Option 1 or Option 2?

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I am a 40 year old looking to do a career change to nursing. I have my masters in education but no science/health background. Hoping to get some answers. I am looking at a community college in Houston but open to other areas.

-option1: 1 year prereq, 12 month lvn, work for 6 months, bridge to adn (18 months). Eventually maybe do an accelerated BSN but this would be a long term goal

-option 2: 1 year preq (maybe 1.5 years, not sure yet), 18 month adn program option 2 seems to be better but I keep hearing about how competitive ADN programs are and how only very few applicants are accepted. I'm not sure how true this is yet.

The class load also seems like a lot so I wonder if I'm being realistic in being able to tackle all of this. I will not be working but have kids/husband but I feel like I can do this.

My initial plan was option 1 but I hear lvn to adn bridge is even more competitive than option 2. However, my cc does say they give preference to lvn graduates from their school even though only a few are accepted each time. I'm confused - trying to see the best route. I don't really want to work as an LVN, I would only take it as a stepping stone to get my feet wet.

But I wonder if I'm also wasting time if I'm just going to taking similar classes in LVN and ADN. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you 🙂

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

It sounds like you've thought through your options, and it's great that you're carefully approaching your nursing career path.

Here are my thoughts as an RN who started as an LVN, bridged to ADN, pursued a BSN, and then an MSN.

Overall, the LVN to RN path is less straightforward and more suitable for someone who needs to enter the workforce and start making money immediately. 

ADN programs are indeed competitive, and the coursework is rigorous. However, I would not go down the rabbit hole of trying to predict (guess?) which program may or may not be more competitive.

If you want an RN, go with the ADN path, not the LVN path.

Lastly, getting your BSN is one of the most important things for your career, job satisfaction, and job security. I recommend pursuing your accelerated BSN sooner rather than later.

Very best wishes in your choice,

Nurse Beth

 

 

 

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