WHAT SHOULD I DO????????????

U.S.A. Missouri

Published

Specializes in n/a.

:confused: I have been a CNA for a year and had applied for an LPN program, unfortunately I didn't get excepted in the program and was told I could reapply in the spring. I am 41 years old and don't want to be forever getting started going to school. I love taking care of people so my question is would it be worth it to try and wait to get into the program or should I just go and take the Medical Assisting course. I was thinking about Everest or Missouri College. So anyone with any suggestions or comments please pass them along and also any info on the two colleges if it would be a good thing to do. A lot of schools are saying the waiting lists for nursing school is long because of people getting laid off work.

Do not go to St. Charles Community College. The school has a 40 % failure rate. The campus is beautiful on the outside, but the way it is run is ugly.

Specializes in ED.

I would definitely wait for the LPN spot. I used to work with Medical Assistants- I was not a medical assistant, but we both performed the same job as patient care techs and they didn't make much more than I did. LPN's make more money and many hospitals have LPN to RN bridge programs that they pay for, if becoming an RN would ever interest you. Plus, if I'm not mistaken, its the same amount of time for both programs, MA and LPN- 1 year, right? Best of luck to you. My mom did her RN in her early 40's and now she owns and operates her own very successful hospice. You can do it!

i agree about the LPN school at SCC. This is, if you have experience in the medical field, you probably would do fine. Their program starts in january and i went in december 14th and they told me to come back after the new year and take my test. I start class january 20th. There are normally spots open even after school starts there. I went to the program with A LOT of cna's and they did really well in the program. But i also agree with the person who runs the program. She is rediculous. She never listens with people have complaints about the program, and the day i failed out she made me sit in class for 3 hours until telling me to see the other woman who told me i failed. Trust me when i say, i didn't fail out because i couldn't do the work. I failed out because i was struggling with my instructor for lab and they didn't think i would pass my test after the program.

The DON has an AA degree and is employed there part-time! SCCC allowed a part-time, undergraduate write the textbooks for their health programs and hold the fate of each student's clinical site and academic future in her hands! I feel sooooooo stupid! No wonder a lot of schools don't let sccc's credits transfer!

Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg.
The DON has an AA degree and is employed there part-time! SCCC allowed a part-time, undergraduate write the textbooks for their health programs and hold the fate of each student's clinical site and academic future in her hands! I feel sooooooo stupid! No wonder a lot of schools don't let sccc's credits transfer!

What schools, in particular, do not let SCCCs credits transfer?? All accredited and respectable schools in this area do allow them to transfer, so I am curious as to what you come up with.

Also, you are misinformed about the DON for the RN program, and it looks like the DON for the LPN program has a MSN also, so not sure where you are getting your information.

Anyway, for the OP, I hope you will do your own research and choose the program that is right for you, regardless of other people's alleged experience. Good luck!!

EBT 67

I would highly recommend going for LPN. I am also in my 40's and tomorrow will be enrolling in EC to obtain my RN license. A few advantages of LPN vs MA....when a pt. is in pain, has a change in condition,or you notice something new.... you as a LPN can DO SOMETHING about it!!!! I work in a hospital and MA's work as cp's, (clinical partner). A cp can info a nurse of conditions or pain etc.....and then hope that pt.s nurse follows through. In my experience...(2yr LPN experience...hosp employee 29 yrs.) far too many "I am not bothering a doc for THAT" or "when I get time" etc...///an LPN has authority to administer prescribed meds, call doctor, review chart, etc. MA can not. pay is better, same amt of school and prob close to same cost of school, but to advance career from MA start over.... LPN opens door to bridge....re: schools...ALL have issues... as an older adult student schooling needs, attitude, etc. are much different than that of young ones that are able to focus on school as their top priority and biggest responsibility!!!!Do what is best for you. get your education and focus on THAT not the issues of the school!!!! I missed the part about SCCC from you, but I can assure you that their grads have a very good rep in the working world, and I would check facts on pass rates...someone gave incorrect info..GOOD LUCK

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

Honey, I was almost 50 before I got in to an RN program....my suggestion is spending the time to get your prereqs done and apply for a RN program in the area. There are plenty to chose from depending on your time/financial ability.

You limit yourself career-wise by choosing an LPN program; please don't do that to yourself if you are going to take the time to go back to school for an advanced license!!

That's my .02!! I graduated school at 50+. Your age is just a number!!

What schools, in particular, do not let SCCCs credits transfer?? All accredited and respectable schools in this area do allow them to transfer, so I am curious as to what you come up with.

Also, you are misinformed about the DON for the RN program, and it looks like the DON for the LPN program has a MSN also, so not sure where you are getting your information.

Anyway, for the OP, I hope you will do your own research and choose the program that is right for you, regardless of other people's alleged experience. Good luck!!

EBT 67

I would highly recommend going for LPN. I am also in my 40's and tomorrow will be enrolling in EC to obtain my RN license. A few advantages of LPN vs MA....when a pt. is in pain, has a change in condition,or you notice something new.... you as a LPN can DO SOMETHING about it!!!! I work in a hospital and MA's work as cp's, (clinical partner). A cp can info a nurse of conditions or pain etc.....and then hope that pt.s nurse follows through. In my experience...(2yr LPN experience...hosp employee 29 yrs.) far too many "I am not bothering a doc for THAT" or "when I get time" etc...///an LPN has authority to administer prescribed meds, call doctor, review chart, etc. MA can not. pay is better, same amt of school and prob close to same cost of school, but to advance career from MA start over.... LPN opens door to bridge....re: schools...ALL have issues... as an older adult student schooling needs, attitude, etc. are much different than that of young ones that are able to focus on school as their top priority and biggest responsibility!!!!Do what is best for you. get your education and focus on THAT not the issues of the school!!!! I missed the part about SCCC from you, but I can assure you that their grads have a very good rep in the working world, and I would check facts on pass rates...someone gave incorrect info..GOOD LUCK

The info is on their website.

Suchas - please provide a link to the info you say is on their website because I can't find it. I know that the person that runs the LPN program has a MSN. Many of the comments about her are pretty accurate, but she does hold a master's degree. I also disagree with the comment about credits not transfering, and the 40% failure rate. I graduated from there a few years ago and our failure rate was nowhere near that - more like maybe 5%. I look forward to you providing this info! Thanks in advance!

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