| With layoffs looming and the economy slowing, many | | | | years if you take a part-time program. Then while you |
| job seekers who want stability are turning to the health | | | | are working and earning a salary as an LPN, take |
| profession. The demand for nurses grows higher | | | | what is known as an "LPN to RN bridge program". |
| every year, with an aging nursing force retiring and not | | | | Many community colleges offer these bridge |
| enough new nurses coming into the profession. Nurses | | | | programs, in response to increased demand for |
| are needed in public and private schools, hospitals, | | | | registered nurses, and so do many online nursing |
| doctors offices, clinics, prison systems, psychiatric | | | | schools. And at the community college level, there is a |
| facilities, and many other areas. | | | | much shorter waiting list, sometimes no waiting list, for |
| A degree in registered nursing can open numerous | | | | the LPN to RN bridge program. |
| doors. Registered nurses are paid well and can | | | | Where can you get an LPN degree? Many private |
| advance to even higher paying specialized professions | | | | "career" colleges, technical schools, and community |
| such as that of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, | | | | colleges offer programs in Licensed Practical Nursing. |
| which pays in the six figures. | | | | Check with your local community colleges to see what |
| Unfortunately, there are so many people who want to | | | | kind of LPN programs they offer and what type of |
| get into nursing school right now that it is creating a | | | | waiting list you might face. If they have a long waiting |
| bottleneck of nursing students at many nursing schools. | | | | list, look for private career colleges or vocational |
| It can take several years to get into traditional four | | | | colleges in your area. Your state board of nursing will |
| year nursing schools or into the two year associates | | | | have a list of all accredited nursing schools in the state |
| degree programs offered by community colleges. | | | | that you live in, both public and private. |
| However, when you are applying for those rare, | | | | Here's a tip: If you are considering an online LPN to RN |
| coveted community college slots or the four-year | | | | degree , check with your State Board of Nursing to |
| Bachelor of Science in nursing programs, there is | | | | make sure that they accredit the online school you are |
| another option they're not going to tell you about. And | | | | interested in. Some online schools offer degrees that |
| it's a great way to start working as a nurse much | | | | are accepted in some states but not in others. If your |
| faster while finishing up your RN degree. | | | | State Board of nursing does not accredit the online |
| The trick: become a Licensed Practical Nurse first. It's | | | | LPN to RN program, than no matter how great the |
| a one year program if you go full-time, one and a half | | | | program is, it is a waste of your time. |