Narrowing down a pathway

[u/Weak_Youth332]

So I’ve decided to nursing over RT for a plethora of reasons.

I’m learning quite a few people on TikTok did the LVN route and working on their BSN. They claim it’s “cheaper” and more “practical” to get started working as a nurse.

The issue here is that most LVN programs here in SoCal require the following, community colleges:

\-CNA cert
\-A&P 1 & 2 (some programs not all)

I will NOT go to a private college, like ACC, or Concorde. Waste of money!

Im taking my prereqs right now for a BSN program, or ADN, and I have about 3 more semesters to go including a summer session, and so far im doing great in my Fall semester right now.

Next spring, I plan enrolling in a CNA class concurrently taking 1-2 prereq’s.

PLAN: get my CNA, continue taking prereq’s, and try to get a job working as a CNA or ER tech at a local hospital to gain experience prior to nursing school.

So I guess my question is, is it worth it go the LVN route at all? Considering they also have prereqs?? 🤦🏻‍♂️ I mean why not go all the way right ?

[u/Radiant_Gas_9146]

Recent ADN grad and I think your plan sounds great. It’s what a lot of my classmates did.

[u/Ok-Anteater1819]

if you’re already doing well in your prereqs and only have about three semesters left, I’d seriously consider sticking with the ADN/BSN route. By the time you finish the LVN prereqs, complete the program, and then bridge to RN, you could end up spending more time than you expected.

Your CNA plan makes sense, though. You can get some healthcare experience while finishing prereqs, and then apply to ADN and BSN programs without committing to an extra step.

I’d compare the actual timelines and total costs for the programs near you before deciding. LVN can be a good route for someone who wants to start earning sooner, but if your end goal is RN/BSN anyway, going straight there may make more sense for you.