Colorado Technical University

Can somebody tell me if doing the Liscensed Pratical Nurse program is worth it?

I have been unemployed now for 18 mos and single parent, still no job. Im considering doing the LPN program even though its not my first love if I had my choice i would do postsecondary education and or social work. but there is no more time and time is money. Help!

Public Comments

1. With the "baby boomer" generation now into their senior years, ANY health care professional is going to find him or herself in demand. Getting an LPN degree will be very valuable.
2. I agree, I am getting my BSN and any website I have read about says either one is good to have. Especially because it pays well like the most recent salary I saw was like 30,000 right out of school and then you can always go back, which many nurses do, and they'll pay for your schooling and everything. Plus, when you get your job most hospitals offer tuition reimbursement so your LPN schooling will be reimbursed then you can just turn around and do like part-time and finish it up if that's something your interested in.
3. My suggestion, if you can afford to do it, is just become an RN because BOTH can be done at community colleges, but only IF you can afford to do it especially you being a single parent. RN's are in demand and LPNs (or LVNs) are just secondary helpers to RNs in a hospital setting (meaning they would be let go first before an RN). The sacrafice can earn you A TON of more money in the meantime. For example in 7 years time: (LPN's make 30K per year, RNs make 65K per year) LPN program is 1 1/2 years time to work 5 1/2 years estimated amount made in that time = 165K RN program is 4 years time to work is 3 years estimated amount made in that time = 195K if you started the programs at the same time, the RN program will surpass the LPN program after 5 years in earnings, this also is accelerated if there is overtime and/or a second job is involved. One more thing, a lot of the LPNs i work with either regret doing it or become RNs later (but look at all that money they could of made), but this is all based on IF you can do it due to being a single parent
4. Yes it is worth it! You will be working as a nurse a lot sooner that you would if you went straight for RN and you can bridge to RN while working as an LPN. Best of luck.