (maybe check with the bon to get a complete list) because not all schools are 5 days a week, some schools offer a part time option 18-24 months a couple evening and weekend clinical, some have started hybrid programs that are partially online but with weekly or monthly class meetings, testing, and onsite clinicals and they are often the same length as other programs, about a year. You just got to look and see what's out there. I believe that there is no easy alternative. Excelsior would take an extremely crazy amount of self control and discipline, as it is self paced with no deadlines, and is 100% test based (no lecture, participation, no papers, assignments, care plans, etc.) plus it lacks real clinicals. The other down side is that not all state accept them fully or without you meeting additional requirements. The college network and RUE are just printing companies who offer $500+ manuels to help you pass the exams that you take through excelsior and they guarentee you funding in the form of loans for their products, so you can get sucked into contracts and have to pay them back $1000s even if you don't ultimately finish and pass through that school.

You just have to look at all the opportunities out there. I was accepted in to a classroom based program as well as a mostly online with local clinicals program both at community colleges. I did decide to go with the in person classroom program just because I had been an LPN less than 2 years at the time and I think I learn more when I listen to lecture, ask questions and interact with teachers and other students, plus it was a little cheaper.

Good luck and congrat of deciding to go back to school:yeah:

stthoma2 · Dec 5, 2012

where did you go to school

Jules A