Which one is best for me?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello, I was wondering if someone could give me some advice. Okay, I recently heard of a school near me offering an LPN program. The program is 18 full months 8 to 3 everyday. The school is a little expensive I think its around 24,000? Which is ALOT. It does include scrubs and books i believe? A few of my friends are RN's and it didn't even cost them that much. Anyway, I have a test this Saturday to see if i am excepted to the program. I really have had my heart set on this....But then i started thinking. Another school around me gives CNA classes for $500 and the classes are only 4 weeks. I am the mother of 2 children, one school aged and one toddler. So im thinking If i just go for my CNA right now, and then get the experience and then when my toddler goes to school (2 years) I could try to get into an RN school, having some experience behind me. If i take the LPN route my son would have to go to daycare the whole time Im in school, and i wouldn't really be making any money. If i take the CNA route, id get done quick. He'd still have to go to daycare but at least id be working and getting some hospital experience. My goal either way is to someday go for my RN. Soo should I take the LPN route and go back for my RN. Or just stick with CNA and try in a few years to get an RN school to except me? Anyyyyy advice would be great!!! Thanks!!!!!!!

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I would get the LPN license as it will give you a leg up on another avenue to get accepted to an RN program and when you work as an LPN, you earn more than a CNA. The LPN license is a better option in the long run should something happen that keeps you from attaining the end result of RN.

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Specializes in CNA.

Yes what the above person said!

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I would look into the requirements for the RN program you hope to get into in the future. Generally, LPNs do not work in hospitals so if hospital experience if what you are looking for, the CNA may be a better option. It is very easy and cheap. The problem with going and paying a crazy amount for the LPN courses from a different school than the one you will go to for your RN is that the pre-req classes you will take for the LPN may not transfer or be accepted by the school for the RN program. So it is possible that it will take you much longer and cost much more to do it separate like that.

I would take a very close look at both programs and make sure you speak with a counselor or someone at both schools/programs.

Personally, I became a CNA first and have been one for 8 years then I started the pre-reqs at my community college and then eventually got accepted into the RN program there and will begin in Aug of this year. I'll be done in 2 years and will be able to take the state boards after 1 year to obtain my LPN. I've got 2 small children also and this has been what worked for me.

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$24k seems like a whole heck of a lot for an LPN program -- I, personally, would not consider that option for myself. I like the CNA-for-now idea -- much less expensive, much quicker to get started working. Only you can decide, though, what's the best choice for your particular circumstances.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

You won't really be making any money as a CNA either supporting a family. Try looking into work commitment programs in your area, you may be able to sign a 2-4 year contract and get your Nursing school paid for.

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Thanks everyone! I thought $24k is a lot for an LPN program too. I'm still not too sure on what I should do. I know for an RN program I need to take Chemistry And Biology. I thought if I work as a CNA for now. Taking those classes i need while I'm working that i might have a better chance of getting in when I have the experience. My son won't start school for 2 more years, and if i wait until then at least i wont have a daycare bill I'll have to pay. I'll still have to pay for daycare, but at least this way ill be working and and be able to pay it, where if i was going to school it would be much harder. Also the RN program near me has already started for the 2010 year, So the next year they enroll is 2012. Which would be a good time for me. I'm not sure how long an LPN to RN takes? I'm leaning more toward just taking my CNA for now, but I'm still not too sure. I work at a daycare currently, So i have a lot of experience taking care of people:)

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