::sigh:: LPN Program

[Ms. Nurse Assistant, LPN]

apparently the LPN program that I have been accepted into requires that I go through CNA and PCA training before I even get into the LPN program which is 10 1/2 months..I am kinda disappointed that I won't go straight into it. I am already a CNA so they may waiver that. But I will have to sit through a 5 week PCA class from 8am to 4pm. I am just not excited about this. did anyone have to do this?

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I am not surprized. I did not have to, nor did many programs in my area have to, but I have heard of this, so this is not a new phenomenon. Nursing school is about head trips and crossing over from one thing to another, so, get with it and get your license. I am not saying this to be cruel, but, this is the beginning of the deal. There will be more surprizes during your year or so in the program. Good luck!

[Ms. Nurse Assistant, LPN]

I am not surprized. I did not have to, nor did many programs in my area have to, but I have heard of this, so this is not a new phenomenon. Nursing school is about head trips and crossing over from one thing to another, so, get with it and get your license. I am not saying this to be cruel, but, this is the beginning of the deal. There will be more surprizes during your year or so in the program. Good luck!

Thank you for your advice. I was just dissappointed. They told me that the PCA class is like a pre-req or something. I think how good I do in the PCA may determine if I move on to the LPN. I just want to make sure that I am making a good decision, instead of staying enrolled at my community college. After I finish the PCA, I must wait to get accepted into the LPN program, I hope it's a smooth transition. This way seems much quicker than being bothered with all those pre-reqs at college.

[Jules A, MSN]

Thank you for your advice. I was just dissappointed. They told me that the PCA class is like a pre-req or something. I think how good I do in the PCA may determine if I move on to the LPN. I just want to make sure that I am making a good decision, instead of staying enrolled at my community college. After I finish the PCA, I must wait to get accepted into the LPN program, I hope it's a smooth transition. This way seems much quicker than being bothered with all those pre-reqs at college.

What a pain! My thoughts about the pre-reqs were that at least they were worth something if you ever want to go for your RN. PCA isn't and CNA you can get after your first semester in the LPN program. I would definitely go where you are sure to get in though. Good luck.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Thank you for your advice. I was just dissappointed. They told me that the PCA class is like a pre-req or something. I think how good I do in the PCA may determine if I move on to the LPN. I just want to make sure that I am making a good decision, instead of staying enrolled at my community college. After I finish the PCA, I must wait to get accepted into the LPN program, I hope it's a smooth transition. This way seems much quicker than being bothered with all those pre-reqs at college.

I think it is a pain as well. But, you should clarify for yourself what expectations the school has...meaning does it mean that once you pass the PCA course, are you automatically accepted into the LPN program, or do you have to pass with a certain grade point average? How many seats are in the LPN program? Sometimes, schools do such things to have a weeding out process, but I find it difficult to see how they would weed out students from a PCA class. I expect it to be similar to the CNA but should teach additional skills in phlebotomy, EKG, maybe dressing changes, catherization and such.

I know quite a few programs (from reading allnurses, anyhow), that require that students take a CNA course before entering into their nursing programs. This is not new. But, you do want to make sure, and it is better to ask early on, if this is making you question their program requirements.