Should I avoid CA LVN schools completely??

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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Hi, I am pretty sure there is a thread about this, but I wanted to ask a few questions myself to some people with experience. I've looked online and there are many vocational schools I can attend--Stanbridge, American Career, CNI, etc...But all I can find on ANY of them are terrible reviews! I woke up this morning feeling excited and now....I'm so uninspired! haha.

So all I can ask really is...is there REALLY a good choice out of these? I don't want to attend a college and take a million classes and be on a waiting list for 3-4 years, I need to get this ball rolling. Would a MA program be better? I just don't know...I am slightly confused. Any advice or input would be very helpful.

NOTE: Now, I've read so many reviews on why schools and programs are bad...so I don't really need to read that again. All I want to know is if there is a GOOD choice, and why. Or if there is no good choice, lol. Thanks so much!:confused::confused:

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

If you want to attend an LVN program in southern CA, I would steer clear of the business colleges that want to charge $20,000+ in tuition for a license that might not result in a job after graduation. The employment market for brand new LVNs in CA is horrible right now due to the economy, so how are you going to repay those staggering student loans if you cannot secure employment after completing the LVN program?

My suggestion is to attend one of the LVN programs at one of the many affordable ROP (Regional Occupational Programs) in southern CA. Your education will be respected, accredited, and significantly cheaper than the business colleges.

http://cryrop.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/478430/File/LVN%20Program/LVN_Program_FINAL.pdf?sessionid=bbcffd79c307ab330d3facd60ac50b17

http://www.baldyviewrop.com/PDFs/LVN-Testing-Dates.pdf

http://www.nocrop.us/tech/Vocational_Nursing_Program.htm#Students

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A good choice is a community college course with the degree. Another good choice is at a vocational type school, the adult school variety, not the for profit private school. You say you don't want to attend a college so that is out. As for the vocational type adult education program, have no idea what is near your home. Both the college programs and the vocational school programs offer good value for your tuition dollar, in general, versus the for profit programs, that are often poor quality and always very expensive in relation to what is gained from the experience.

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Specializes in Adult ICU/PICU/NICU.
A good choice is a community college course with the degree. Another good choice is at a vocational type school, the adult school variety, not the for profit private school. You say you don't want to attend a college so that is out. As for the vocational type adult education program, have no idea what is near your home. Both the college programs and the vocational school programs offer good value for your tuition dollar, in general, versus the for profit programs, that are often poor quality and always very expensive in relation to what is gained from the experience.

Absolutely AVOID the for profit schools. They are expensive, have low graduation rates, leave you in a lot of debt, are often inferior in quality, and are only interested in your money...not in your qualifications.

IMHO, the best entry into nursing these days is to get your BSN as it will give you the most options in your career. In my day, an LPN could work almost anywhere. There are still LPNs who work in speciality units in acute care, but most have been there for many years and will be replaced with RNs when they retire.

Best wishes to you in your career in nursing,

Mrs H.

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thanks for the input guys! This really would be something I want to do so thank you for the advice.

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Specializes in Hospice.

I attended stanbridge and loved it their. I graduated in Sept 2011, took my nclex Dec 10, walked out when computer shut off at 85 questions, feeling confident. I know have my license and work pt as a hospice nurse. This school prepares you very well, and helps you find a job asap. Let me know if you have any questions

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Hello im pretty confused with LVN and RN. I know i want to get started and finish my nursing career how ever i dont want to rush into LVN school end up in debt and not have a job and then at the same time go back for my RN. I've decided to either go to Glendale Career college for LVN or West Coast Univ in North Hollywood where I would get my BSN. I know West Coast will be almost 3 years and Glendale will take me !5 months for my LVN. Im really confused can someone please give me your feed back? thanks

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Specializes in NP student.

The cost of BSN at West Coast is 120 k $ , I have attended their meeting 3 week's ago. I think it's a lot and I am trying to find other route ( I have MA in Addiction Counseling from Europe but I want to go into nursing)

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Specializes in NP student.

Aha BTW , GCC is 29ooo $ , there is an entrance exam but its quite easy (-this is what they told me). School is located at the center of Glendale , I'v talked to admisson office last week.

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