21 months for LPN

krazy_coconuts · Jul 2, 2008

I think it depends on your situation.

I would say if you're going to school for nearly 2 years, get an RN.

If weekend school is the only option for you (because of work, family) then go for the LPN.

prettygirl1203 · Jul 2, 2008

Thanks for responding.... I am 26 years old and I have 3 children...Im currently working for the state as a clerk and they dont offer part time positions so i would have to attend school on the weekend for lpn or take class at a community college for RN.. i know its going to take about 3 years before i finish the RN program..

The job that i have right now is pretty cool but not enough money..it's just enough to keep a roof over our heads an pay the car...no extra money for n/e thing

agldragonRN · Jul 2, 2008

i am currently living in san antonio, tx and im looking for a lpn program..texas careers is offering weekend classes for 21 months..do u think thats to long to attend school for lpn?? should i just go to a community college for rn??? any advice would help.. thanks

i don't think 21 months for a weekend lpn program is long. my lpn program was 15-month long monday to friday (8-3:30 pm). plus you only go two times a week that is why it seems longer.

do they have the same rn weekend program because you said you have to work full-time?

i don't know about your area, but here in new jersey, the wait is 3+ years plus 2 years pre-reqs for the associate rn program. so that is a very long time.

do research your option and i wish you success in your decision.

angel

prettygirl1203 · Jul 2, 2008

hi AGLDRAGON

Thanks....Do you think that 22,000 is to much for the LPN program?

navvet · Jul 2, 2008

Yes, to me 22K seems an awful lot for an LPN - C/C's offer most

programs for $3k-$5k here in NC (not sure where you are from) Think about it this way, most LPN programs are 3 semesters or year and four mths. A four year college degree is roughly 40k +/- . Sooooo, 22K in a private college would be basically an Associates Degree.

akanini, MSN, RN · Jul 3, 2008

21 months is kind of long. Mine is M-F from 8-1pm for 11.5 months. Can you take the prereqs and then get into the RN program or find a shorter LVN program?

kstec, LPN · Jul 3, 2008

I think that 21 months is a long time even if on weekends, mostly because continuity is a biggie when trying to retain information. If you have a week break in between classes you may forget something, have questions, etc. As far as the cost, 22,000 is way to much. I paid appx. 4 to 5 thousand for pre-reqs (appx 8 classes) and 11 months of schooling full time. If you can get financial aid, then go for it, if it's all out of your pocket or you have to take out a loan and you have 3 childrent to support, I don't know that that would be the best choice for you in the long run. LPN's can make decent money, but to pay back alot of loans would not be a good fresh start out of shool. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you chose. Being a mother of three is hard enough much less trying to figure out a way to work, go to school, be a mom and everything else under the sun. I started my pre-reqs when I was 26 with two kids and it took me until I was 34 to get my LPN. Why because I did my pre-reqs one class at a time with an ocassional semester off and then when my youngest went into all day kindergarten I went to school full time. Sorry so long, but wanted to give some advice from experience and send some positive energy your way to let you know anything is possible in time.

asoonernurse · Jul 3, 2008

I am currently living in San Antonio, TX and im looking for a LPN program..Texas Careers is offering weekend classes for 21 months..Do u think thats to long to attend school for LPN?? should i just go to a community college for RN??? any advice would help.. Thanks

I went to an 11 month LVN/LPN course here in California, but only because everyone in the state (or so it seems) is trying to get into the (few) RN schools we have avalable, thus creating waiting lists "years long..."

I'll work as an LVN/LPN for a year, then try to do an LVN-to-RN step up program.

I agree with krazy_coconuts, though. Do what works for YOU, in the time that it works for you.

Good Luck,

Michael

prettygirl1203 · Jul 3, 2008

Thanks for the advice.. I'll do a little more research to see about night classes...I think everything here in San Antonio is about 12month r longer...I know im going to miss my kids but i guess i just have to do it.. did any of you work during the program?

lpnornot · Jul 4, 2008

My RN program was very intense after the prereq were done. It was mandatory fulltime and they highly recommneded you not work at the same time. With 3 kids too, it will be hard to even work PT. It was to much for me even though I wasn't working. But I'm single wiht 3 kids.

Private colleges are more expensive.

check put an LPN course at Comm College. Mine has evenings and weekends 4 days a week for one year afte prereqs. prereqs might just be 20 credits. Not sure I did prereqs for RNThe prereqs you can do part time

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 5, 2008

That seems about right for a weekend program. I do think that 22k is a bit much, but that seems to be the norm for private schools. However, to have three children to care for and spending that much, it would give me even more determination to make it work, do or die. See if you can apply for financial aid. Not sure about your area, but in my neck of the world, RN programs are basically full time, day programs. Pre-requisites are offered on nights and weekends, but the core nursing classes are during the day. There are a few evening RN programs, but they will be 4 days a week. And, the candidate has a better chance with a GPA of at least 3.7 and above because they are so competitive with few seats at community colleges. Private schools are a bit better, but again, are expensive.

I say to check out all of the nursing programs in your area for both, LPN and RN, see the costs, what pre-requisites have to be taken and the lowest GPAs that make you competitive enough to be considered. And, of course, the best of luck to you!