8 Comments so far

1. WinstonG on December 11, 2009 7:49 am

   It’s always better to get your LPN first, then go for your BSN. This way, you can already have a degree in nursing and can work while getting you BSN.

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2. US_DR_JD on December 11, 2009 8:36 am

   It is all a matter of finances, and your ability to pay or get financial assistance.
   For a New Jersey resident a BSN program at a college like Rutgers would be about $11,000 a year. Since a BSN would take 4 years instead of 2, it will cost twice as much or $11,000 more per year for 2 year to get a BSN.
   Using Trenton as an example, a BSN RN will make a salary roughly 34,000 a year higher than an LPN. So the cost of the extra two years is more than covered in the first year working as a BSN RN. Also, it you follow the advice provided by some, you will incur some level of obligation to work for the facility that pays for your education to advance from LPN to RN and then possibly to BSN if necessary. This then leaves you unable to move if you are unhappy in a situation or want to try a new area.
   If you can afford to get the BSN, go for it, it will take longer and be more work part time later.

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3. US_DR_JD on December 11, 2009 9:11 am

   I am a LVN (equivalent to a LPN) and many hospitals will pay for you to go and get a higher degree, you can start out as a LPN and then go to work at a hospital where they have a career advancement program where they will pay you back your tuition cost if you make a certain grade.

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4. Kelli W on December 11, 2009 9:40 am

   You should be able to find an LPN program for a heck of a lot less than $22K. Or have you considered a 2 year RN program at a community college, also for way less than that? You’d be a lot better off jobwise with at least the RN, if not the BSN which would be even better.

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5. Judy on December 11, 2009 9:58 am

   Nursing careers offer a lot of stability in these rough times. If you become a LPN, you can work and go back to get your RN and BSN. There are transition programs that could help you with this. Please check out http://www.bls.gov for info on nurses. I have been a RN for seven years and I have a BSN. I love nursing and good luck to a future nurse!!!

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6. Hellokit on December 11, 2009 10:16 am

   You can start as a LPN and then as you work do the other. My BFF just graduated with her RN/BSN and she started with 65,000 with very little experience. Also, after a year she can be an administrator or supervisor. I think you should aim higher to make more later.

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7. Wondering Soul on December 11, 2009 10:56 am

   if you are strapped for cash – go for the LPN… But if you have the time, go for BSN….
   LPN is the long way around and you may end up taking longer/spending more time, when you could have gone for the RN at a community college or gone for straight BSN

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8. Anie on December 11, 2009 11:18 am

   i have my bsn but if i were to redo things i think i would be an lpn and have my work place pay for me to get my bsn
   best of luck, youll love being a nurse!

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