Slap In The Face

I am just beginning to look into programs here in St. Louis. I didn't realize that St. Charles CC does that. I am guessing that is the same for all the ST CC's in the area? Is BJC's Nurses Program much different?

I'm interesting in doing LPN then move onto the RN, but haven't gotten a fully understanding in how I go about pursuing LPN first at one of the local schools. Can you tell me how you became an LPN first? And do you know if BJC's Nursing programs have the option of being a LPN while you are studying to become an RN?

I'm glad you posted this. It doesn't seem fair that they handle credits that way.

If you have a degree already in another subject you could apply to Barnes college of Nursing, they have a 12 month long program for a BSN but you would need a Bachelors degree to get into the Accelerated program. If you don't I am sure you could do the regular BSN, not sure if it is a 2 yr program or what though. www.barnesjewishcollege.edu

BJU's accelerated is for those with a bachelor's degree, I'm lacking one year from finishing a degree in healthcare management.

Their 2yr program is no long accepting students.

They have their completion program for RN to BSN and a Upper division BSN program for transfering students.

I've been researching this as well. LPN programs are generally 12 - 15 mth in length with roughly 63 cr hrs. When you decide to pursue a nursing degree, only a few courses transfer. I think STLCC's LPN to RN is about 3 semseter (their RN program is 4 semesters). If you attend Maryville for the BSN, only 12 cr hrs of LPN coursework will transfer (and the classes have to be challenged). St Chas CC is also 3 semesters for the LPN to RN program, I think. Just a thought. Good Luck.

Have any of the LPN's here tried Indiana State University for their online LPN-BSN program? I am also from Missouri and looking at several options. I graduated from Sanford Brown as an LPN in 1994 and felt that it was a good program. At the time, I was a single mother and had all but $5000 paid for. Now, however, it's a different story - no financial aid help at all. I do know that they have an accelerated LPN-BSN program as well but are pricey. I was going to go through SCCC but they don't accept any transfer credits from Sanford Brown and would have to basically start over. Chamberlain is EXTREMELY expensive ($520 per ch) but has the convenience of online. Any other options anyone has explored?

I understood that with Sanford Brown, the inability to transfer their credits was quite common. That's the reason many people on these boards warn folks away from them. You can graduate and you can get a job, but if you want higher education, oftentimes you are required to repeat many courses at the universities and colleges.

I wish you luck in finding a way around having to repeat courses!!

What a slap in the face from St. Charles Community College! LPN's take 36 credit hours of Core Nursing classes (not talking general ED classes.) When you bridge, they only give you credit for 8. Excuse me? They think so lowly of graduates from their LPN program that they start them in the second semester with the first year RNs. Shame on St. Charles! I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and I WONT be bridging there. What a shame they choose to milk their LPN grads for another semester ($2,880.00 plus books) for this new, unorthodox and unneeded semester. Forget it. If I'll need 3 more semesters of nursing classes I'll do a fast track BSN. Anyone know of any good ones?

Thanks,

Christina

No, I don't think they think "lowly" of their LPN students. The second semester schedule has more things you may have not had, and I know there is more lab stuff (plus psych- urgh- hated it).

The truth is, an LPN is not a "completed first year ADN student." If this was the case, you could just come to semester three. LPN program looked like it spent more time on geriatric stuff than the ADN program. The programs ARE different. Job wise, we know that LPN's and RN's are very similiar.

I do agree it is money driven, but there is different content in each program.

And quite honestly, you might like that afforded time and experience.