Should I get an LPN degree as a way to get an RN degree?

floridanurse2b · Sep 11, 2005

Wow. I have heard LVN school can be very intense. 19 credit hours a semester, yikes. I am hearing different advice from different people here, of course, and I appreciate all of it. The downside of the LVN degree is that I ultimately want an RN degree, and therefore among other things I would have to take two boards, LVN and RN. The upside is I would be in school, and then working, sooner. So, let's say I have that LVN degree, which in this area is a 12 month program - would I only have to do one year if I then went back and did an LVN to RN bridge program? And if so, while I was doing that one year RN bridge program, would I able able to work at least part-time? I'm trying not to be employed any longer than I have to.

MereSanity · Sep 11, 2005

Well, I am also going back for my RN and the LPN-RN completion program is one year. So, I would just start in at the RN's second year and finish with them. But, since I would be licensed I could work making LPN wages which around here are anywhere from $15-$25/hr depending on where you work. That is what worked for me because there were 900 applicants waiting for 40 spots in the RN program and about half of that for 40 spots in the LPN program. I got into the LPN program no problem, I just didn't want to wait a year for the RN. This way I work sooner.

Wow. I have heard LVN school can be very intense. 19 credit hours a semester, yikes. I am hearing different advice from different people here, of course, and I appreciate all of it. The downside of the LVN degree is that I ultimately want an RN degree, and therefore among other things I would have to take two boards, LVN and RN. The upside is I would be in school, and then working, sooner. So, let's say I have that LVN degree, which in this area is a 12 month program - would I only have to do one year if I then went back and did an LVN to RN bridge program? And if so, while I was doing that one year RN bridge program, would I able able to work at least part-time? I'm trying not to be employed any longer than I have to.

floridanurse2b · Sep 11, 2005

God, 900 applicants for 40 spots - that is SO discouraging. Did you get into the LPN program on your first try? And was this a community college? I am hearing that the waiting list might not be as long for private universities, it just would cost a fortune. This is all assuming that I get straight As on my prerequisites so I'll even have a fighting chance.

Well, I am also going back for my RN and the LPN-RN completion program is one year. So, I would just start in at the RN's second year and finish with them. But, since I would be licensed I could work making LPN wages which around here are anywhere from $15-$25/hr depending on where you work. That is what worked for me because there were 900 applicants waiting for 40 spots in the RN program and about half of that for 40 spots in the LPN program. I got into the LPN program no problem, I just didn't want to wait a year for the RN. This way I work sooner.

MereSanity · Sep 11, 2005

Yes, I got in the LPN program on my first try but I had a 4.0 also. It's a community college, the private ones were like $15,000 a year...NOT for me. I just don't have the funds for that AND childcare for a year.

God, 900 applicants for 40 spots - that is SO discouraging. Did you get into the LPN program on your first try? And was this a community college? I am hearing that the waiting list might not be as long for private universities, it just would cost a fortune. This is all assuming that I get straight As on my prerequisites so I'll even have a fighting chance.

luv4nursing · Sep 12, 2005

floridanurse,

you are right, the upside to LPN is that there is less of a waiting list and you can work a lot sooner. Also, while you are working as an LPN there will be much less competition to get into the LPN-RN transition program. We had the local schools come talk to our class and at this time there is no waiting list to get in. So once you meet the requirements you are ready to apply to the next starting class! Also, no you dont need A&P as a pre req to get into LPN school. At some comm. colleges they ask u to take medical terminologyy, but thats only at SCC I think. Go ahead and apply asap! maybe you can even get in for January!

Im happy with my decision bc Ill be working as an LPN long before I wouldve even GOTTEN IN the RN program, then add two years school to that! I can now work and make money, and only go to school one more year for my RN. This year has been a great investment in my future.

mchanrice · Sep 12, 2005

Yes I did take the CNA prep class. I have to say that I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed on. It was a fly by night class. I should have went for an approved 170 hour CNA coorifice. CNA is definetly not something you learn in a 2 week prep class. They give you the materials, go over the skills one time and then expect you to study the rest on your own. I finished my last class on Thursday. It will take 3 weeks before I get to take my test. That gives me plenty of time to study. It's a good thing that I catch on quickly. I can see it being a struggle for some that learn at a slower pace. My class and I are going to practice our skills together until we get our test date. I would suggest staying at your job until Erwin calls you. They go over all the CNA information during the first 2 months. Have you heard anything about the wait list? Don't lose hope about getting picked for January. If they are on #12, only 14 have to drop out. Remember that there is an October, January and March class. She told me that 6-10 drop out per class. HANG IN THERE!

Thanks for the words of encouragement. :eek: Lately I have been discouraged because of the wait and having too much time to think about if I am doing the right thing and if I can do it..blah blah..blah All this second guessing and I havent even started the program.

I have not heard anything more from the school. I assume that she is working on the October class now since its the middle of Sept. I am not sure if you choose first available class or day only.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Sep 12, 2005

I think that doing the LPN program is a great idea. Then you can bridge over to the RN. Also, you can take a few classes towards your RN if you have anytime. Good luck to you. :clown:

floridanurse2b · Sep 12, 2005

Given the long waits to get into ANYTHING, I think once I finish Anatomy & Physiology this semester, I'll start applying to both LPN and RN programs that would start in fall semester 2006, and keep taking pre-requisites in the meantime, and I'll see who accepts me first. If the RN programs say, sure, you're in - to start in 2008! - then the LPN would certainly make more sense. I am also hearing suggestions that, since I already have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts (from 1985), I could try to get into a four-year college as a junior, although I know that would cost a lot more.

I think that doing the LPN program is a great idea. Then you can bridge over to the RN. Also, you can take a few classes towards your RN if you have anytime. Good luck to you.

Hoosiernurse, ADN, RN · Sep 12, 2005

My community college had about 60 spots for LPN, and a lot of applicants. But as was said before, most don't make it on the entrance exam. I decided LPN first was the way for me, rather than straight RN, because it gives you more flexibility. After a year I'll have my LPN (I will, I really will, some days I don't think so, but I REALLY WILL!) and can work in that for awhile if I want to take a break from school. If not, I will then test for the RN program. I have heard that it is more likely in my school to get into the RN program if you are an LPN first because they take so many LPN's and so many straight RN's, and if you look at the numbers, the odds are better to be accepted from the LPN program.

If I had gone straight RN, after a year I'd have nothing and if I was burnt out or something happened, I'd end up with nothing by quitting. With LPN I have a degree that will make money! Besides, who is to say I won't find that being an LPN is okay for me?? It just made the most sense for me to take things gradually, and I'm not losing a thing by being an LPN first. The RN's are taking about the same courses right now, and as Meresanity said, after a year I will transition in with them.

Cara

flwannaB · Sep 12, 2005

I chose first available. The October class is a night class but I doubt I will get in that. I am going to call back in mid Oct to see where they are on the list. I will keep you updated.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Lately I have been discouraged because of the wait and having too much time to think about if I am doing the right thing and if I can do it..blah blah..blah All this second guessing and I havent even started the program.
I have not heard anything more from the school. I assume that she is working on the October class now since its the middle of Sept. I am not sure if you choose first available class or day only.

floridanurse2b · Sep 12, 2005

Have you checked into UCF's accelerated BSN?
Hey, I just set up a telephone appointment with an advisor there for next Monday! I would be THRILLED if I could do that program in 15 months. It would be worth whatever ungodly sum I am sure I would have to pay.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 13, 2005

I went for the LPN first, going for the RN (eventually) now. I wanted better odds at getting in RN programs, i wanted the intense learning that myLPN school provided. I chose this route because that is what was best for me.