vocational school or community college?

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Hi! I am thinking of going to school for LVN then go back to school for my RN at San Diego City College. At first I wanted to go for my RN but I just hate the wait list..2-4 years of waiting! Wow! I cant wait that long. So, I heard that when you are an LVN the wait list is not as long and it's easier to get in the program. Did anyone go through this and what did you think about? What "private" or "vocational" college did you attend? Will SDCC still accept me once in an LVN and want to go for LVN- RN program? Oh! And at least when i go back for my RN, i will already be a nurse when I'm in school and also be working as a nurse.

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Okay, so, I want to be an RN in the future. I was thinking of going to a community college but I heard the wait list for the RN program is 2-4 years. I don't really have that much patience to wait for that long. So, I heard that when you're an LVN and going for RN the wait is not as bad. Now I want to start off as an LVN then go for RN that way I'll have a job as a nurse while I go for RN. The thing is...I'm afraid that I might have to retake all my general education all over again since there's a year limit when the school counts your gun ed classes. It will be 5 years in january since I haven't been back in school BUT I'm already set for Spring semester in january of next year which my gen ed still counts. What is the best thing I should do? Take LVN the RN later or suck it up and just go to community and wait for 2-4 years to get in the RN program?

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I actually went to medical assistant school in San Diego. It was called Maric college and now it is called Kaplan. It was a great school when I went. I could have kicked myself for not going into their LVN program. This was in 93. I am now going into an LVN program out here in Texas. I do no see anything wrong with going into the LVN program first then bridging over. I think it's a smart move on my part, easier to bridge over than like you said wait 2 years possibly more? I am tired of hearing how they are phasing out LVNs, I don't believe that will never happen. I have people tell me that I am making a mistake by doing that, and it is so frustrating! No one is going to rain on my parade, it has taken me this long to get to this point where I am able to go back to school. Do what you feel is best for you in your situation, no problem going back to school as an LVN first, you can earn good money while you are waiting to bridge over. Good luck!

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I remember Maric!! I remember ppl protesting it because their RN credit hours weren't transferring to other colleges. This was back in 99/00.

Why not try a University. Im in Texas now but back in 2006 when i was doing classes @ Southwestern college the nursing wait list was long. It was crazy!! i would have never thought of trying a University. If you gotta wait might as well do the 4yr pre reqs right.

I don't know your situation but if you wanna do LVN go for it. Just be careful with schools like Pima & Kaplan that are (for profit schools), make sure that later your credit/classes you take can transfer to colleges/universities. Make sure they are accredited. Not all "for profits" are like this but some are. It would be sad if later you want to do a bridge program @ say SWC & your credits aren't transferable. Apply to many schools not just one you never know you might get lucky.

Like the above poster I too kick myself for doing MA instead LVN i could have bridged long ago instead of starting over but now I'm starting my BSN next week & I'm happy!!

Good Luck on what ever u choose!!

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