Need Advice should i start my RN preqs while getting LPN

AlleycatLady, BSN, MSN, NP · Jun 14, 2016

If I were you, I'd check to see if the LPN to RN program requires you to have a year of experience. If it does, then you can take those classes during that year instead of trying to do too much.

lindseylpn · Jun 14, 2016

Do you mean doing your RN prerequisites WHILE in school for your LPN?? Unless you are going to an extremely part time program I honestly don't see how you'd have time. Most LPN programs are around 40 hours a week. Also, adding in extra classes could affect your grades in your LPN program. Focus on getting thru your LPN program first. A few people started their RN prerequisites while on the wait list for my LPN program. Most of the time though you have to work as an LPN for a year before transitioning so, people will work and take the prerequisite classes then as the previous poster said.

Cocoaaa · Jun 17, 2016

Why would you bother with a year long LPN program if you'll be in college pursuing your RN? The LPN program will just put you in extra debt, and by the time you finish you'd be close to getting your RN anyway if you're going the associates route. Honestly just do RN if that's what you want to pursue. You won't have time for LPN and RN anyway, the LPN programs are very intense and you'll be studying every night

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2016

I wouldn't suggest it. My LPN program was Monday thru Friday 8 hours per day. No traditional breaks like colleges (Winter, Spring, Summer etc). I was constantly studying for at least 1 test per week but usually it was 2 tests per week. There is no way I could have done my LPN program and added in college classes. Granted I wasn't a 'traditional' student as I was older had 2 children in school and a full time job, but even without all the 'extra' in my life..adding in another class or two I had to study for would have been the end.

You run the risk of jeapordizing your grades in your LPN program at the very least. And you could also bomb your 'extra' classes you are taking. Not work it in my opinion.

I took the long (and more expensive route). I did LPN then RN then BSN. I did LPN first because it was much easier to get into the LPN program than it was the RN program. Also, in my area, LPN's have an easier time getting into the RN program b/c we enter in the 2nd year of a 2 year program. By that time many seats open up due to people dropping out of the RN program or failing out.

During my LPN to RN program I did take classes that would be used for my BSN. But that was only because they were taken during my breaks in my RN program (we had 4/6/8 week classes during the winter and summer breaks.)

LPNTOBE2017 · Jul 12, 2016

Yes definitely

WCSU1987 · Jul 20, 2016

Why would you bother with a year long LPN program if you'll be in college pursuing your RN? The LPN program will just put you in extra debt, and by the time you finish you'd be close to getting your RN anyway if you're going the associates route. Honestly just do RN if that's what you want to pursue. You won't have time for LPN and RN anyway, the LPN programs are very intense and you'll be studying every night

I don't know I am considering the LPN route. It's maybe only $10K to $12K for 18 months. Then I might look into the possibility of doing an online lpn to bsn or a brick and motar bsn program. It'll still cost the same about $50K total. If I did the ADN I probably do a RN to BSN or RN to MSN program.

Our state is transitioning away from using nurse's with associates. By 2020 my hospital will only hire BSN nurse's for inpatient care and LPNs for outpatient care.

A friend works in corrections as an LPN making $80K a year and has a free ride on education due to state benefits.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Jul 21, 2016

My LPN program cost $4000 and I have no extra debt. To answer your question I would say to focus on LVN school. During school, I suggest to sign up for a nursing organization and befriend your clinical instructors for letter of recommendations for future jobs. Organize how to study and manage your time because nursing school involves a lot of "outside" studying. Stay ahead and try to only ask questions to your professor. Your professor creates the exams.

Focus on the prize :)