Opinions please

caliotter3 · Mar 17, 2008

Have you also investigated all of the RN programs that are nearby? I would say that the biggest factor in making this determination if you want to work as an LPN, is the availability of LPN jobs. If it will be near to impossible to find an LPN job, then you might want to consider going straight for the RN. But another factor is the competition to get into RN programs. Many people go the LPN route as a way to get a heads up on getting into an RN program (or because it is a requirement of the RN program) and may or may not be worried about working as an LPN while they wait to get into an RN program. At any rate, if you want to go the LPN route I highly suggest that you attend a community college course or a course that is provided by a regional occupational center rather than paying all the money that the proprietary schools charge. If you can afford that kind of money, you should be spending it on an RN program IMHO. Good luck. Also, while it seems like a good idea to climb the ladder, you will find that because of the limitations in jobs for LPNs, there is really not that much of an advantage as a new graduate. Newly graduated RNs normally have an easier time finding work than newly graduated LPNs. Once on the job, both find that getting the hang of things goes pretty much the same at first. Only difference, RN is being paid more.

2ndcareerchange · Mar 19, 2008

I want to go this route as well. (LPN to RN). I looked into the private schools and they were too much money. I am thinking about the state voc schools for Lpn or going to one of the New York state tech schools... (they are only 10 months long) My hinderance is gas, time traveling and extra expense. The NY schools are still cheaper than Lincoln tech, but because the hours of teaching are different I would have to work in NY for 420 hours before I could get licensed in CT. But like i said, 10 months vs. 18 months in CT. Would love to hear from someone who took this route.

Gina

LPNEMSCT · Mar 20, 2008

Hi,

I am in the process of taking this route, I will be graduating from one of the state programs in June. The program cost about $5,000 compared to $31,000 at Lincoln Tech. I still have to take a few pre-requisites so I am going to start doing that in the summer and apply to a RN program next year. There are many opportunities for LPN's in LTC and in assisted living facilities, some hospitals also hire LPN'S like Yale in their clinic and Stamfrod Hospital so you will be able to work and make pretty good money while you continue your education. Most LTC's start anywhere from $22-28/hr and if you worlk for an agency it's a little hire but you don;t have benefits. If you are interested in the state programs, the next class starts in August the website is http://www.cttech.org/lpn/index.htm. Also the program is 18 months but you have the summer off and many holidays off during the year, the program runs under the highschool calendar which is a plus especially when you have kids.

Good luck:up:

Erika

2ndcareerchange · Mar 20, 2008

Ana,

which school did you go too? I am applying to Kaynor in Waterbury. I took the NET on Monday, but would love to hear your experience. What were your NET scores, and how are the classes? I am sooo tempted by the NY schools because of the time, (10 months) but at the same time afraid of the neckbreaking speed (10 months!). Do you have children in the school system? i have two, one going to 9th and they other one going to 11th, so it would be good to be in school on the same schedule, same snow days, etc... but its just how am I going to survive for 18 months without a paycheck....

Just some thoughts I need to sort out....

G

LPNEMSCT · Mar 30, 2008

I go to Bullard Havens in Bridgeport. I got a 56 out of 60 on the math and a 28 out of 33 on the reading portion of the NET. I'm not too sure how much they base your scores on admission though because I know a few peope that took the test twice. I do have a daughter, she is in the first grade and it's great not to have to get a babysitterwhen there isn't any school. Several of the people still work while in the program with no complaints. The work isn't hard at all, it's all about time management. Good Luck

JillFRN · Mar 30, 2008

Erika,

Do you know if the LPN is as competitive to get into as the RN? Any details would be helpful! :nuke:

dofnj · Apr 23, 2008

I attend Prism Career Institute in Cherry Hill. I am in the PN3 group. They have loans and grants. It is a great program. I will be graduating in October. If you have a reference from someone in the program you can get bumped up on the list to get in sooner also. If you would like to use me as a reference thats fine. my name is donna steidle and i am in pn3. Just email if you have any questions.

2ndcareerchange · May 27, 2008

Well the deadline for getting your application in is the end of the week for the STATE LPN schools, and I still have not sent it in. I am taking Eng 101, preAlgebra, A&P I online thru Clovis Community College in New Mexico. The price will stun you.... 11 credits for $570.00!! Today I am going to fill out and complete the application and see if I can get accepted to either kaynor or goodwin, maybe even Bullard Haven. My plan B is to continue taking the prereqs at Clovis and apply for Nursing school in Fall 2009 somewhere here in CT. Hows everyone else's journey??

G