gpc_412

I know this is late, but it depends on the OTA Program. I am still in the process of going into either nursing or occupational therapy and currently getting my CNA and working in the heath care field that would work with either profession. I don't think OTAs need the same Critical Thinking level as an LPN or RN. Although they are extremely helpful, they usually have a plan with a patient and continually track progress of the patient. If you decide to become an OT, you would need something closer to an LPN or Rn. An LPN can work in a number of setting and have to deal with more direct care that can vary from day to day or workplace to workplace, while a COTA would work in a number of different types of REHAB or mental care facilities. So to answer your question(s), they would both need to utilize Critical Thinking but an LPN would need to have a great spectrum as they have a more varied profession. This is what I have accessed from working with both LPNs and COTA/OTs.

Thank you for the quick response. I would like to work as a Nurse Practitioner as my final goal in Nursing but I do not have the opportunity of going to school full time for 6 consecutive years, I will need to work for a year or two with breaks from school because my wife would like to have children in the next couple of years. I do like orthopedic/ rehab care the best because my father worked in the field as a podiatrist and I have a lot of familiarity with it and it seems to be a versatile field. But as for an RN, I would prefer to work in a hospital/rehab setting rather than a Nursing home. But, I do not mind working in a Nursing or other setting if I became an LPN. I just did not know if it makes academic sense to get an LPN or if I should just wait it out and get a 2 year RN. Thank you very much. I look forward to utilizing this forum very often.

I am currently getting my CNA in Pennsylvania at a local Community College. They offer an RN (ADN) program, but the next available program is in Fall of 2015. They also offer an LPN program that beings in January of 2015. I am married and in my early 30's and spent a decade in retail, so I would like to make a practical decision for someone in my position. Should I just work as a CNA for a year and then work on my prerequisites and gear towards the ADN program or should I try to get into the LPN program? I would like to get a BSN and not just the ADN, so should I become an LPN and work towards the four year degree, or should I just wait it out, work for 6 months and get an ADN? Thanks for reading!