Non-immigrant in USA wants to work after LVN, LPN, or ADN course --- possible?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2006

Also, does anyone have any ideas on costs and completion time frames?

I am not knowledgeable about work visas, so I will not be able to adequately help you with that issue.

However, I can tell you about costs and completion time frames for each of the different programs. The LPN/LVN program takes 11 to 12 months if completed at a trade school, and 18 months to 2 years if completed at a community college. Trade school nursing programs tend to be much more expensive than those offered at local community colleges. Trade school LPN/LVN program completion leads to a diploma in practical or vocational nursing. Community college LPN/LVN programs lead to an associate of applied science degree in practical/vocational nursing.

Completion time of an RN program depends on several factors, such as waiting lists and prerequisite classes. Most RN programs require that you have completed classes in algebra, anatomy & physiology, chemistry, and possibly microbiology prior to even applying to the nursing program. If you have completed these needed classes, your wait to get into an RN program will be shortened. Many community college RN programs have waiting lists of 2 to 3 years long, whereas many private universities have no waiting lists. However, the community college has cheaper tuition. If your prerequisite classes are completed and there's no waiting list, you can complete an RN program in 2 to 2.5 years that will lead to an associate degree.