21 months for LPN

labvampire · Jul 5, 2008

22,000 is too much. If weekend classes work for you do it. Mine was 9 months long, class M-F, two clinicals a week. A week stretch is kind of long, it was difficult enough to keep it together repetitively 5 days a week, but that's what helps retain it in memory, repetition. Whatever works for you. It's difficult to juggle classes and work. There is alot of paperwork involved in nursing. I studied and did paperwork 5-8 hrs a day during class. I was very lucky, I didn't have to work my husband took up the slack so I could finish. I don't know how people work and go through a nursing program, my hat is off to them, I am not worthy!! My nursing program was approx 2500.00, but books were cashy and uniforms were cashy. I went to a community college ICC, but it is the toughest program around central Illinois. Just do what you need to do!!

MsAtoZ · Jul 5, 2008

Yes, LPN programs at C/C's are cheaper but the waiting list is as long as the RN program here in the Charlotte, NC area. I tried that route and it was crazy. I guess because of the demand. You have to finish your pre-req's Jan 1 of the year you are starting. They only admit once a year in fall. You have to attend a mandatory information session the year before you plan to attend. It was just too much. So that meant me trying to apply with all my prereq's completed for next year still isn't enough because I missed the mandatory info session in June. It's crazy.

I figure like kstec said if you can get Fin Aid to pay for it then it doesn't matter the cost. Now, if it's coming out of your pocket or getting personal loans. You might want to try another avenue. My program is 25K which I think is ridiculous but I am getting Fin Aid and will only pay $1,000 out of pocket for a 11.5 month program. I attended UNC at Charlotte this summer and paid $6,680(out-of-state tuition) for three classes. So I figure I have one more year to pay out-of-state tuition might as well pay it and be done with a program.

You just have to figure out what works best for your situation. As well as plan for how you will work in studying if you attend a night class after a full day at work.

CanuckStudent · Jul 5, 2008

I think this is about right for "weekend only" classes, but then again I am in Canada. Most provinces here require that new LPNs entering the field have a diploma (2 years), or about 16-18 months FT (4 semesters). Our neighboring province to the East (Manitoba) has a 2 year (24 consecutive month) RN program. Provinces that accept certificate LPNs usually require that they have a 15 month program.

LPNs in my province make $24-$26 per hour.

It's up to you what you want to do. If ONLY weekend classes are offered, 21 months really isn't that long, BUT I would try to take some time off work and do a part time program (evenings AND weekends) at the very least so you can get done sooner. I would also look into online programs, where you can work from home, only going to class for clinical and labs. If you want to eventually get your BscN or RN, most universities and colleges offer PT programs.

Good luck!

Graduate2010, BSN · Jul 6, 2008

Hello everyone! I'm reading the thread and hoping that my 18mths is long enough, Acutally 18 mths is pretty descent. I'm going 4 days a week at ngiht from 5-10pm. The cost is alittle over $8000. Anything over that is a waste. I'm happy with my choice. You really have to do research to find the right school to attend but when you finallly find the right school you'll know. Now I'm counting down, I wish you all luck with school! Start date September 2nd.

LPN'S ARE NUMBER :nmbrn:

:flwrhrts:

Stephanie

(soon to be LPN)

MsAtoZ · Jul 8, 2008

Just another quick note. ECPI tuition includes all books, uniforms, 3-day third party exam-prep, and boards.

midcom · Jul 9, 2008

$22,000 seems like a lot of money but it is probably a private school, not a state school & that makes all the difference as far as costs go.

I paid $18,000 for an 11 month LPN program. I looked at it this way. That school had no waiting list so I could start immediately or I could wait 18 months to go to a community college & then go to school for 15 months but pay less than half what I was paying at the private college. I would be able to work as a nurse almost 2 years earlier by going to the private college but paying more. The difference in wages earned would more than make up the difference in tuition. It pays for itself in just a short time.

You asked if 21 months is too long but I suspect it's that long because it's just weekends instead of 4-5 days a week. In that case, I don't think it's too long at all. I honestly doubt if you will find a weekend RN program without a long waiting list & if you do,it won't be one that you can finish in 3 years or less. With prereqs, it usually takes 3 years full time.

Dixie