Should I apply for LPN or RN program

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Hey everyone:

I am new here and really could use some advice. I just finished my ASSOCIATE IN ARTS and thought about applying for the LPN program at the local community college. I am trying to finish school sooner rather than later. If I complete the LPN program am I eligible to take the boards as an RN like the A.S. program? I've taken higher math, Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry and Microbiology, etc.....all the prereqs. need for the A.S. program.

Btw, I live is the State of Florida....don't know if that matters. Thanks for your help!!!!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If you complete an LPN program, you will be eligible to take the state boards to become an LPN (licensed practical nurse). You must complete a state-approved RN program in order to become a registered nurse, regardless of any previous degrees and classes.

My friend completed a bachelor of science degree in public health 8 years ago, and then decided to return to school 5 years ago when it dawned on her that her BS degree was not worth much in the job market. She completed an LPN program at the community college, earned her LPN license, and is now in an RN program.

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Thanks so much for your help!!!!

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Welcome to Nursing! LPN/LVN programs are basically the first "half" of an RN program. Which means even with an associates degree and a LPN certificate, you still need to complete the core nursing classes to set the RN NCLEX. You can go a couple ways. If you have the money and time, you can go right into a RN program. The only problem with this is that it can be very hard to get into a RN program. Our local school had over 400 applicants for 20 spots. The other option is go for you LPN then get a job and have your employer pay for your addition classes for your RN. The up side is its usually faster and easier to get into LPN program (be sure to research the program with your state board of nursing) and some one else is footing the bill. The down side is you have to work and go to school. I got my LPN (we have a 3 year waiting list for RN night school) and I am now doing the online lpn to BSN progem. Good luck with what ever you choose!

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welcome to nursing! lpn/lvn programs are basically the first "half" of an rn program. which means even with an associates degree and a lpn certificate, you still need to complete the core nursing classes to set the rn nclex. you can go a couple ways. if you have the money and time, you can go right into a rn program. the only problem with this is that it can be very hard to get into a rn program. our local school had over 400 applicants for 20 spots. the other option is go for you lpn then get a job and have your employer pay for your addition classes for your rn. the up side is its usually faster and easier to get into lpn program (be sure to research the program with your state board of nursing) and some one else is footing the bill. the down side is you have to work and go to school. i got my lpn (we have a 3 year waiting list for rn night school) and i am now doing the online lpn to bsn progem. good luck with what ever you choose!

where are you going for your lpnto bsn program?

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I'm doing The College Network to get the pre requisite classes. You don't have to use them, but it seems to work for me, they are pretty much just study guides for College credit exams. Once they are done, I can transfer them to Indiana State University online BSN program. I had to check with the state nursing board to make sure they accepted these degrees and both PA and NJ do. (I think 7 states have rules about online degrees from certain places so make sure you check). It is hard motivating myself sometimes, but it beats going to classes ;-)

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I actually have all classes needed to start the RN program. It's just that I have been accepted to the LPN the first of January. I've not been accepted to the RN program but my grades and test scores are good. I just don't know if I should wait and reapply to the RN program or just complete the 12 month LPN program and continue the RN program afterwards. I'm confused!!!

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that is pretty much the same position i am in. i have all the classes completed for the RN, with the exception of one class - that i planned on taking this fall. in the meantime, i applied to the LPN program, just to keep all my options open. i'm pretty positive i will be accepted into the LPN program. so, now my dilemma is: do i do the LPN program for the next year or do i wait another year - taking no classes, and hope that i get accepted into the fall 2010 RN program ..... i've decided to go for the sure thing. there is a good chance i WON'T be accepted into the RN program and then what? i just wasted an entire year waiting for nothing. i figured by doing the LPN program now, i won't be wasting the next year and can then easily transition into the LPN-RN bridge program and not have to worry about being accepted or not.

good luck to you in whatever route you choose.

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i have applied to the RN program 3 times at my college, i decided to apply for the LPN and got excepted. I start in Sept and i still have and application in for the RN and will know from them in DEC. so i know how you feel. Chances are im not going to hear anything from the RN so atleast ill be getting somewhere with the LPN school.

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