LVN or RN?

Hi. My name is Kara, i'm in my 4th week of CNA class and I'm loving it. I have a few questions, and I hoping to get some opinions and/or advise.

Well, my main goal is to become a RN. My question is, if I go from CNA to LVN will it be quicker for me to become a RN? I was told that there is a LVN-RN step-up program, that will make things go faster, because there isn't as long of a waiting list for LVN. Or should I just go straight into the RN program and wait the 2 years on the waiting list.

I know every state is different, i'm in California, so i'm not sure if all states have this "step-up" program. I am not looking for an easy way, i'm just looking for the quickest way to start the career I've been wanting to do forever.

Get the stats on how long it will take to finish the LPN program and then start and finish the RN part including any prereqs that you will need for the transfer. If the RN waitlists are bad in your area, you may have the right idea, but you will spend more money doing it this way, of course you can work as an LPN to off set that. If you have a two year wait from right now on the RN list I probably would just get on the wait list and take my prereqs. Out here (washington) the required prereqs are a full year anyway not including any extra classes you may need as prereqs to the prereqs (Human Bio prior to taking A&P, intro to Chemistry prior to Inorganic-organic Chem etc...) If you are pretty sure you can get into the RN program in 2 years and you still have all of your prereqs to do, you might be better off just going for the RN.

Thank you. Well the waiting list is about 2 years, but I haven't even started any pre-req's yet. SO....I'm guessing a year on pre-req's then the 2 year waiting list. Because your not allowed to put your name on the list until you have all your pre-req's finished. ugh. So, like you said, i'm just going to get stats on the time and length on both programs and see what my best option is. Also i'm sure seeing a school counselor would help too.

I appreciate your help..Thank you.