here's my set of plans of taking RN route. please i really need an expert opinion

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jan 15, 2012

I'd choose (did choose, in fact) option 2. Get the ADN, take NCLEX, work as an RN until you're ready to do the Rn to BSN transition. Only thing I didn't have to contend with is your waiting lists. Are you certain you'd have to wait 2.5 years?

mamaxmaria · Jan 15, 2012

I would go with option A.... but get your CNA, or PCT cert and get into a hospital or somewhere while you put yourself threw school.

I'm doing it the same way. Doing all my pre reqs at community college then I'll be transferring in the fall for my BSN. It saves time, some money, and you will have to get your BSN eventually anyway...

Your pre reqs shouldnt take to long if you plan them out right and have the time. I'm working PT at a hospital to put myself threw school. I'm taking Micro this semester and I will be transferring in the fall for my BSN.

good luck!

leenak · Jan 15, 2012

I would do plan A/B. Look at all the schools you are interested in and find out their pre-reqs. Take the pre-reqs, apply as soon as you can get in which may mean multiple application cycles for you and then go to the first school that gets you in. CSUs are insanely cheap, much cheaper than my community college in a different state so if you could go there and get your BSN, it'd be quite a bargain.

DogWmn · Jan 15, 2012

Ummm why would an LPN program cost so much??????????

I'd say get your CNA and start working while taking your pre-reqs. It will also get you "in" to medicine to help you decide if this is what you really want before you spend all the big bucks

mac léinn · Jan 15, 2012

While I am NO expert, I would go with Option A.

You stated that this would be the best for your Wallet and that you would hopefully want to go to MedSchool.

3 years will most likely get you all the prereqs need for most MedSchools.

There are plenty of people willing to loan money for MedSchool. (If that is something you REALLY WANT TO DO)

Either way I would go the community college route with prereqs that would benefit both Nursing & PreMed until you decide if you want to go the extended amount of time for MedSchool or just go for your BSN.

What ever decision you make, just don't settle for something because of time/money.

Do what YOU really want or you will always have regrets!!

BEST OF LUCK!!

pixiestudent2 · Jan 15, 2012

honestly none of those options seem to be that appealing. Could you move? to try to find a cheaper ADN or LPN program. Have you been looking at BSN programs? I dont think the ones around me have a waitlist, and from start to finish it will take you four years.

OR go to a university and get a degree so you can apply to med school.

Alot can change in 2.5 years waiting, a friend of my recently got a call after 2.5 years that they have a seat availible for her. She had to decline because she could no longer afford it.

I say start at community college and wait if you have to if you want to be a RN.

plan "A" maybe ?

NellieOlsen · Jan 15, 2012

Are you sure LPN would be 35K?? I'm paying half that for my RN (ADN) at a state college. If cost is a factor, stay away from private schools. Stick with community or state colleges. Maybe you'd qualify for the PELL grant or scholarships. If you haven't yet, make an appt to see an advisor and then talk to the financial aid office.

I also started with no credits under my belt. It will take me 4 semesters (just over a year since I'm taking summer classes..) to get all pre-reqs done. It shouldn't take you 3 years unless you're only taking 1 class at a time.

None of your options are all that appealing, quite honestly. I hope you can figure something out!

rocketberger · Jan 15, 2012

THANK YOU very much for all of your wise opinion, however i forgot to mention that i am currently working as an insurance biller/coder and making at least 14/hr and hoping to get a raise this year :rolleyes: . for the waitlist as for what i know and what ive heard the waitlist is usually 2.5 years to 5 years, i just based it on 1 community college, relocation would be impossible due to personal reasons.

i would really like to hear the paths that you guys made to be a RN, it will help me a lot since im still doing my research on how to take it.

THANK YOU GUYS and GOOD LUCK also in your FUTURE ENDEAVORS :)

-rocket

pinayluv78 · Jan 18, 2012

I wouldn't do the LVN program if the cost is that much. As an RN, u can afford to take a loan but as an LVN... will you make enough to pay it off (plus the additional cost of an RN program added on top of that)? I'm doing plan A. But whatever u choose, i wish u good luck. :)

CDEWannaBe · Jan 18, 2012

2.5 years may be average wait, but often those who didn't make it into nursing program on first attempt didn't have prereqs finished or didn't have great grades. Get A's and don't apply until you have completed everything the nursing program asks.

daleguthery · Jan 28, 2012

im still doing my research on the paths or options i could make for me to be a NURSE. here are my plans.

Plan A:

get all pre-requisite at a community college *3 years to complete since i dont have any units under my belt* save money as much as i can over this 3 years so i could at least afford my RN program, apply for an RN program at any CSU and would take about 3 1/2 years to finish. so this would take me about 7-8 years to finish would cost much cheaper than any private nursing school. and hopefully if i could save enough money i wont be in a huge debt.

Plan B:

get all pre-requisite at a community college, then apply for the ADN program at the community college would take about 2.5 years waitlist then 2.5 years taking the ADN program then apply for a bridge to RN. would take another 1 year or so. this would cost much cheaper than plan but would take tooo loonng!!

or

Plan C

take a certification for CNA, quit my job and find a job as a CNA, take an LVN program which could cost me about $35k *i think well im getting a loan cause i wouldnt afford this money* then bridge to RN which could cost me another thousands of dollars.

i would really appreciate any insights or if i miss something that i should do. i really dont know what to do now but im planning on taking PLAN A, cause it will be cheaper and i have at least 3-4 years to save money to pay for my nursing school so iwouldnt be in huge debt and hopefully if GOD will allow i could continue to medical school.

This is what I did. I got my CNA from a local community college last summer and got hired on as a CNA at a nearby nursing home after I got my certification. I paid out of pocket for that course. After 6 months of employment, the company I work for offers a scholarship (20 per year) to employees who want to become a LPN, RN, or bridge from LPN to RN. They pay everything...tuition, books, fees, ect. The only catch is that you have to work for them 2 years after you graduate. Not a bad thing...they are really great to work for.