Midlife career change and online programs

[BobRoberts]

Hello to all,

I'm a 46 yo male that will be making a career change in Jan. '07.

What I am considering, due to my current financial state, is taking the LPN program at a local VoTech. At the same time I will be taking online classes at a community college. Some of the classes taught at the VoTech will directly transfer for credit at the college if I submit the paper work at enrollment.

I have nearly all my first year classes completed and am taking the prerequisites for admittance to the nursing program of the college.

The college awards two points for having a current LPN license.

It this manner I hope to complete my nursing prerequisites and get an LPN license within a year.

I will hopefully then complete my ADN at the college in the next year.

My hope is to have my RN by the time I am 50.

I then need to go out and get a job to support my family, wife can carry me for awhile but I need to get out there.

I may want to then start on my bachelor degree in nursing.

How are the online bachelor degrees viewed by those that do the hiring for nursing positions?

Are there some that are more respected then others? If so which?

Thanks for any input you can give to me in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

BobRoberts

[Katnip, RN]

Once you're an RN and decide to get your BSN, it really doesn't make much difference where you get that BSN, even online. Just look for an accredited online school.

Most hospitals really don't seem to care where you got your degree, as long as you've got that RN after your name.

[BobRoberts]

Thanks!!

Trying to get my ducks in a row.

BobRoberts

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Mid life career changes are something many of us here at allnurses have gone through. I did too. LPN at 33, Rn at 42 and now find myself throwing the online Rn to BSN around. Do i really want to bite more off (at my age). But i have to keep the goal in view and frankly it wont happen unless i keep going. So now that ive gotten a couple years of RN under my belt im seriously considering forging ahead.

I should change my name to the PerfectProcrastinator. LOL Good luck, and use this site frequently. It helped me through the RN if nothing more than to see others are going through the same things. Good support here.

[BobRoberts]

Thanks meownsmile,

I'm still working full time at my curretn job but it is only a matter of months before they shutter the place. I am taking two online courses now. Introduction to Nursing and Developmental Psychology. First courses I have taken in years and my very first online courses. They are eight week summer classes but count fully toward my goals. Until this job shuts down I plan on taking all I can online. When my place of employment goes belly up I should qualify for certain federal benefits since we are being put out of work by direct competition from overseas.

Take care,

Bob Roberts