how is my plan?

go for your CNA, thats what I am doing and its an 8 wk program and you get paid higher than min. wage (which may hurt you but I dont care what I make)

i have my pharm tech too but its kinda a boring job

just my opinion

While you may be able to complete pre-requisite courses on-line, you will have to attend an LPN program on site.

Before getting too set in your plans, I would strongly encourage you to research programs in your area and decide where you would like to attend.

Good luck!

I loved my job as a pharmacy Tech, but I got paid less then I did when I was a cashier at Taco Bell However made a much better pay rate as a CNA. Other choices would be a unit secretary, or receptionist at a hospital.

My sister-in-law is a patient care tech (I believe that's her job title) at a major children's hospital in Indianapolis, and she loves it! She has benefits and works 9-5 with no weekends, and I think makes around $14 an hour. She changes bed linens, brings patients food and beverages, and otherwise assists the nursing staff.

And like the previous poster said, you may be able to take some of your pre-reqs online at your community college, but chances are your nursing classes will be in-person.

I don't know of any kinds of certifications that you can get online, but if you're interested in a job in the healthcare field I would recommend contacting your local WorkOne office, I've seen multiple people suggest that on here. They should be able to provide you with a list of local agencies that offer CNA training, and may be able to give you some financial aid information.

in all honesty, pharmacy tech is little more then slightly advanced customer service. A certificate in that is not going to make you much more money unless you are planing on staying in the field for the long haul, and you will waste your time, money and energy on it if you are not planing on sticking with it.

LPN you cant do online. But program is usually only one year.

But in all honesty, if your end goal is to be an RN, you are better going straight for it and not making pit stops at LPN or any certificate that will be useless to you as a Nurse. nursing school can not be done online. Most places its a 2 year program. Some places have expediated 18 month programs if you get your non nursing classes out of the way first (so more time before, but many of those classes CAN be taken on line)

Then if you want your BSN THAT you can work towards online while you work as an RN.

thanks guys...Just when I think i have my plan mapped out...BOOMMM....it changes

Here is what I was TOLD...(ya know how THAT can happen)

CNA would be an unwise choice as it invloves too much "yucky" jobs that the nurses dont want to do(i;e changing gross adult diapers...changing bed linens with patients in them...mopping up throw up etc)

i would get paid FAR less and it would take longer to be a CNA vs Pharm tech

IDK...this is just what I was told

Yhe reason for the stop gaps is I have to work as i do school...HAVE TO,,,

Im 42 and stepping im much later than some

The LPN idea was something for me to get a good job in the next year,,year and a half and THAT could help pay for my RN classes...I for sure CANNOT not work and cannot afford school on my current salary at all

I am not at all dissagreeing with what anyone here said...just adding why i had chosen what I did

Thank you sooo much for helping me out.You have no idea how much it means to me

I would certainly think about getting your CNA. It is a short course (about a month) and my class only cost $500.00. If you want to be a nurse you will see what nursing is about as a CNA as you work in close contact with them. I work in a hospital NOT a nursing home so don't have "adult diapers" to deal with. The pace is extremely hectic; I work 12 hour shifts but only 2 days a week; make $12.81 an hour. I am older than you and am self-supporting. I do work another job too. I'm working on my final prerequisite (Chemistry) and am in the process of applying for my BSN. I already have a BA and an MA but in a totally different field.

I wouldn't bother getting an LPN license; they don't even use them where I work.

I would certainly think about getting your CNA. It is a short course (about a month) and my class only cost $500.00. If you want to be a nurse you will see what nursing is about as a CNA as you work in close contact with them. I work in a hospital NOT a nursing home so don't have "adult diapers" to deal with. The pace is extremely hectic; I work 12 hour shifts but only 2 days a week; make $12.81 an hour. I am older than you and am self-supporting. I do work another job too. I'm working on my final prerequisite (Chemistry) and am in the process of applying for my BSN. I already have a BA and an MA but in a totally different field.

I wouldn't bother getting an LPN license; they don't even use them where I work.

this is where once again i was given mis information.I was told CNA would be around a year,,,anc since LPN was a year....why bother?

grrr...lol

im so happy i came here to clear it all up,It was put to me as poop job and that was kinda ucky to me(yeah,,dont judge,,,i know its part of it,,and i can tolerate it..but if you could have heard the stories I was told,,,blech)

Im in NC if thats a diffference at all...may i ask where you did CNA in a month?you can PM me if its private,,,thanks

CNA programs generally last about a month. Some nursing homes offer the training at no cost to you in exchange for a work commitment upon graduation. But I caution you to research these facilities very carefully. Nursing homes vary tremendously in the quality of care they deliver and the way they treat employees.

CNA programs are also offered thru community colleges and some proprietary schools, with a cost for tuition, books and other supplies.

I applaud you for researching your options, especially given your need to work during your schooling. Please consider making an appointment with an advisor at a local community college or vocational school. They offer this service for free to prospective students and can give you solid, reputable information on the classes you need to take, the cost and the time involved.

Good luck!

CNA programs generally last about a month. Some nursing homes offer the training at no cost to you in exchange for a work commitment upon graduation. But I caution you to research these facilities very carefully. Nursing homes vary tremendously in the quality of care they deliver and the way they treat employees.

CNA programs are also offered thru community colleges and some proprietary schools, with a cost for tuition, books and other supplies.

I applaud you for researching your options, especially given your need to work during your schooling. Please consider making an appointment with an advisor at a local community college or vocational school. They offer this service for free to prospective students and can give you solid, reputable information on the classes you need to take, the cost and the time involved.

Good luck!

thanks!!!!i hadnt even thought of talking with the folks at my local community college...thats a great idea

I dont know why the heck i thought CNA was like a year

i just found a person near me that offers homestudy pharm tech and CNA in like day(CNA is the day one)i am scared though i will be wasting my money...Employers may laugh at me for it

and I dont want to sound harsh... but nursing home is not ideal for me.I will do it...but would prefer hospital or docs office.I am NOT above it whatsoever and would be thrilled with any job...I just know i would be happier NOT with elder care.I sound mean i know,,,,but im really not