Trade school or?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2015

I completed a trade school LVN program 10 years ago.

In today's employment marketplace, I'd advise you to commute to an affordable community college or adult education program. Trade schools can have astronomical tuition and fees for the programs they offer.

shan409, ASN, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 17, 2015

I am taking my LPN at a University (they offer LPN/BSN/MSN, no RN), and yes it is higher in tuition than a community college, but much less than a trade school. I would advise going to a community college that offers LPN to RN (ADN) step ladder. There are a few of those in the metro Detroit area. I plan on going on for my RN, so this was the best option for me, as I need the credits to be transferable. I know alot of people that commute in the tristate area (Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan). Best wishes to you!

Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2015

Well, due to life and everything, after extensive research I'm going to go to the trade school, and then do the lpn-RN bridge at the local CC. It takes less time that way, unfortunately. Out where I'm at in cali, I'd be facing 1 year to retake pre reqs that won't transfer, and then a 1-2 year wait list to start if accepted. So a possible wait of 3 years!

andyyyedm · Feb 18, 2015

I chose trade school because here in california all the community colleges are completely packed i wasted 1 whole year in CC and finally said im going to trade school did that 15 month program and finished it was very very hard tho good luck

Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2015

Well, I got accepted! I took their wonderlic test, and got 100% in the required sections. So, I'm officially enrolled! :) Classes start 3/9

andyyyedm · Feb 19, 2015

thats good to hear

Red Kryptonite · Feb 19, 2015

I'm in a CC program, but it's the only one left in my county. Still only had to wait a semester to get in, and it required no prereqs beyond being a CNA (or having taken their CNA class within the last year), so it makes sense for me right now. I'm supposed to graduate in December, and plan to spend next year taking the prereqs so I can take LPN-RN in 2017. LPNs, once they have the prereqs done, can usually enter into 3rd block without waiting.

Wannabeeinscrubs, ADN, LPN, RN · Feb 19, 2015

Check out the technical schools through he public school system. I am almost finished with my 18 month LPN program, and have no out of pocket costs, my Pell covers it all. ($9,800) I could have gone to the trade school for $34,800 (MCI/ECPI) for the same education.

Red Kryptonite · Feb 19, 2015

Wannabee's numbers reminded me of the other reason I'm at the CC: cost. There is a trade school near me connected to the public school system, and for high school students the classes are free, but adults pay tuition. That LPN program is over $10,000 and has had recurring issues with the BON. The CC program is about $3000 inclusive of books, has sky high NCLEX 1st time pass rates, and has an outstanding reputation in the community.

There is at least one private school near me that offers LPN for even more than the trade school.

To me, for this level of education, it seems insane to pay more than I have to. There's no such thing as an ivy league LPN.

andyyyedm · Feb 19, 2015

18 months gad daaaaamn!

Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2015

Yeah I wish there was somewhere nearby, but the closest program at a CC is 1.5 hours away. I can't afford that commute, so I'm shelling out the cost for the trade school.