Would you choose Non-Accredited RN program or LPN program?

[Believe&Dream]

I have a bit of a decision to make so let me give some background. I am a military wife so due to moving pretty frequently, I have been constantly "chasing" RN program requirements every time I move. Now that my classes are getting close to the ten year old mark, they are starting to not be accepted at every school unless I redo them. Now I have the option of an unaccredited RN program (ADN) which I am confident I would be accepted. It is $34k but I am planning to use the GI bill. My other option is an LPN program through a community college which is $16k and does not accept financial aid so I would have to use student loans and scholarships if I can get them. I do not want to use the GI bill for an LPN program because I will continue to go for an RN degree. If I did the LPN, I would try to find a bridge program ASAP. What would you do?

[trauma_lama, BSN]

Might just be me, but i wouldnt waste time on an unaccredited program. You might end up rocking NCLEX, but i feel like as a new grad it will be less difficult (because its a tight market now) to find a job if they are even a little familiar with the institution where you were trained. Good luck in whatever you do!

[mac léinn]

I was a Military Wife for 22 years and moved every 12 - 18 months. With that said I took classes here and there and the college I moved to accepted them all. My college took all the coursesI took and some were in the 80's. My school does have a 5 yr limit for A&P Courses. I would definiately NOT go with any non-accredited RN Program. I know money is an issue (it was for us when he was in) but the Non-accredited program may cause problems down the road trying to get licensed or even hired in the future especially with you moving to different states. Try looking online to take some courses from a school that the GI Bill can be used but that is accredited.

Good Luck I wish you the BEST!!

[Boxer Mama]

I agree that I would not do a non-accredited program. I found out the hard way. Years ago, I went to a tech. school for a degree in OT. They told me they were accredited, yet last year when I started up my classes again at a local community college they told me they do not accept credits from schools only nationally accredited, only regionally (like CC or universities). So, all those classes were lost. While this may not seem important now, if you ever want to continue on with your degree to get a BSN (and I know my local hospitals either prefer or require a BSN degree or enrolling in a program within 6 months of accepting a position), those non-accredited classes may not transfer to certain programs. Only the private colleges were willing to take my credits and then charge me over $500 per credit hour to attend their school. Just something to think about. I would go the route that would keep future options open. Good luck in your decision!