LVN program to become and RN

Not sure, but maybe the associate's degree will make it an easier transition to an RN program; if you had to take college level courses in English, Anatomy, Psych, etc... (I am just taking a stab at it).

I want to become and LVN and later a RN. I live in San Jose, CA and so far I have checked 2 schools: WestMed and WesternCollege. WestMed offers an non-degree program and WesternCollege offers and A.A.(Associate Degree) What would be the difference between both considering that my goal is become and RN? Do I really need the A.A. degree?

Thanks all

Hello Jo Array!

I just recently graduated from Unitek College, the Sacramento Campus, and I am currently searching TIREDLESSLY to find a job.

if youre starting brand new, straight from high school, my advice to you, is to get your prerequisites done at a community college. its going to be impacted for sure, but itll be worth it since right now in CA its twenty six dollars a unit [i think]. just make sure that you do well in those courses, because some schools look as to how many times youve taken the class and might not accept you in. and also, make sure that with your sciences, your GPA is high. so if your brand new -- id straight shoot it to go through an RN program.

otherwise, if your like me -- and had a little bumps through the road, i suggest to do the LVN thing. its going to cost a whole lot, but then again the education is accelerated. I went to Unitek, and it was tough. i really felt like i was teaching myself. but thats a WHOLE other story!

but to answer you question, if you decided to take a non-degree and do the thirty unit option [is that what youre talking about] you can only then practice here in the state of california. i think that will be on your license, and you probably wont be able to move up in management. so my suggestion to you is that i would DEFINITELY opt to have an AA degree. you can still work anywhere, and if you wanted to get your bacholers degree, then they would recognize it! =]

so my friend...best of luck to you. remember we are all in different walks of life trying to find the common goal of becoming a nurse. i know you can do it...so just stick with it and find out your options!

leslie