Which direction? LPN or RN? HELP!

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Hello! First post... go easy on me.

I've decided to pursue a dream of mine to become a Nurse. I didn't know too much about the required education and variety of programs available until a couple of days ago. I'm interested in at the very least becoming a LPN. However, I have realized that there aren't ANY night/weekend LPN programs in the Raleigh area, besides ECPI. (which I've been told to steer clear of due to a variety of reasons - my biggest reason being that it's over 25K!)

So here lies my problem... I can't afford to quit my current (non-nursing) day job of 40K+ to pursue the 2 year AAS/RN route at my local tech school as it's a daytime program. And, I'm not happy about paying over 25K for a 14mo. LPN program simply so I can go nights/weekends (for decreased education, i.e: RN vs. LPN).

Should I take the 4mo. CNA course through the tech school (which I hear is required for the RN program anyway?) and then HOPE that I can find a CNA job that pays somewhat decent enough to live on (and hopefully has flexible hours) and THEN go for the RN? Are there any other methods I'm not seeing? Is there another way of becoming a LPN? No matter how I start, I'd like to eventually bridge over to being an RN - I'd just like to know the best steps to get there.

The tech school here is very sought after and highly competitive, so the earlier I apply the better. If anyone has ANY advice whatsoever, I'd really appreciate it.

Did my question(s) make any sense? :uhoh3:

Thanks in advance for your help!

April

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I live in NY, so it must be different where you are because it isn't a requirement here to be a CNA before becoming a RN. I went to a technical/vocational school to become an LPN back in 2000, and graduated in 2001. I fortunately work for an organization that pays for you to become a RN, you just have to work a year inpatient after school is over to pay them back for your tuition. There were only a few other classes I had to take prior to applying for the LPN to RN program, which were A&P 1 &2 and Microbiology. I already got the college English and Intro to Psych out of the way when I went to college out of high school. I wonder if you have work places in your area that will pay for your tuition for you, because they are good with working out your work schedule so that you are able to work and go to school. I wish you lots of luck!!!!

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Have you checked the local community colleges? The might offer the LPN progam MUCH cheaper (ours is 6 or 8k). I'm in a somewhat similar situation, but I plan to beg (parents), borrow (401k & student loans) and steal (not really LOL) for my living expenses while I am in nursing school. The CNA class IS required here and I plan to try to work as a CNA during school both for money and connections. Mercy SON in Charlotte has a PT evening/weekend program with tuition assistance. Maybe you can get a place in Greensboro and commute to work and school. I'd love to know what you decide.

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@df77, Yes, I have checked the cc schools and the only one that does offer the LPN class isn't very convenient to my home and is the same price as the Associate Degree/RN. I realize I'll be in school longer, but may as well get the RN, right?

I'm hoping I can pay off some debt/expenses enough where I can still support our way of life on CNA pay while hopefully being in RN school. Does this sound doable? I have to assume that I'd have flexible hours working as a CNA possibly in a hospital?

I found that 70% of the RN classes are available online as well. I'm pretty excited about this! I attend an orientation class at the cc next Tues!!

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Hi!! I am from NC too...I think this upcoming fall semester it becomes mandatory to at least have your CNA I to apply to any Nursing program in NC.....not sure though....I know at my college they stated that you at least had to have that in order to apply for this Fall. As far as LPN or RN... it depends on where you wanna go...I chose RN because now they do not offer the LPN transition to RN you have to go the WHOLE 5 semester even if you are an LPN ......I think that sucks but the rules are changing everyday. Good luck to ya!!!:p

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Specializes in Med-Surg/ ER/ homecare.

Try looking for "hybrid" programs that offer online and on site learning. I went to one of these programs. It requires a lot of self discipline and motivation. The lessons are online and one a week you meet for clinical/coloquium. I did this at a college in NJ. It is aimed at people that work. Also, statistically, at least for this school, those that went through the hybrid program did better with NCLEX than those in the traditional programs. Good luck with your search.

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