I am currently trying to decide whether to get my LPN or RN. I just moved to Sarasota, FL and the community college here has a waiting list for the RN program...so basically the soonest I would be able to begin the program would be Fall 2008 even though I have already completed ALL of the prerequisite classes at another community college in Jacksonville. The technical school here offers a one year LPN program which I could start in August this year...plus they have night classes which is VERY important since I have a two year old and no family here to care for her....and daycare is sooo expensive when you only have one income. I'm just confused because I have heard that it's not worth it to get your LPN then go on to RN because RNs make so much more. Also since I have taken the time to take ALL the prereqs for the RN program, it's kind of annoying to have to wait over a year to start it. I know either way that my goal is to be a RN, I just can't decide which route to take.
2007-06-11 03:22:19 · 5 answers · asked by orangepenguin20 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Health Care
RN for 17 years. My advice would be to go for the LPN program now, due to the situation with your 2 year old. It would give you a salary that is not bad, and it would give you experience in nursing. You don't have to give up your dream of being a RN. Many colleges have programs that are LPN to RN.
BTW, the waiting list for your schools RN program is not unusual. A majority of nursing programs around the country have the same situation.
Good luck to you.
2007-06-11 08:21:28 · answer #1 · answered by Laura E 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being in the Healthcare field, I can tell you that the RN is the way to go if you like nursing and it's where the money is. Some community colleges offer a 2-year degree for RN which is nice. Our local hospital also offers a 3-year program (during the day unfortunately) and the universities offer a 4-year program. Apparently the higher the education you receive in nursing, the more opportunities (and pay) that are offered to you, such as supervising, etc.
If you wanted to look into an occupation that you could learn from home and also work from home (ideal with a little one to take care of) you might want to consider medical transcription, coding or billing. You can learn more about these careers at www.mtacc.net and also get the free e-book just for asking. Good luck to you!
2007-06-11 13:32:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for your LPN first. Not only will this help you financially it can and will give you a leg up on entrance into a RN program. If you would be able to work even part time before/during the RN program it will be amazing how much your practical experience will help.
I know many Rn's that regret the career choice they made and starting out with an RN would have saved them money and the ones who love it wish they had started out with the LPN for practical experience sake.
2007-06-11 10:29:56 · answer #3 · answered by New England Babe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
RN's do make quiet a bit more money. If you have the option of moving, you could try Cfcc (central florida community college) in Ocala, they have a RN program. It usually has no waiting list on it. Could also try Santa Fe college in gainsville or UF. If you can't move, then if it were me. I'd go for LPN, just so i have a degree i can make good money with for your daughter. Then go back for the RN license at a later time. Supporting your daughter should be number one priority and a LPN license would help quiet a bit.
2007-06-11 10:32:44 · answer #4 · answered by sugrdady03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
RN, hands down.
2007-06-11 10:29:28 · answer #5 · answered by lycurgus_the_lawgiver 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋