What path would be better to becoming an RN?

Tait, MSN, RN · Dec 15, 2007

I am a technical college graduate. ADN-RN (Associate Degree)

I went in and got on the waiting list for the RN program. I completed any and every class I could while I waited outside the program for a year. Then I had about 10 credits maximum per semester til the end.

All in all most programs will integrate your first year to equate an LPN degree and you can most likely test for that board. Then in the second year you get the remaining training that makes you an RN.

Even in 4 year schools (at least in Wisconsin) the basic 2 years of technical nursing is laid out this way.

I believe the best thing is, if your schedule/family etc can handle it, is to go straight for the gold. Aim for the RN that way you won't regret later missing an opportunity (having to sit on a waiting list for a spot in the RN program) and if you need to you can stop after the first year and get your LPN.

Hope this helps a bit,

Taitter

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 19, 2007

I think it depends on your circumstances, and what is available to you. First, investigate the schools that are in your area for both, the LPN and RN programs. See what the requirements are. I don't know about where you live, but in my area (New York), the RN (and even LPN programs) are HIGHLY competitive, and limited in seats. You will need to earn a high GPA such as a 3.8-4.0 in the schools that have 300 applicants fighting for 40-60 seats in the RN programs. In that case (again, I am speaking on my area, only), they will give seats to the HIGHEST GPA. I have seen a friend of mine earn a 3.7 and did not make it in. The following semester, she did get accepted. Some have a limited amount of times to apply for candidacy (in my area, you can only apply at the community colleges twice-afterwards, you have to apply at a different community college).

Also, look at the areas you may be weak in, and try and polish those up. Find out if there are any entrance exams such as the National League of Nursing and if so, purchase the books and start studying. Some of my friends have gotten old GED books and studied from those. For example, I am weak in even the simplest of math, and took classes and got tutoring, so, when I sat for the entrance exam, I passed and did well. Good luck to you on your path to nursing!

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2007

Keep working as a CNA, take preq classes until you can get into an RN program and you'll be way ahead having all of your preq's out of the way.

I used to be an LPN. I had to start all over from the beginning when getting my RN. Looking back it was a waste of time to basically do everything twice. If I had it over to do again I would have gone directly for my RN without a second thought. Best of luck

jessbee · Dec 21, 2007

This depends very much on where you are as well. I know where I am it is faster to become and LVN first simply because you can apply for a bridge program to get the RN which is competitive but not nearly as bad as the ADN programs here. Also if I get the LVN and do not get into the brindge program on the first try I can work until I apply again. I think another thing important to consider is what the nursing school you want to attend has for requirements, many only accept science courses less than 7 years old so if you end up with too much time as an LVN you might get into trouble and need to retake courses later which would not be fun I imagine. Most of it really depends on your circumstances as well as the opportunities available to you.