Wanna be LVN ASAP, need credible (reasonable) school, HELP!

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Hey everybody!

I've been out of school for about 5 years and I've decided to become a nurse! I'd like to become an LVN (LPN?) first so I'd have some income to pursue my RN (BSN?).

I'm having trouble starting up however because I'm not rich & I don't have 20 to 30 grand lying around. I have previous coursework that should bring my costs down but it's REALLY expensive! I've heard that some hospitals offer tuition assistance for employees, does anyone know anything about this??

I'd like to go to a good school (as in accredited!)! Can anyone recommend any good schools in Southern California? I've heard some horror stories about some. I have appointments at Maric & Concorde colleges in North Hollywood, CA next week but i've heard they might not be any good and ALL the junior colleges have LONG waiting lists!

ANY advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Moving to the CA Nurses forum where you can hone in on locals and perhaps they can help. :)

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IMHO honest opinion you should stay away from Maric and Concorde. Here's why:

Cost of R.O.P. LVN Program - $1600-$2400

Cost of same at Maric or Concorde - $20,000-$35,000

R.O.P. is accredited.

Do a search here. You'll find a ton of info.

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Thank you TWEETY, this forum is probably better! :an!:

Hey CaGuy, thanks for the advice! I'm so green though I don't know what a R.O.P. LVN program is but you're right, i'll do a search!

Honestly all I wanna do is pass the NCLEX and become a nurse, I don't want to go into debt doing it if I don't have to!

I'll do whatever it takes!

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Ok, i'm sorry. It took me about 5 seconds of searching to find out what a R.O.P. was LOL......I really shouldn't shoot my mouth off so quickly but i'm excited!

Does anyone know about Regional Occupational Programs? Do people look down their noses at you if you come from one? The cost difference is incredible, that's just what I'm looking for!:up:

:w00t:

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Hiring managers do not care where you obtained your LVN education. As long as you are a warm body with a license and a pulse, they'll hire you.

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That's the only thing I was worried about. I tried to get some info from Concorde, Maric and the University of Phoenix and geez they call me DAY AND NIGHT!

This forum is the coolest, I've learned SO much just from being on here for a few days!

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The ROP LVN program where I used to live had an excellent reputation and only cost about $2000. I would recommend getting your education at an ROP program or at a community college over any of the for profit schools. The cost can't be beat and the education is generally known to be better. For the most part people go to the for profit schools because they have the money and are desperate to get started.

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If you are looking at schools in N. Hollywood, look into Pierce College. I believe that the Regional Occupational Center that is located at that campus is starting up an LVN program or already has one in place.

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I am actually in the LVP program at Grossmont Health Occupations (ROP) here in San Diego and it's great. The cost is 2500 and that pays for your books, uniforms, tuition, IT IS ACCREDITED, and well respected throughout the community. The program is 3 semesters in length and we do our clinical rotations in various facilities throughout san diego ie Kaiser, Continental Rehab, and of course nursing homes. I would definitely recommend doing your LVN through ROP oppose to maric, concorde (no offense!) because of the reasons I've mentioned above.

We just finished our first semester. My next rotation is Peds so I'm excited.

They usually take in applications from NOV-through Jan.13 so you better hurry. To get in you must turn in an application before deadline, have a cna certification, take healthcare essentials course (offered at their campus), and pass TEAS exam.http://www.atitesting.com/productinfo/TEAS.aspx

HEre's their website for more info! Or call them!

http://www.guhsd.net/adult/nursingprogram.htm

I plan on doing my LVN-RN step up program

Does anybody know how long or if there's any waitlist for the LVN-RN step up program at southwestern or grossmont college??

Thanks!

Michelle

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Hey you all are GREAT! You saved me from making a VERY costly mistake! Schools like Maric, Concorde and Uni of P were gonna charge me WAY over 20 grand :angryfire! ROPs are something like 10% of that!!

What a cool resource, thanks everybody for he advice:cheers:, I check this forum everyday & I love it!

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University of Phoenix does not offer the LVN program, only the RN; and a bridge program in some areas for LVN to RN. But they do not have the LVN/LPN programs.

There is also no fast way to get thru the PN program, it is going to take you a year to complete and then the time to pass your boards.

No quick fix for that.

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