Lvn program, Is it worth it?

kat7ap · Dec 5, 2008

I paid $18,000 for a private LVN college. For me it was worth it. Why will it cost you another $35,000 for the RN program? Would you be able to go straight to that instead? I have no idea what job market for nurses is where you live. I make $20/hr as an LVN now, but were I live the cost of living is low compared to most of the country. If you want to go directly to RN after you graduate, I would probably advise you to do that first, since it sounds like you have a good job right now.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2008

I see that the OP lives in Hayward. Be aware that the San Francisco Bay area is flooded with a surplus of nurses (especially LVNs), which makes finding a job difficult for new grads.

However, I attended a private LVN program with a $20,000 tuition. It has been worth it for me because I was able to bypass prerequisite classes, lotteries, and waiting lists while finishing in 12 months. In addition, the initial $20,000 investment has been earned back in the form of wages many times beyond that amount.

amjowens · Dec 6, 2008

I'm about to graduate from my LPN program. I paid about $5000 for my program, and though I'm grateful for all I've learned and the experience I'll be able to get, I would NOT pay much more. I want to eventually be a nurse practitioner, and plan to start my RN (a regular ADN program) in January, before I even take my NCLEX-PN.

In my area, hospitals won't even hire LPNs. Everyone-instructors, LPNs, RNs-strongly guide us to get our RN. It's very sad, as LPNs really know a lot. The problem, we're not given the credit for our potential. Very maddening, but reality (again, in my area).

I want to gain experience, earn money while going to school, and not get into too much debt, so the LPN works for me. I would have had a very hard time rationalizing paying $20K (or even 10K) + for a $35-40K job in a LTC facility for a period of 1.5 years for me. Again, it works for me since htat salary should cover my LPN tuition debt, and I plan to pay for my RN while working (attending CC with pretty low tuition). We each are unique, though, with our experience, so make sure to be clear about YOUR goals. Wish you the best!

amjowens · Dec 6, 2008

BTW, I just thought about the huge wait lists I hear of in California. I really want to be a nurse, and it sounds like you feel passionate about nursing too. On second thought, if I really had to do the LPN in order to get into a bridge, with absolutely no other options (personally, I'd move for a couple of years), then I'd do it I guess. That debt though is a real downer, but it's a small price to pay if you're doing what you you're passionate about. Sorry to be so wordy, but it sounds like you are really struggling to get into nursing.

lnewman128 · Dec 6, 2008

I am planning to get into Lvn program nx year but, it is quite expensive. I live in bay area and the tuition fee for a private school is within the range of $ 20,000 to $ 28,000. Community College is more cheaper however, there is a waiting list. My whole purpose of getting into Lvn is to make a bridge to Rn. If I would just go to a community college for straight nursing I don't think I can make it because of the waiting list as well.. My questions are, Is it worth it if I will pay for Lvn this much? I want to get into the program next yr of july and by the time I graduated, would there be jobs for me? after completing Lvn, I am going for Lvn to Rn which will cost me another $ 35,000. Should I just go straight for Nursing in a community college and try to compete with hundreds of students? and another thing is, I am working in a Pharmaceutical company which I get paid about $ 20.00 per hr.I don't wanna quit my job 2 if it's not worth it. but if I will, I still have another option of being a pharmacy tech but then I would'nt get paid that much..

What schools are you looking at that it will cost that much??? I am planning on doing the LVN program at a private school ($33k) as a stepping stone to an RN program b/c community colleges are sooo impacted!!! I have already been waiting 2+ years and it could be 2 more. Boo hiss! It is worth it? It only will be worth it when I am an RN in 2 years from Jan '09 for sure rather than starting who knows when at a community college! Good Luck!

zoeyzoe · Dec 7, 2008

Do they have any private schools that offer RN. If so, why pay for LVN, when you can just pay for the RN. I don't know about the pay for Cali LVN's, but here in ATL $20/hr is good, so if you are already getting paid that. Then you should be able to wait, for an RN slot, at least through a private school it should be a much shorter wait then CC. I say this because I am an LPN here in GA, and its for the birds. Because of the way you are looked at, as not knowing any thing, like you just went to school and was taught nothing.

lnewman128 · Dec 7, 2008

Do they have any private schools that offer RN. If so, why pay for LVN, when you can just pay for the RN. I don't know about the pay for Cali LVN's, but here in ATL $20/hr is good, so if you are already getting paid that. Then you should be able to wait, for an RN slot, at least through a private school it should be a much shorter wait then CC. I say this because I am an LPN here in GA, and its for the birds. Because of the way you are looked at, as not knowing any thing, like you just went to school and was taught nothing.

The only private school to get an RN is Unitek and their 2 stage ADN program; however, you need to first get your LVN in 11 months at a price tag of $ 33k and then after you have had 6 - 12 months of experience can you apply for the other 8 month part of the program for another $ 33k and get your RN. If you can swallow the price tag, go for it. I was going to do this but I have decided to go to NCP in SSF if they have room otherwise I will stick with Unitek (I already am enrolled in Unitek) and enter a community college bridge program (there are 3 or 4 in the area). Final cost = $ 38k vs $ 67k. For such a nursing shortage as they claim, they don't make it easy to get there if you're cut out for it! Good Luck!

lnewman128 · Dec 7, 2008

The only private school to get an RN is Unitek and their 2 stage ADN program; however, you need to first get your LVN in 11 months at a price tag of $ 33k and then after you have had 6 - 12 months of experience can you apply for the other 8 month part of the program for another $ 33k and get your RN. If you can swallow the price tag, go for it. I was going to do this but I have decided to go to NCP in SSF if they have room otherwise I will stick with Unitek (I already am enrolled in Unitek) and enter a community college bridge program (there are 3 or 4 in the area). Final cost = $ 38k vs $ 67k. For such a nursing shortage as they claim, they don't make it easy to get there if you're cut out for it! Good Luck!

Sorry, I thought you were in No. CA. Never mind about these schools I mentioned. I don't know what is available in GA.

lnewman128 · Dec 7, 2008

Oops! I just added to my own message to myself...too busy studying to finish this semester! I thought you were in No. California. I don't know what private schools are available in GA. I doubt they have a DIRECT route to RN. Every school seems to be a '2 step' process.

lnewman128 · Dec 7, 2008

I am planning to get into Lvn program nx year but, it is quite expensive. I live in bay area and the tuition fee for a private school is within the range of $ 20,000 to $ 28,000. Community College is more cheaper however, there is a waiting list. My whole purpose of getting into Lvn is to make a bridge to Rn. If I would just go to a community college for straight nursing I don't think I can make it because of the waiting list as well.. My questions are, Is it worth it if I will pay for Lvn this much? I want to get into the program next yr of july and by the time I graduated, would there be jobs for me? after completing Lvn, I am going for Lvn to Rn which will cost me another $ 35,000. Should I just go straight for Nursing in a community college and try to compete with hundreds of students? and another thing is, I am working in a Pharmaceutical company which I get paid about $ 20.00 per hr.I don't wanna quit my job 2 if it's not worth it. but if I will, I still have another option of being a pharmacy tech but then I would'nt get paid that much..

I replied to you before - I live across the bay from you. What I have (FINALLY) decided to do after talking to others and a lot of tossing and turning is pay for the LVN via private school and apply for the bridge at one of the 4 community colleges that offer it. Like you possibly, I can't stomach paying $ 67k for my degree (an ADN/ASN at that). If you really want to obtain your RN, it is a decision you will have to make. (There are part time programs [NCP Hayward]) where you can keep your job and get your LVN and Gurnick in San Mateo has an evening/weekend program...again where you can keep your job and get your LVN. It's a tough decision-I have been waiting for the lottery at my CC for 2 years. Boo Hiss!!! Good Luck. If you want to blab further, send me a private message.

pink2blue1 · Dec 8, 2008

For me it was. I started my LVN program in June 2005, Graduated in September 2006. I did it with 3 children, and worked on the weekends as a CNA throughout school. My schooling was about 5000.00. It was through an Adult school. I truly believe though, that I would have had a tough time getting a job at the hospital where I work, had I not already worked there as a CNA. I was ready to move up the ladder and done being a CNA. I wanted to do more. I had 3 pre-req's left for the RN program at my community college. One was a pre-req to the next, so it would have taken me 3 semesters ( 1 1/2 years) to complete them, and then another 1-1.5 years on the wait lest, so worst case scenario, 3 years to get in. I have now been working as an LVN for 2 years and I am in a LVN to BSN bridge through the college netwrok.

I think each person is different and each situation is unique. If I had it to do over again, I still would have gone the LVN route, but it can be frustrating at times.