Why is the nursing industry so hard to get into?

LPN_thts_M3 · Dec 5, 2009

I really dont know what to say about the price, maybe its your location. I am in TN and schools here and surrounding areas aren't too bad. As far as going straight through I dont know how it works there but here in TN you have to clock so many hours before you can even APPLY to an RN program. So many people try and go from LPN to RN because they didnt get straight into RN school and I think that is a way of preventing that. IDK. Its a bunch of (horse manure) if you ask me:angryfire. Although you do want to go straight into RN working as an LPN might be the best way to go especially if schools are expensive. There may be tuition reimbursement from your job which won't help immediately but its something. Are you able to relocate you and your son? I know that may be difficult.

Sorry if I couldnt be any help but there are tons of people (myself included) who are going through the same thing. Sometimes you have to grin and bear it. It may take a little more time to reach your goals but it will happen

Jules A, MSN · Dec 5, 2009

There is always a trade off. If you want online it will cost more. I'd take a second look at your local community college. As a LPN you should be able to secure a flexible schedule to allow you to work and go to school. Good luck.

LA_StudentNurse · Feb 6, 2010

Alright, I recently completed the LVN program at American Career College last year, good school, though pricey. Anyway, I passed the NCLEX and was lucky enough to be given a job by my mother, who is a nurse herself and knows a lot of nursing directors and such. I really want to start moving forward and be an RN as quickly as possible. Does anybody know of an LVN-RN program in California that is INEXPENSIVE? I've done a lot of homework and research already, and everything just seems too be too expensive. I am only 22 years old with a three year old child, and I'm trying to support the both of us.
I've already looked at West Coast University, Univ. of Phoenix and other trade schools but they are way too expensive. I also don't have the time to wait at a Community College because I want to go straight into a program and devote my time to it without taking classes one by one and working at the same time.
If anybody can give me any advice and pointers, I would really appreciate it! Thank you for taking the time and reading this!

If you received your degree from American CC, then you can take a bridge course at a community college. However, in a community college you will also earn your ADN--meaning you will have to take all the requirements for graduation. Nice thing about community college is that in Ca the cost per unit is $26.

The other option is to go to a private college for LVN->ADN or BSB. Either way, you will have to take the required graduation courses.

I agree with you that West Coast tuition is outrageous. You could do distant learning with proctored tests and clinicals through Indiana State U which is associated with Cal State Univ Sanoma LVN-->BSN (there is a separate ISU discussion site on allnurses) cost $25,000 (+/-); $19,000 if you already have a bachelors. This program works well for working LVNs as it is done totally on line, BUT you must have all your prerequisites and grad classes finished before you are either are admitted to the nursing program or granted your degree. To get the classes you need to get into nursing school, you have an option of paying through the nose through The College Network or go to community college.

The other LVN-> ADN or BSM is Univ of Oklahoma. They are combo of on line and also going to the brick and mortor facility in Burbank. You are part of a class and do clinicals together. The cost is about $34,000

There is the 30 unit option in colleges that offer the LVN to ADN program, but your license is only valid in Calif.

It is more difficult to find bridge courses than an LVN to ADN program. Unless it is a specific LVN-ADN program, you will be accepted when there is an opening because a RN student fail the class and a seat opens up. It may be easier to get on the nursing school's wait list and start from the beginning. It may take less time to complete the RN program from the beginning versus waiting for a seat on the wait list.

BTW some community colleges have day care for students and you would probably be eligible for financial aid such as BOG and Pell grants and/or subsidized, unsubsided loans. Have you considered waiting till your child is school---save up money so that you are flush when you decide to go to nursing school. Nursing school is rigorous; working full time and caring for a child is very difficult. RN school is very different from ADN/BSN school.

Some compannies and/or the government will offer tuition reimbursement or scholarships. That may be a consideration for a job you seek.

Either way, you look at it, it will take time and/or money. Depending on your priorities will determine what you decide...however, the $120,000 LVN -> BSN program is outrageous. What are they thinking... :nurse:

LA_StudentNurse · Feb 6, 2010

[...] RN school is very different from ADN/BSN school. [...]
quote]
Oops correction: RN school (ADN or BSN) is very different from LVN school.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2010

If you are willing to move to Central CA, San Joaquin Valley College is a trade school in Visalia that offers an LVN-to-RN bridge program that is significantly cheaper than the one being offered at West Coast Univ.