RN w/ 2yr. degree and then bridge over to Bachelors or LPN and bridge over to Bachelors? ?

Question

I am 37 and have been taking pre-nursing classes part-time for about two years - I am not sure what route to take from here! It is so difficult to get into programs that I am trying to figure out the quickest way. I was even going to switch to COTA and then continue my education for 3 yrs nights to become an OT. At this point I don't know where to turn! Any opinions?

Answer 1

I graduated from a LPN program in July.  When I started looking into my options for bridging to be a RN I wished I had completed the 2yr RN (ADN) instead.   In North Carolina the LPN program is only 3 semesters, the ADN is 5 semesters.  I chose the LPN thinking it was shorter and it would be easier just to get my foot in the door.  However bridging takes a little bit longer as  LPN than RN.  

What I suggest is that you look into what the bridging programs you have found require to bridge.  Some of them let RN's test out of some courses, and require that LPN's have at least one or two years experience before you test out or apply.  I also think that the LPN to BSN can take longer than the RN-BSN, and there are more online progams that allow RN's to bridge than LPNs.

So my opinion is get the RN then bridge.  Good Luck

Answer 2

Bachelors next because with that you can get supervisory positions. I plan on starting my pre req in jan of 09 check out this site www.allnurses.com its great I have learned so much good luck!

Answer 3

You can do either.   But if you do the LPN route make sure you take your course work from a community college not a private career school.  

Some schools have feeder programs you start in the basic courses and move from the LPN to the ASN (RN) courses - then you can go onto a bachelors in anything!   This school has one of those programs and one of their links could help you find one in your area:

http://www.mccneb.edu/healthcareers/nurs...