Pre-Nursing - Am dizzy with all the options!

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Hello!

I'm hoping someone can offer some advice as I am completely baffled by all the different nursing options available here.

I am Scottish, I'm now a resident here in CA and I want to train to become an RN.

I'm looking at LVN/LPN courses at private colleges - these seem expensive but thought it would be a good idea as I'd be able to start working after one year but I see now that this is not the case at all as LVN/LPN jobs are scarce here in SoCal.

So... Is the best thing to do (with regard to time and money)... the LPN/LVN course at private school then transfer to an RN course *OR* is it better to apply for an RN course (for example Pierce's ADN) and take all of the pre-requisite classes?

I graduated high school 1996, so I would have to complete all of the pre-req classes before joining an RN course - does anyone have any idea how long this might take? And where can I take these classes?

Also... does anyone know approximately how long a 'bridge' course LPN to RN might take and cost?

It's all very confusing for a foreigner!

Many thanks in advance for any advice offered. Lx

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It depends what you want to do...

If you really want to be an RN take your pre reqs - which should take two years - and apply for nursing programs through the universities in your area.

You'll come out with you bachelors degree and more options later down the road if you decide you want to further your education.

If you want to be an LVN ... go for it!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Go for the RN program. Allot for about 3 years to do all your prerequisites and finish the ADN program. I'm not an expert on the ADN programs. If you can do prereqs while in the program, then 2 years should do it. I'm trying for an Accelerated BSN program (which is 15 months in length) and I know you must complete the prereqs before even applying, so I had to allot about 2 years. If that's way too long for you, then do the LPN program, then go for the RN when you're ready.

New grads are having it hard everywhere, not just in South Cali.

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I would definitely go for the RN program. I currently just got accepted into an LPN program and I'm doing the bridge to an RN because I didn't have the extra college credits the school required to do the ASN program. I'm not sure how schools are out there but my program is 2 years for an LPN, then I have to work as an LPN for one year go back to school after that year and recieve my ASN after another year of schooling so mines a total of three years (four with the year of working). Depending on where you go you may be able to do your prereqs online so you can still work so you'll have the money to actually complete the program!

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LPN/LVN/PN are all the same thing and are different than an RN. The RN has a considerably wider scope of practice (meaning they are licensed to do specific things that an LPN/LVN are not licensed to do).

There is only one way to get an LPN - that is take the course for that. It varies a little bit in length depending on the school giving the course but is basically the same course. It is often mainly nursing classes with few general education classes (I think, I haven't looked into them too much).

There are two kinds of RN but both have the same scope of practice. An ADN and a BSN. The ADN is an associates degree, which means it is a two year degree (or used to be). The BSN is a bachelors degree, which means it is a four year degree.

In real life, the two year degree usually takes three years and the four year degree takes four years. So, how long it takes is one difference.

A second way of looking at them, is to look at how the courses are different. Usually, the BSN student takes everything the ADN student takes plus more non-nursing classes (like statistics in addition to algebra, two or three English classes instead of one or two, and so on). Also, the BSN student takes more credits of nursing classes... often adding management classes or more theory classes.

A third way of looking at them, is to look at how they are different in the working world. I know less about that, so better look elsewhere for information on that.

There are two paths to get an ADN: a typical ADN program and a LPN/LVN bridge. A standard ADN program requires about 30 to 35 credits of general ed classes, typically: algebra, chemistry with a lab, anatomy with a lab, physiology with a lab, microbiology with a lab, English, humanities, psychology, sociology, and human development. Sometimes nutrition, sometimes a two classes in a catagory or two, sometimes an ethics or logic class.

The LPN/LVN/PN to RN bridge programs are meant to allow the credits taken for the LPN to count toward the RN. The student takes just the classes that the LPN course didn't require. Usually, this means several general ed classes and the second year of the standard RN program. Sometimes, schools think the LPN classes are enough different that they give credit to only part of the first year.

There are three paths to get a BSN. First, a typical BSN program is where the student takes roughly two years of general ed classes and two years of nursing classs. Some schools group the general ed classes into the first two years and the nursing classes into the second two years, others mix them more.

Second, the RN-BSN bridge works similar to the LPN-RN bridge... the student takes the classes required by the BSN program that were not part of the RN program. Usually all the nursing classes taken in the first step of the path are given full credit.

Third, the Accelerated BSN program. This means different things at different schools. Usually, it means a student who holds a BA or BS degree in a non-nursing field, can get a BSN faster than usual by taking only the classes specific to nursing and taking a faster pace than is typical. This student is assumed to have taken all the general education classes in getting the first bachelor degree.

I think going for the ADN is clearly preferable to going for the LPN than bridgeing to the RN, assuming there is no difference in getting into either RN program and no opertunity to work as an LPN. It would cost less and take no longer (I couldn't find which nursing classes Pierce requires in the bridge program, but have never seen a way an LPN followed by LPN/RN bridge that was shorter than an ADN program). I have heard that it can be difficult to get into nursing programs in California but don't know how hard it is.

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Is there a community college near you where you could take care of your prereqs to try to save some money?

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Thank you so much for all of the input guys. It's really helped me.

So I have a clear idea in my head now:

Option1:

Study 1 year doing Pre Req's for ADN course

Study 2 years doing actual ADN course

*OR*

Option2:

Study 1 year as LVN

Can work (in theory) and study for bridge course at same time

Study 1 year in 2nd year of ADN course

That's great. Things seem to make more sense. I'm going to go with option 2.

Time for me to look at the financial consequences of my decision now!

Although the LVN course will add a chunk to my debt situation, I think the short(er) term return i.e. having a license to work after a year is an excellent incentive.

Thanks again, so much, you guys are great.

Lx

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From the school of my choice, there is an estimated $10,000 difference in tuition between LPN and RN. I also considered getting into the LPN program which is 12 months long. However, for the RN program, it only will take 15 months. So the difference between RN and LVN for me was the $10K, and the 3 more months it would take me to get my RN.

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@ patientlywaitinagain: Oh wow! That's great. Which school is it, if you don't mind me asking? Lx

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@ patientlywaitinagain: Oh wow! That's great. Which school is it, if you don't mind me asking? Lx

I need to correct my previous post. The difference is roughly $13K, not $10K. I am looking at the tuition and fees for 2010 as I am typing this. The school name is Concorde Career Institute.

Although I am reading negative posts about career colleges, it has not stopped me from pursuing this route. The only time I would re-consider is if I find significant and bonafide complaints from actual RN grads of this school.

If you need anymore information, let me know. I have passed the tests necessary to get in. I am working on my financial aid and grant now. So I am technically not fully enrolled yet.

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Hi patientlywaitinagain. The RN course at private college would be the ideal option! I did some research after I read your message, seems none of the private colleges out here (near me at least) offer the RN course only LVN/LPN.

Thanks so much for the offer of more info if needed - I will no doubt take you up on that at some stage. (Focusing on getting my CA State Driving Permit/ License right now then back onto nursing again)... Good luck and thanks again! Lx

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What kind of nursing do you want to do? Keep in mind most hospitals are trending toward giving hiring preference to people holding a BSN. If you want to do LTC or home health care, an LVN would suit you. I've worked in acute care settings in California for several years and don't remember seeing many LVNs. They almost all have a BSN or ADN.

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