Taking RN pre reqs while in LPN program?

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 18, 2015

Yup I live in PA and I'm talking about LCCC! Their program is so hard to get into, that's why I decided to start with LPN instead. They deny so many people it's not even funny, idk if I'm going to even apply with them because the chances of getting in are basically slim to none.

Don't say that! Well I know it's really competitive but they also have very easy admission so I think the *actual* pool of students that are truly eligible is small. I say this because you can be a high school student, and as long as you have taken a college level math and taken the PAX you can apply. Many other nursing schools require that the prerequisites be completed before even applying. Even the GPA is ridiculously low to apply, a 2.5. If they changed it to even 3.0 and the PAX from 100 to 120 I wouldn't be surprised if the applicant pool dropped significantly.

I'm hoping for the best, I have a 3.9 GPA and got I 150 on the PAX. people keep telling me I'm a shoe in. I think average GPA for entrance is at least a 3.2 and at least a 120 on the PAX, those seem to be what I get from a few people I know got accepted.

Beautiful_Soul · Jan 19, 2015

The reason the LPN courses will not transfer is because they are at a "technical school" level. I have gone on to complete all the Prerequisites for my RN after finishing my LPN and let me tell you, there was a HUGE difference with the science and math courses. Think "know the bones of the skull", then think, "know every slight indentation/groove in the skull (there are a lot)" plus there's the lab component for the science courses. I graduated at the top of my LPN class. I studied my butt off and worked part time (the bills weren't going to pay themselves). I get that having an LPN can greatly reduce the wait list for some nursing schools but you spend more time getting the LPN, then taking the prerequisites, then applying and getting accepted, then going through the RN program and doing all the theory stuff more in depth and over again....it seems like a good plan but life has a way of happening with that much time. I got my LPN because at the time the RN program required a CNA or an LPN to get in. The wait list for the regular program was 2-3 years (in 2000) and the LPN transition program had no wait list so I got the LPN first. Then I worked full time as an LPN (much harder than retail) and went to school full time. I finally got accepted in for the 2005 spring term but guess what? That online theory they had promised me would be available?...it was no longer guaranteed. I had to expect to be on campus all day M-F....I wouldn't be able to pay my rent so I didn't accept enrollment at that time. Now, 15 years after I originally planned to go for my RN, I'm going for it because I can financially swing it. But, my math and science classes are more than 5 years old so I had to find an accredited private school that would still accept them. I did, but an paying threw the nose. Bottom line, if you plan on getting your RN I would highly advise you to just get it. If you absolutely want to get the LPN first, wait until clinicals are underway and see if you can handle some classes at the community college. Just remember the five year rule most of them have. By the time you start clinicals there's not as much book time (at least where I went). Hope this helps.

I understand, however I have already been accepted in the LPN program! I know I'm in and about to start working my way towards what I want to achieve. Becoming a NURSE! With RN even after I finish my pre reqs I'm still not guaranteed. Even if I get put on the waiting list.

Beautiful_Soul · Jan 19, 2015

Don't say that! Well I know it's really competitive but they also have very easy admission so I think the *actual* pool of students that are truly eligible is small. I say this because you can be a high school student, and as long as you have taken a college level math and taken the PAX you can apply. Many other nursing schools require that the prerequisites be completed before even applying. Even the GPA is ridiculously low to apply, a 2.5. If they changed it to even 3.0 and the PAX from 100 to 120 I wouldn't be surprised if the applicant pool dropped significantly.
I'm hoping for the best, I have a 3.9 GPA and got I 150 on the PAX. people keep telling me I'm a shoe in. I think average GPA for entrance is at least a 3.2 and at least a 120 on the PAX, those seem to be what I get from a few people I know got accepted.

WOW! You did Amazing :) How long is their current wait list if you know? If, not I can always call. Also I thought Math 101, biology and something else was REQUIRED before applying.

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 19, 2015

WOW! You did Amazing :) How long is their current wait list if you know? If, not I can always call. Also I thought Math 101, biology and something else was REQUIRED before applying.

Thanks,

I don't know that they have a wait list, at least none that I've heard of. The only true prerequisites are HIGHSCHOOL biology, chemistry, and algebra. Math 101 has to be completed prior to beginning Nur101. In other words it doesn't have to be complete at the time of application but you should probably show that you are registered to take the class completed before the program begins at the minimum.

Obviously though the more of the non nursing classes you've completed the higher chance you have to get in. By the time I'm done with Spring semester I'll only have SPE, Sociology, and Pharmacology left to complete. I'm thinking of taking Sociology online over the summer.

mcgovernpirate · Apr 30, 2015

Happily I've been finding that's mostly only true for private for-profit programs (Lincoln Tech, etc) and not state schools or colleges. My friend in NJ is taking an "articulated" LPN to RN program at a county college--a year of classes and she'll be an RN--and I'm planning to do the same here at a CT community college once I finish the technical high school LPN program. BSN now....that's a lil harder...