SMA to LPN considerations

[jane1269]

Hi to all,

I'm a Sr Medical Asst with a private office. I've an Assoc in Medical assisting and have been doing MA work for 9 yrs. I currently make just about 20.00 ph and am considering getting my LPN from Chelsea Soldiers Home here in MA.

Initially, my plan was to get the LPN, then give my year to the state ( you have to do this, the program is virtually free) and while doing that, continue on with school for my RN. Given my prior course history, do you think that my plan to " get in" and transfer to an RN program would be ? easy?.

thanks,

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If your plan is to ultimately tranfer to the RN program, it is best to start by taking the usual, required prerequisite classes. These consist of Algebra, chemistry, anatomy & physiology I and II, and microbiology. I realize you might have completed a couple of these during your MA program, but you'll need all of these classes completed before even applying to an RN program. And don't allow these classes to age, because most RN programs will require you to retake any science or math classes that are over 5 years old.

If you're an LPN who has earned 'A' grades in all your prerequisite classes, then transferring to an RN program should be 'easier'. But you'll still need to be accepted into an RN program, which leads me to mention the waiting lists and/or lottery-style admission practices that cause delays.