LVN/LPN.... Certificate just as good as Associate degree?

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Hello everyone,

I'm considering enrolling at a community college here in Florida that offers a Vocational Certificate in LVN.

My question to you is- is a certificate just as good out in the real world as an Associate's degree? Will it damper my ability to get a job by not having an associate's? I mean, as long as I'm licensed I'm sure it shouldn't matter too much... right?

The courses are not accredited, either. But they do offer a bridge program into RN if I were to ever decide to go that route. But right now in life, with the salary that a LVN makes... I think I'd be very happy in that career. Blood sweat and tears to make the lives of other's better, while being compensated at close to $20 an hour sounds fine to me as long as I can afford food, rent, and bills. :)

Thanks for any input you all have, I look forward to reading responses! Also, the sooner the better! ;)

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Every LPN I know, including myself, has a vocational certificate. I think a certificate is more the norm for LPNs in the workplace than an associate's degree.

Do you have prior healthcare experience? If anything were to hinder you from getting a job as a new grad LPN, it would be no prior experience. Even CNA experience is better than none at all, especially in this job market.

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Every LPN I know, including myself, has a vocational certificate. I think a certificate is more the norm for LPNs in the workplace than an associate's degree.

Do you have prior healthcare experience? If anything were to hinder you from getting a job as a new grad LPN, it would be no prior experience. Even CNA experience is better than none at all, especially in this job market.

I haven't any experience, no. Depending on various bits of information I come across, however, on my job hunt Monday I will include local medical facilities. I don't have any degrees, I did attend a medical school for a brief time so I have knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology... but, let's say I were to get a dinky job at a nursing home cleaning bedpans. Would that qualify as experience? Or is that CNA-only territory? I need a new job anyhow, and if you work at a medical facility full time for a year it helps you on your application to be accepted.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

I would think any healthcare-related job would count as experience. I did a CNA course in 4 weeks...if you have the time before starting nursing school, I would look into it. Actually, in Florida you can challenge the state CNA exam without going through the classes. Or you can wait until you've completed your first semester or quarter (whatever the school goes by) and challenge the exam then, after you've had all your basic nursing skills taught to you in school.

From reading about new grads not being able to find work, I would most definitely consider finding a job as a CNA and working while you are in school, if that is an option for you. It will do one of two things for you: allow you to get your foot in the door at a facility so you can be employed after graduating; or it will give you experience to put on your resume.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

If the school you are interested in offers the bridge to the RN then, consider that one, in case you decide in the future you wish to continue (and it can't hurt to inquire if it has to be done within a certain frame of time). As far as I know there is a school that offers an associate degree in Practical Nursing, but I forgot the name of it. Even so, a graduate will still be a new LPN once they take and pass NCLEX-PN.

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

The vast majority of LPNs in the U.S. workforce have attained a certificate or diploma in practical nursing. Most do not have any type of degree. However, a handful have earned the 2-year associate of applied science degree in practical nursing.

Diploma/certificate LPNs took exactly the same state board exam as the LPNs who attained their associate degrees and, therefore, usually have similar employment prospects within their local job markets. However, the sheer accomplishment of having earned a degree will bring you a little closer to the RN designation, because it is likely that some of the prerequisite classes will have been completed in the degreed LPN program.

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