LVN vs. RN Program?!

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  1. Which Route Should I Take?

    • 7
      Finish Prereqs and the Apply for ADN
    • 1
      Start LVN Program and the do LVN to RN Step-Up

8 members have participated

I recently finished a Patient Care program at Brightwood (aka Kaplan). I'm considering their LVN program and later applying for my local community college's LVN to RN program to get my ADN. But it kinda seems unnecessary to go the LVN route vs just finishing my prereqs at my community college (Another 1.5 years) and then applying for the ADN. I just know that I did well in the accelerated format at Kaplan vs traditional school. I don't know why but I did.

I work in Financial Aid so I know the price tag is ridiculous but as a mom of 2 kids with a full time job. A school that offers nursing programs (LVN only ) at night is really key. I could become a nurse while working on my ADN. But I would still have to turn around and work on my prereqs before I could apply for the LVN to RN step up. The only benefit I can see to becoming an LVN first is that I would have better income when I have to drop down to part-time during RN school. I currently make $20/hr so I need a job that makes comparable. I have my CNA and Phlebotomy license but neither is gonna get me to $20/hr

Has anyone taken this seemingly very long route to becoming an RN? I'm just truly burnt out on the traditional school format.

I don't know if I should finish my prereqs and apply for the ADN or start the LVN program and then work on prereqs for the LVN to RN step up. I would have roughly 1.5 years left of prereqs. I live in San Diego as well so I know there isn't a huge marker for LVNs in the hospitals which is where I wanna work.

I do have long term plans of working on my BSN as well

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Hi! Have you made a decision yet? I'm considering your route as well.

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I'm thinking I may take the leap of ginormous faith and just go straight for the RN. The LVN route is soooooo incredibly long. Some days I'm too scared about them money, especially working part time so I turn toward LVN. The other days I tell myself that I need to push past the fear and uncertainty and just apply for the ADN. Are you trying to go to Brightwood?

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Hi!

If you can get into an RN program, do it! It's extremely competitive and can be expensive going the for profit route.

Yes- I start the LVN program Monday, and have orientation this Friday!

I was hoping you'd be in my cohort:sarcastic:

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Are you at the San Diego campus?

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Way back in the day I was approved for a state program for LPN. All expenses paid and living expenses included. In 9 months.... I could have been an LPN. I declined, went for my ASN with a local community college.

Cut the crap.. get your ASN asap.

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

Moved to the LVN Nursing Student forum.

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I'm not sure when "back in the day" was for you, but things nowadays are either bizarrely competitive, or bizarrely expensive.

It's rough out there, either way.

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It isn't always feasible to reach $20 an hour as an LVN in CA. As a matter of fact, many LVN jobs advertise at only $16/$17 an hour. Don't waste your time if you can continue with your well-paying job. Go straight for the RN program.

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I'm going to still apply for the RN and just pray and hope I can make it work financially. California Labor Board of Statistics though shows the average income for a LVN at $51K though. I'm sure its the more seasoned LVNS though too.

California - May 2015 OES State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

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Kind of in a same boat. Make $20 an hour as psych tech. Nursing programs in my State are either super competitive or wicked expensive. Just keep shelling money out and see no results. Want to work towards having kids.

Wife and I looked into jobs in my field either pay at a much lower rate or like in California have to be an LVN.

Also as an LPN can pack up move to another State and still make decent money.

My only gripe is do I really want to shell out $30K for am LPN program and it's 18 months vs the 12 month full time program.

You should weigh the pros and cons out.

If LPN School makes you a nurse. Other avenues to being a nurse are to expensive or disrupt raising a family go the LPN way.

Best of luck!

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