Will having a BA hurt being hired as an LPN?

[Larrin42]

I already have my BA. I would LOVE to go back to get my BSN or even Masters. I have a two year old though and am trying to get into the field I want quickly to support us. I was accepted into an LPN program and start this month. Wondering if having a BA already though will hurt my chances of being hired as an LPN or help me?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to LPN student forum

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

I don't think it will hurt or make you over qualified. It also probably won't get you any additional pay either if you were wondering about that. If anything, you should be able to spin a lot of good professional qualities that you developed through your education. If done right at interviews, this could give you an edge even if your BA isn't closely related to healthcare.

[Raven1994]

No. If anything, it will expand your opportunities. Having both a BA and an LPN could make you qualified to pursue healthcare research or more "behind the scenes" work in healthcare :)

[danielle83]

I'm in a similar boat. I have a BS in Social Psychology, AS in Instructor, Technology & Military Science, AS Information Technology....and I'm trying to get into an LPN Program. I hope to marry my Social Psychology and Nursing together in the future and work in Community/Public Health and/or Veteran's Affairs.

Good luck to you!

[caliotter3]

Employers won't pay any attention to it. Your valid license and your nursing experience are what the employers are interested in.

[imhorsemackerel, LPN]

I got my BA in Psychology, and I decided to get my foot in the nursing door. So I went for LPN. Since graduating, I went to a job fair. Many of the potential employers said it was impressive I also had my bachelors. As the others above said, it should be helpful whether while in LPN school or getting a job.

While I was going for my BA, I applied to many entry-level jobs but got turned down because I was "over qualified" when I had no experience. The kicker is that I didn't care which job it was OR the pay. In my area LPNs are needed. Many facilities would be silly to turn someone away because they have their BA. I'm sure many would love their nurses to even pursue their RN and BSN. The fact that you have your BA means you have the work ethic, and I'm sure that speaks volumes. And if anything, it provides you the opportunity to shine during the interview process especially if it relates in some way to nursing.

For me, I felt that the parts of the LPN program that dealt with growth and development and the psych rotation were the easiest because of my BA.