LVN school vs BSN school

brookegillen · Oct 30, 2016

The LVN program that I took was a one-year program, which they took is was accelerated. We had class for 8 hours a day, 3 days a week in class and then 9.5 hours a day 2 days a week in clinical. There was at least 1 exam per week, sometimes up to 3. So lots of studying. Most of the out of class work was studying and preparing for clinicals - which generally took a few hours each week, at least. However, the material covered is at a much lower level. I haven't gone on to BSN yet so I can't tell you it's "easier". But many in my class had kids and other jobs and they made it. OB and pharm were my weakest points throughout LVN school, as well. But as much as I struggled, I made it out with a B in those subjects. I received A's in everything else. I had a similar GPA as you before starting the program. I don't think BSN and LVN would compare at all, so if you feel like you're drowning in BSN.. I think LVN would feel like a big relief.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2016

It differs. Some schools make it easier and some make it harder. Some schools have students attend more days than they would in a traditional RN program. I would make sure to go to a community college for LPN since they tend to be cheaper and your credits are more likely to transfer. My friends who continued in the LPN program ended up having to repeat some classwork because we went to a private school whereas I switched to RN but that probably won't be the case if you already completed the BSN pre-reqs. They would probably make you complete the pre-reqs again at a private school or a tech school.

The private LPN program was more structured and rigorous. Like 2 absences for class and they kicked you out. My friend failed first semester of our ADN program and he went to the LPN program. He graduated and is now doing LPN to RN.

MAS · Oct 30, 2016

That was kind of my thought. I failed both of my pharm exams, and one of my OB exams technically (you have to average a 75 on an exam to get a "C"). It feels almost like taking calculus without knowing basic math. I'm so far behind on everything, and the ones who seem to do well already have some sort of medical background. I have nothing but love and respect for LVN's, so much so that I want to become one; but my ultimate goal is to make my way back to being a BSN. I hate the fact that I invested so much time and money to get this far, but if I keep going down I really feel like I'm not going to succeed.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Oct 30, 2016

My wife and i were in simultaneous programs. Hers being LVN at a tech school and me in a BSN. I honestly thought her program was harder in terms of frequency of tests, homework and clinical expectations. Dint think just because its a "lower" degree that it will be easier.

* I mean lower in that it is a certificate and not a Bachelors. Have to caveat for butthurt LPNs everywhere.

MAS · Oct 30, 2016

That Guy. So looking at her course work, would you say that the material was more difficult to learn or there is just more of it? If you two were to switch places, do you think she would have an easier time in BSN school than you would in LVN school?