NA looking to become an LPN

[steben2006]

okay, i just got a job at an LTAC/Nursing Home in St. Louis, MO as a CNA/NA. I'm not certified, but i'm taking the CNA classes. what i wanted to know was when i am finished with my CNA classes and pass the examination, how long do i have to wait to continue onto being an LPN, and also would the experience i gain/classes that i'm taking count towards the requirements for the MO Practical Nursing programs?

[haitianjuicyfruit]

I'm here in south florida, but it should apply to anywhere. You can go directly and apply for an LPN program even now. I was an NA before I became an lpn. The experience was great, it exposed be to new things. With the experience I gained I did well in LPN schoolM The first part of the pn program is basically na stuff.

[Midwest4me]

the cna experience is valuable but probably won't count. it will make you more aware of what you're getting into but seriously doubt credit is being given for it. you need to look into the lpn programs at colleges and ask about this. get all your prerequisite classes completed like anatomy and physiology, biology, math classes, english courses, psych classes and get high grades in these then apply. often there is quite a waiting list(months to years) to get accepted. you won't know until you ocntact various programs. best of luck to you!

[nursejoy1, ASN, RN]

I was a CNA for years before becoming an LPN and now an RN. This, in my opinion, is the best way to start your nursing career. It will probably not count toward your LPN, but will give you a wealth of knowledge and make the first semester so much easier for you. As for the wait, as far as I know, there is no requuirements for waiting in any state. You don't even "have" to be a CNA before applying. Best of luck.

[knexx]

Some states allow you to challenge the PN/VN exam with NA experience and a few classes, look up your states board to find out.