Which path?

[cody1984]

Ok, so right now I am stuck in a rut trying to figure out which way I should go to get into the nursing field. I am currently doing the prerequisites to get into the ASN program at my community college and am about half way through.

My community college has a RN program that is very competitive and will be a total of 72 credit hours or at least 2 years of schooling. The only accept 20 students in the fall and another 20 in the spring.

The local technical school has an LPN program. I don't know how competitive it is to get into. The schooling is 11-12 months. The community college does a LPN to RN program that only requires 2 months of school, but only 10 or slightly more are accepted each year. So this path would be a total of 14 months.

My thinking is that with the LPN at least I will be making money while waiting to get into the LPN to RN program. If I get all the prerequisites done then it's a shot in the dark as far as getting into the program (competition is fierce). What do you recommend?

[PurrRN]

From what I've heard alot of the LPN/LVN programs are also highly competitive. My advice (having been on a 2 year wait list), would be to apply for both if possible to give yourself two times the chances of getting into a program.

Good luck in whatever you do.

Angela.

[Jules A, MSN]

Applying to both sounds like a good plan to me also. You can also call and inquire as to the expected number of applicants for the spaces available. My LPN school was very competitive like the RN programs. Good luck!

[kat7ap]

I took prereqs for RN school before applying to a LVN program that did not require any prereqs. I was frustrated about waiting for the RN and went to the vocational school near by and tested and enrolled and began classes literally less than 2 weeks. They had a couple spots that became unfilled and I had the option of beginning right away. I was done in 1 year.

I'd recommend you slowly take your prereqs to make sure you get the best grades possible, then apply to both programs. I made the mistake of trying to take too many classes at once and was overwhelmed and didn't make perfect grades which are needed for competitive programs.

[KIMYNURSE2B]

I also would apply to both.

We also have a long wait list for RN programs.

The LPN was competitive also. You had to do well on the NET test & interview.

I took prep classes for the NET test so start to finish. Was about 6 months for the LPN program,but you could of signed up for the NET test passed and start school in just a few months I think.

[cody1984]

Today I went into the technical school and did step 1 of 5. It was a test that they require you to take. I got a perfect score on it. The counselor said she rarely sees that kinda thing.

So thats one thing down. I go in to take another test on Wed. Then I have to write an essay, do an informal meeting, get a background check and a few other odds and ends. Things look good so far though. Program doesn't start till Aug.