To go for LPN or not.. economic decision for now

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I'm posting this on behalf of my fiancee.

She's currently a FT Senior Medical Assistant in the NYC area earning ~16.5/hr including full benefits. However, we are about to get married in the next year or two. I'm a 3rd year medical student (ie: atleast 1.5 years of no income & no savings).

Does it make sense for her to quit work as an SMA now to get a LPN (~12k investment for 1 year program)? I ask because it seems pay for LPN is roughly in the range of 15-18/hr in the NYC/LI area (is that accurate?), so it seems the time/tuition investment would only lead to a very marginal increase in pay.

Your thoughts/opinions? Any other things to consider? (ultimately she wants to be an RN, but english is her 2nd language so we figure LPN is a good stepping stone)

Thanks

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I also live in New York, and I get paid anywhere from $21 to $30 an hour as an LPN. I guess it depends on what you are looking for and where you work. I think that I had more opportunities to do interesting things as an LPN than I did as a CNA, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist or otherwise.

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I know what's going through your mind, because I've been there. Eighteen months ago I was a senior in college, I took a leave of absence, went to LPN school and right now I'm making at least $28/hour, overtime pay is in the $40s. Did it worth it to go to LPN school? You tell me. I am making 2 1/2 times more what I was making last october and I only had my LPN license in January 2008. By the way I am also jugling two LPN jobs, and I started an RN program online. Good luck to both you and your fiance!

Proud LPN, CT

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Are the rates in the high 20s-30s for contractors (ie: no benefits) or do they include benefits (most important being health insurance)? Also how does the type of work determine the rate? (ie: doctors office vs. hospital vs. LTC vs whatever else)

What can one expect as a contractor vs. as a FT employee in the NYC area?

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Are the rates in the high 20s-30s for contractors (ie: no benefits) or do they include benefits (most important being health insurance)? Also how does the type of work determine the rate? (ie: doctors office vs. hospital vs. LTC vs whatever else)

What can one expect as a contractor vs. as a FT employee in the NYC area?

Home Health in my area pays for benefits if the employee works for 30 hours, and the rate of pay depends on the severity of the case and the health insurance of the client from my experience. I do hear that the doctor's offices may pay less (as well as nil to bare minimum benefits). I would try to obtain a job at a facility that has a union-1199 is a bit better than the others.

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