RMA to LPN or RN?

[MochaFiend]

I've been attempting my pre reqs for BSN and I've not done as well, hardly a dent in the required courses. I'm currently working as a RMA and I love it! But, to get into a leadership role: Clinical Manager - I thought about going the LPN route since a lot (if not all) clinical managers are LPN or have their associates RN degrees.

Are LPN's being phased out?

I do my best work in outpatient care as a RMA and that is where my experience has been since 2004 (Navy - Primary Care, Cardiac, Pulmonary Medicine).. I just feel like... I.... Should just get an associates in nursing or LPN because I'm not prepared for BSN. Why? Tie investment and more importantly getting into the program. I'm in my early 30's... I hope LPN is not going away. Because, I feel like as far as time is concerned that this would be the best route because I love my job and where I work. I just want to grow into clinical management.

I don't know if this helps, but I'm in metro Atlanta, GA.

Thanks in advance!!

[Scottishtape]

Are LPNs being phased out? Depends on where you are, really. Where I am, if you type in "LPN jobs" you would get pages upon pages of job listings. I don't know anything about GA's market. That's research you'll have to do.

That said, they have "phased out" LPNs in several areas, namely hospitals and physician offices. That's not to say those jobs aren't there, but they certainly aren't abundant.

I also have have not seen very many LPN Clincial Managers. Every clinical manager I've ever had held a BSN. In my opinion, in order to be an effective and successful clincial manager, you need actual experience in the areas you are managing. If you are managing BSNs, RNs, and LPNs, then you really should have experience I order to understand what they need and how to accomplish that.

Im not trying to be negative at all, I just don't think the path you are contemplating is a safe one for patients, or beneficial to those you would be managing.

Id say if clinical management is really where you want to be, buckle down and keep plowing through that BSN. You may fall down a few times, but you can always get back up!