Question about LPN's & Schooling

AntFlip7395 · May 17, 2008

Hi I am 19 years old. I have successfully completed my freshman year at Ball State, with my focus on Special Education. I have decided to go with my heart, and change my major to nursing. There is a school in my area called MedTech College. It is a fully accredited nursing school and a high percentage pass the boards once complete with their studies but it is only a 15 month program for the LPN. Here is my question, it is sort of a 2 part question: Does this sound too good to be true? Like, will i really be able to learn everything to become an LPN in merely 15 months!? And...I would ultimately want to go back to school and get a higher degree while working. Does this seem like a good idea, has anyone done this and have any advice they could give me? Thanks!:nuke:

LPN programs typically range from 9 months to 2 years. Will you learn everything you need to know in 15 months? No, that comes with time and on the job training and experience. All any school will prepare you for is to pass your NCLEX test. Certainly you could go through an LPN program and then bridge over to an RN program, however, if I were 19 years old I would strongly consider applying for a BSN program since you ultimately want a higher degree. It just depends on your individual set of circumstances. I attended an LPN program 11 years ago and it took me just over 10 years to go back and graduate from an ADN program and this has held me back in accomplishing the goals I set for myself years ago. Granted, I got a lot of experience as an LPN that helped me transition fairly easily into an ICU position as an RN, but again, at your age I would encourage you to consider going straight for your RN/BSN as it would best help you in acheiving your goal.

Jules A, MSN · May 17, 2008

Hi,

I always love reading about the super bright young people like yourself. :) My LPN program was 12 months and no we didn't learn everything but they sure shoved a lot of knowledge our way in a very short time, lol. If you would like to work for a decent wage while continuing with your studies I think the LPN program is a great place to start. Wishing you the best. Jules

caliotter3 · May 17, 2008

I would also encourage you to go straight for your RN, but do not discourage you from getting your LPN first. However, if possible, please look into LPN programs at local community colleges. They are definitely cheaper and come with the benefit of offering transferable college credit. Good luck to you in your future as a nurse!

MedicalLPN, LPN · May 19, 2008

I'm 19 and have been an LPN for 1 year, it's a great path to take! I became a CNA at 16 and then went through an 18 month LPN program. As the other posters said LPN school is on average 12 months long with some programs having shorter and longer time. The advantages of becoming an LPN first are many. You can work and make decent money to help pay your way through school and gain priceless experience working as a licensed nurse. Also the rigors of LPN school will better prepare you for your RN, pathophysiology, anatomy and physiology, the nursing process, pharmacology, etc won't be as big of a bombshell to you when you bridge for your RN.

The bottom line though, all roads lead to Rome, no matter which path you choose you'll end at the same place you just have to decide which path is best for you. For me there was no I could have paid to go straight to a university or even community college to become an RN. Now I'm working on my prerequisites to bridge next summer for my RN, and paying for school by working full time. Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

studentb · May 21, 2008

Wow! Thanks so much EVERYONE who posted on this! I was trying to get well informed opinions...outside of close family and friends and that is just what i got!! I went to an information meeting though, after talking to my boyfriends step-mom who encouraged the accelerated 2 year program vs. the 15 mos LPN one just because I am young and have nothing holding me back. After going to the information meeting...I have MORE questions!!! :) haha.

Mainly just the acceptance process. In Indiana, and probably other states too, I have to take the TEAS test in order to be recommended for this program. Has anyone taken this and can let me know about the study tools that cost around $120 for everything....before i buy them? I am going to look at my library to see if they have anything helpful. But this program seems pretty competitive, which is a good thing and how they can have a 100% NCLEX pass rate for their 1st LPN class!!

Thanks so much again EVERYONE! It's good knowing that there are people willing to take time to help young people figure their life out too! There is only so much my mom, a Secretary, and my dad an engineer can help me out in my Nursing career!!

Have a great day!!

ImStillStanding · May 25, 2008

It is great that you go back while your young. When I started nursing school as an LVN in Ca. The nursing board closed down our school, after we graduated. There were 11 of the 62 students left. Our names were put on a list not to let us take any exams in any other state. (FALL 1989) But I prayed, and many church people prayed, and I found a state that let me take the test.GEORGIA. I took the test,(NCLEX-PN) and I think it took me less than an hour. I passed it. I transferred my GA license to California. I did not work as a LVN until 2002. Im 57, and will be 58 years old, and I am more determined now then I was back in 1989 to get an RN(AS) by the time I am 60 years old. I did not let anyone or anything STAND in my way. Even if earthquakes sunk the whole westcoast, I was determined to finish and ImStillStanding.