NLB32

I'm completing and applying to both KCKCC and Donnelly's LPN programs that start Spring 2016. I like that Donnelly is only 3 nights a week and alternating weekends for clinical; works well with my husband's schedule. I don't know anyone personally who has attended though, and I would love some firsthand info on the school, program, etc.!

I know this thread is years old, but I am hoping someone who has experience with USM can shed some light. I am currently working on pre-reqs and planning on applying to the accelerated program for Summer 2016. I would prefer the traditional track but the $25k/year is a bit much for me! However, the accelerated program honestly intimidates the heck out of me, also. Just looking for anyone who has experience with any of the nursing programs at USM. Thank you!!

Thanks for the reply. I see myself working in an outpatient clinic or physician's office, ideally. Pediatrics possibly. We are also a military family and I often see positions for LPNs at the military hospitals and VA medical centers. Of course there are RN jobs as well but I don't think as an LPN, I wouldn't be able to find a job. I don't see myself in the ER and I don't desire LTC.

Please feel free to move this if it's in the wrong category. I'm looking for some advice and/or opinions. I have a bachelors degree and two semesters to complete pre-reqs before applying to these programs. There is an accelerated BSN program at a private university very close to me; 12 months. Then there is a LPN program, a bit further away - also one year. I'm sure a lot of people would think, for the same amount of time, why not do the ABSN? I am very fortunate that my husbands career provides an income we can live off of so I don't have to work now, or during either of these programs. Obviously, the BSN is going to give me just that, and if start with the LPN eventually, I will need to go back to school again...and I don't know how long I want to keep going back to school. But, I'm not sure I want to be a BSN. I'm very interested in nursing, but I think starting as a LPN might be better for me to see if it's something I am really interested in. I'm intimidated by the accelerated program and afraid I will get swallowed up in the clinical portion. If I get through LPN school and actually really enjoy the majority of my work, I "think" I would be more interested in becoming a PA than a BSN/MSN/NP. And, if not, then I could do a bridge program. But all of those options will take more time. ABSN program is much more expensive than the LPN program, but I would likely make more money after graduating (and I still have loans from my first bachelors). Anyone else have a degree and choose to start LPN instead of a second bachelors? I can't be the only one considering this..?! Part of the appeal for me with the accelerated program is that it's mainly all mid-career changers and I would feel similar to that, but if I'm honest with myself the accelerated program makes me feel extremely nervous and the LPN program a bit more doable. Would greatly appreciate any advice.

This is so encouraging, thank you!!! And congrats to you, how exciting :-)

I'm looking for advice on how everyone best stayed organized during the program. Although I have a bachelors degree, I've been out of school for a while and now as a mother, have multiple things to juggle. I'm nervous about staying organized and on top of everything during the LPN program. I'd love to hear some specific advice on what worked/what didn't! Did you have separate binders for each class? Cornell styled notes? I'll take anything! Would like to be as prepared as possible so I don't get lost and/or behind on anything. Thanks!

This is exactly how I feel. Although I already have a bachelors degree (non-healthcare), I am applying to an LPN program this fall. My reasons: 1) My husband is active duty Army and we are moving in a year and a half, so I can complete it before we leave. 2) I want to ease into healthcare, see what I like/dislike, and not overwhelm myself with an ABSN program (I also have a child to care for). 3) I'm not ready for all of the responsibilities that comes along with being an RN. Maybe someday I will be, but I feel more confident starting this journey as an LPN and seeing where I want to go. I don't feel limited because I can always to a bridge program and know that I already have all of my gen eds complete. 4) If for some reason I couldn't get into an RN program, or couldn't get through it, I can always continue to work as an LPN. We are fortunate that my income isn't necessary, so I can accept a lower salary as a jumping off point. I have more confidence starting out this way, so for me it is absolutely not a waste of time or money (local CC has a good program and very cost effective).

Excellent. How many classes do you take at once? Are all of the classes on the 16 week semester or are they broken up into eight weeks?

Great advice, thank you! Does the school offer any type(s) of financial aid for the certificate program? I am currently paying out of pocket for the few pre-reqs, so I haven't spoken to anyone yet regarding that.

Also, the program begins in the fall and goes until when? Thanks again!

How is the program going for you? I just looked, Dr. Smith isn't teaching A&P this summer unfortunately. I may end up taking it online because it's not going to be offered at the Leavenworth Center. Are all of the nursing classes in KCK?

That's fantastic, thanks!!

Hey! Congrats on getting accepted. I'm planning on applying to the Fall 2015 LPN program. Do you know if I can apply while still working on pre-reqs? I have a bachelor's degree but need spring and summer to finish up Human Development and A&P. I really want to apply for the fall start, but not sure if I can do that.

I know this is an old thread, but can anyone tell me if I can apply to the LPN program at KCKCC while still working on pre-reqs? I have a previous bachelors degree but need spring and summer semesters to finish up pre-reqs, but really want to apply for a fall start. I'm waiting to hear back from the Program Director and/or advising but it's Christmas break so it'd be great if I could get some info here first.

Thanks everyone, this is what I suspected and I appreciate the confirmation. I'm not sure the ABSN is for me, but I could do a two-year program and go for the BSN over the ADN. Probably much better in the long run. I may even start with the LPN program; we only have a year left here (moving again for the military), and I could get that done.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership (business management). If I went the ADN route, would it really get me into the field any sooner? A traditional BSN would take 2 years also because I have all of the gen ed requirements. If I have one BS in Management and an ADN, would I be competitive against BSN grads? I feel like I have the 2 years of general education, 2 years of business management and then 2 years of core nursing. Just looking for opinions - what would you do in this situation? There is an ADN program near me that requires less pre-reqs than the BSN programs do so I could likely start sooner, then maybe finish up my BSN online down the road. If I go for a BSN, I wouldn't be able to start until Summer/Fall 2016.

I absolutely agree. Everyone needs to do their due diligence and check that the program they are applying to accepts all of their pre-reqs, online or not.

So I took a longer look at the traditional track with USM. I'll be honest, I hadn't downloaded the program outline as I have been focused on the accelerated requirements...but I see what you're saying. Looks like all of the gen ends and pre-reqs are the first two years, so if we have those satisfied, then it would just be the junior and senior years nursing core classes that we would need, right? I may explore that option as I too am a little apprehensive about the rigors of the ABSN, with a young child at home and the likelihood that my husband will take an unaccompanied tour out of the country at some point while I am back in school. Lots to think about.

I'm currently taking pre-reqs through Kansas City Community College and they offer most, if not all of the sciences online, with labs. I'm sure they have stats and Algebra as well.

Oh and also, another concern I had was that the pre-reqs for the traditional track differ from the accelerated, so there would be some additional classes I would have to take.

Great to know, thanks! I've actually been talking to Emily, the Program Coordinator this morning. She looked at what I plan on taking through KCKCC and said everything will transfer fine. I did ask her though, about the traditional track, how long it would take someone who already has a bachelors, and here's what she said: The TR takes everyone the same amount of time regardless of whether they already have a degree or not. It may take students differing amounts of time to complete the pre-reqs, but once in the program, everyone takes the same courses in the four semester sequence. Does that make sense? So I interpreted that as it would take the 4 years, just without the pre-reqs, but that the nursing courses are only offered in sequence, so it wouldn't be able to be completed in 2 years. What do you think? I was hoping that the traditional track would be doable in 2 years for me, also, but now I'm not sure. I too looked at other surrounded BSN programs but I can't do a 45+ minute commute every day, and couldn't imagine doing that for an ABSN. USM is expensive, but I think it's the best option if I can get in :-) That's really great to hear about KCKCC. I'm registering for Anatomy + Lab and Human Development for this Spring. Taking one online and the other in Leavenworth. It is so convenient. I did look at doing USM's pre-nursing program, but I can't swallow the $13k it would cost for pre-reqs alone. Paying out of pocket for classes at KCKCC can't be beat. I'd love to connect with you outside of the forums. I can't send PMs yet but feel free to email me at [email protected]. It'd be really nice to know someone who is headed in the same direction.

Hi Rockysocks, I know you posted this several months ago but I'm wondering what you decided to do? We moved to FTLV a few months ago and I am in a similar boat - bachelors in business with a 3.53, looking to fulfill the science pre-reqs and apply to USM's ABSN and their traditional program. I know it is competitive and they have few slots, but it seems like a great program and the location cannot be beat. It is pricey but I will be using my husband's GI Bill. I'd love to connect with you if you're still working towards nursing school.