Rejected by RN Programs- Should I Take the LPN Program?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

After receiving my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Philosophy, I realized that there weren't many jobs I could do with that degree in a related field (I wanted to work in clinical field). I worked in the human services field for mentally disabled (and some physically disabled as well) people for 4 years and in the meanwhile, I took some pre-requisite courses to enter an accelerated BSN program.

I tried two schools last year and got rejected by both. I'm re-taking two classes on-line that I did not get great grades in, of course, I cannot fix my undergrad GPA, which is barely 3.0. I will then be applying to more schools this year, which will start next summer/fall. During this time, I actually applied to 10-month LPN program in local community college and got accepted, and they've been calling me and asking me to come in and try even after I missed all mandatory orientation and registration period. My goal is to be a RN.

Should I take the opportunity to go through LPN program in case I don't get into ABSN this time, and maybe find other (and slower) ways to become RN, or should I just focus on getting into ABSN now and try to start it next year? I'm just tempted to take LPN just because I'm not confident enough that I will get accepted by those competitive programs.

Dear Tempted,

It might not be a bad idea to take the position in the LPN program. It gives you the advantage of immediacy. You've had 2 rejections, and now you have been offered an opportunity.

It's community college, so the tuition is low. It could be a way to get started in nursing while you find your path to becoming an RN.

Best wishes in your decision,

Nurse Beth
Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Yes, you should take it. You can go back to school in an LPN to RN program afterward and with proven higher grades when you apply.

[caliotter3]

Sometimes it can be easier to get a job as an LPN than as an RN and the option to use the LPN to RN program gives you an advantage instead of an impediment.

[Guest757854]

I personally went LPN to RN with my career, then recently obtained my BSN all online with employer tuition reimbursement as well. I think this may be the best way for you to go. Good luck to you!

[Tloo9301]

Did you end up accepting the LPN spot? Funny story... I was you a little over a year ago. Same bachelors degree and same rut. I’m now and LPN. I’ve applied to different tracks too other than LPN-RN. I think saying that you can pass NCLEX-PN will have an advantage. Being an LPN isn’t bad... I’m happy at my job, but I am furthering my education to reach my career goals. There’s not any specific pathway to become an RN. At least that’s what I keep telling myself! Best of luck to you!

[MLM007]

I needed to start asap. I applied in October, was accepted in November and plan to start in January. LPN, a great first step and you increase your earning potential for life.

[Temeika, LPN]

Yes I was rejected from RN programs in Ga countless times, over 8 years, so at 29, I applied to long program, got In 1st try. RN core course carry more wait than lpn, so that helped me get into lpn program. I never regret doing lpn first, I'm in pursuit of my RN now. Lpn position do offer a lot of hands in experience if you work at hospital, nursing homes, home care, hospice I'm very versatile with tons of skills from being an lpn in several different areas of healthcare(corrections, dialysis, home care, hospice, nursing home, plasma donation centers, flu clinics, neuro doctor office, worked with medical fragile kids in vents and trach).