4 Comments so far

1. Libraryanna on May 30, 2010 12:43 am

   If you want the chance to get promoted and earn a lot more money, then get the RN. The LPN is more likely offered at community colleges. If you want to work in a doctor’s office, then an LPN might get you there faster. The link below tells you of programs offering the LPN. It doesn’t look like UIC offers the LPN, just the RN. By the way LPN is also LVN (Licensed vocational nurse.)

   Pretty much, choosing depends on what you want to do. The RN takes longer, but gives you more choices and more money.

2. stepcmpb on May 30, 2010 1:42 am

   Hey, I’m actually a nursing student. I’m in a RN program. Here’s the deal. It’s better to do RN. You have more freedom and you get paid better. A lot of hospitals are actually phasing out LPN, but many hospitals still take LPNs. Many of them work in nursing homes. I’m also going to be realistic. RN is a lot work and school and some people just don’t have the time. Honestly you should go for your RN. Some LPN programs is about 15-18 months and cost about the same an going for your RN.

3. RN Manager on May 30, 2010 1:57 am

   This all is relative. Do what is feasible for you and yours.

4. whoknewthecolorcouldbeblue on May 30, 2010 2:38 am

   Well, what is your situation?

   Some people become LPN’s first because its easier to get accepted into the program, there are normally no waiting lists, its faster (1 year program), its cheaper, and if you get a job as an LPN, you can find an employer who is willing to pay tuition reimbursement, meaning they pay for you to go back to school for your RN (saving you THOUSANDS of dollars) all while making money working as a nurse and getting irreversable experience.

   Sometimes people that have kids or are not willing to “wait” go through the LPN program. There is nothing wrong with it. My cousin is an LPN and started making $21/hour. She loves her job. Her hospital is paying for her tuition reimbursement, granted she agrees to work for them for 1 year after becoming an RN.

   If you don’t have kids, or if you have the $ and time, go through the RN program. It is alot more expensive and takes longer, not to mention is harder, but if you situation permits it then go for it.

   Normally, Universities don’t offer LPN programs. It is offered at community colleges or technical schools. Sometimes local adult schools and county programs offer it.

   You should first find out what schools offer LPN and what schools offer RN (locally) and get lots of information. Call the schools and have them send you paperwork and fliers about their programs. This way, you can weigh the pro’s and con’s, the costs, and which program is best for you. Really, thats the only way to make your decision.

   By the way, not to argue with the previous answer, the LPN program in MY AREA is not anywhere close to the cost of the RN program. LPN program costs about $5,000-8,000, and the RN costs between $20,000-30,000. I have checked all the local schools and cannot find it cheaper than that. So I don’t know where you live but in my state thats the outlook right now.

   Good luck