I’m a CNA currently, and I would like info on the next step of becoming a nurse. However, I’m running into problems.
I wanted to take classes online for LPN or RN, but I’m not having any luck. Can you give me some direction on what I can do further my education in healthcare?
Thanks,
Sabrina
S.L. Page says
Hey Sabrina! Welcome to the site! I worked as a CNA before I became a nurse and I am so thankful I did. You gain such awesome experience as a CNA and I think you learn things that will help you excel in your nursing job.
In order to become a LPN you are required to apply to a community college program. Most universities do not have LPN programs, only technical schools. They are usually only campus type classes (meaning you have to go there to learn). The reason being is because you are required to learn hands on skills and complete clinicals so it is hard for them to grade you if you are only online learning. So you probably will not find a LPN program 100% online.
Here is a great article on becoming a LPN (includes salary information and education requirements etc):
http://www.registerednursern.com/lpn-lvn-licensed-practical-nurse-vocational-nurse-education-job-and-salary-information/
In order to become a RN you must apply to a university with a nursing program. First you will have to complete regular college courses like English, History, Fine art etc (you will be able to take some of these online if your university offers it) and then after you complete those courses you apply to your university’s nursing program. Here you will take nursing courses. When I took nursing courses only 1 of my classes was an online course (a theory and research course). It will be really hard to find a RN nursing program that is 100% online because again just like the LPN program you will be required to learn hands on skills.
When you are researching you may find universities offering something called RN to BSN 100% online. This is for RNs with associate degrees who want to get a bachelors in nursing and these programs are generally 100% online.
I hope I helped you Sabrina and good luck. You will love nursing 🙂
Lyndsey G. says
S.L. made some great points but I would like to add that you must first decide if you would like to get an associates or bachelors degree in nursing as an RN. The associates degree is faster and cheaper so I would definitely looked into that. As for it being online 100%, some classes may be.
I know that you, S.L., go into depth in your book about how nursing schools works and how to apply so that may be a great resource you may want to look into, Sabrina.
S.L. Page says
Lyndsey, glad you liked the book 🙂 and I agree with what you added…good information.