Should I become an LPN or stay CNA?

Published

I am currently enrolled in a CNA program. I wanted to become a nurse and thought I should try out CNA just to make sure nursing and I were meant for eachother. I do not think I can become an RN, I do not have the time to put into school for all those years to make it happen. I could however put in 12-15 months to become an LPN. Question is: I do not want to work in a nursing home, long term care setting so is becoming an LPN a waste of time? Are hospitals done with hiring LPN's? and does an LPN make much more salary than a CNA? Where could I work as an LPN? Thanks In Advance!!!

Where is the $4000 LPN program in NJ? I'm in Philadelphia, wondering if it would be close enough to go to.

Cheers!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The LPN program is at middlesex county votech in piscataway. The incounty is 3150.00 plus books fees, etc the out of county is $4700 plus same.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cna for years.

I am 46 years old and I am starting the lpn program, in april, I was currently going to classes to be a ma which in term is a cna I did cna work for many years, I know that it is going to be hard, but with the ma classes behind me and the cna experience, this should be ok, I figured why would I want to be a cna for years, not, I have had a dream of being a nurse, so, now it is my turn, and trust me I will not treat my cna's as aweful as some of my "nurses" treated me... best of luck to you in your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
True, if not for the year of prereqs I might consider RN, but being that I have a new baby, I can only go part time which means that year of prereqs turns into 2 years and the 2 years of nursing turns into 3 (if I was lucky). Sounds right about CNA being a stepping stone, I really want to be a "nurse" but when I look on all the hospital websites in NJ they have very little jobs for LPN (that are not in nursing homes). Maybe after I do the CNA I will find out if LPN if worth it, I will see if there are any LPN's actullay working in any of the hospitals, etc. Wish I had done this years ago (I am 39 ! ) Thanks for all your responses.

im 33 and feel so behind lol. im right there w/u. i have a 1&4 yo @ home i say go the steps.. and work your way to nurse. you can do it. im going cna then working to Lpn. and if i got anything left lol RN and then apply for higher knowing ill be on a waiting list for at least a yr enjoying the breaks in between

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I actually went to Somerset County Vo-Tech in NJ and they have great programs there. I'm sure Middlesex County does as well. I live in Florida now and am going to the technical school here and the program cost without books/supplies is @$4200 for 15 mo. LPN. After the first 2 mo. eligible to sit for CNA exam.

I think it's crazy to see that anyone pays $15,000 for the same program. Oh and btw, the pre-reqs cost me @$800. All in all for around $5,500 you can become an LPN.

If you are un-employed, check out the state programs, they might pay for your schooling.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I actually went to Somerset County Vo-Tech in NJ and they have great programs there. I'm sure Middlesex County does as well. I live in Florida now and am going to the technical school here and the program cost without books/supplies is @$4200 for 15 mo. LPN. After the first 2 mo. eligible to sit for CNA exam.

I think it's crazy to see that anyone pays $15,000 for the same program. Oh and btw, the pre-reqs cost me @$800. All in all for around $5,500 you can become an LPN.

If you are un-employed, check out the state programs, they might pay for your schooling.

Well, I didn't have to take pre-reqs because that is included and that number I gave includes all of my books, supplies (steth, bp cuff, stationary, physical, ... yada yada). The program is 18 months and it also includes a NCLEX-PN review class, uniforms, and anything you can possible think of lol. I know it's a lot but it's a great program. The local community college offers a program for much cheaper, but I know nurses who complain because their graduates don't seem to know as much as they should. I've seen schools that ask for $40,000 just for medical assistant training!!! :/

I am not eligible for any state programs or anything like that because my husband makes too much money. You have to be on welfare, be a displaced homemaker, pregnant and single, or a single mother for any programs to help you. So hard earned money and loans will have to do the trick!! If you can get the help, I say GO FOR IT!! This way you can avoid student loans....

I'll be eligible to take the CNA exam after 6 months. That will at least give me a year to get some kind of experience in health care...

Well good luck!!! I start in a week!!! So excited!!! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, CNA/SPN.

I am a CNA and I can tell you I am loving what I'm doing in the LPN program way more than what I was doing as a CNA!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in student.

Hope to get some responses here... I have the option to get into the LPN class through the Vo Tech here in Central NJ. I am just concerned that there might not be any Jobs available due to the economy and changes that are taking place regarding LPN's in the new health care. I really am interested in LTC just afraid LPN might become the next dinosaur........ Any recent grads or students that have an insight on this career trend PLEASE reply......... Thanks to all

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU /ED.

YES definitely become an LPN over an CNA. You have more responsiblities and you learn A LOT more. Plus the pay is almost double (depending on where you live of course). Also if you decide to further your education and become an RN then you can take the bridge course and you do not have to wait on a waiting list or be in a competitive battle for the RN programs (ASN or BSN). That is just my opinion but you should definitely do what is best for yourself.

Good Luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in student.

Thanks for the insight. Might you suggest a place I can chat with LPN,s From NJ here on all nurses. I have tried to find them but not reeching them....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi NJMedGuy,

I'm in the evening LPN program at Middlesex Co Votech, and I love it so far. It is the most affordable program in the area, and has a VERY high NCLEX pass rate (100% for a few years running, 96% last year). That being said, it is a very tough and fast paced program. There are tests every single day, and you MUST dedicate time for studying.

We've all heard about LPNs being phased out. In the hospital setting, yes, this is true. But there are many other options for LPNs... LTC, rehab, psych, correctional, SNF, etc. 2 students from last year's graduating class came by in our first week of school to give us hope- they both got hired at a LTC at $27.50/hr. My teacher said that as facilities tighten their pursestrings when it comes to hiring, they are more likely to hire LPNs than RNs since in NJ our scope of practice is pretty wide (though I do want to go for my RN eventually).

If you need any more info about the school, please feel free to ask. I have nothing but good things to say about it (so far lol). Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in student.
Hi NJMedGuy,

I'm in the evening LPN program at Middlesex Co Votech, and I love it so far. It is the most affordable program in the area, and has a VERY high NCLEX pass rate (100% for a few years running, 96% last year). That being said, it is a very tough and fast paced program. There are tests every single day, and you MUST dedicate time for studying.

We've all heard about LPNs being phased out. In the hospital setting, yes, this is true. But there are many other options for LPNs... LTC, rehab, psych, correctional, SNF, etc. 2 students from last year's graduating class came by in our first week of school to give us hope- they both got hired at a LTC at $27.50/hr. My teacher said that as facilities tighten their pursestrings when it comes to hiring, they are more likely to hire LPNs than RNs since in NJ our scope of practice is pretty wide (though I do want to go for my RN eventually).

If you need any more info about the school, please feel free to ask. I have nothing but good things to say about it (so far lol). Best of luck!

Sara,

Thanks Bunch's for reaching out .... I am looking at the same type learned venues in Mon/Oc counties (Vo-tech)... High Nclex pass rates as well. The pay rate sounds like what I heard in past so I am glad the 2 LPN's that visited you confirmed it... I will be applying for the full time 11 month program (paper work in already just waiting for test dates.)

May I ask the length of time you will be in school (months) and do you have a preference where you may end up LTC, Psyche, Rehab and etc. May I ask how many students in your class and what is the M/F ratio?

Looking to do the LTC thing myself... prefer nights, weekends and Holidays. Hopefully that will increase my chances for employment. I must admit I am looking forward to continue my pursuit towards RN designation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion