Help with nursing education? Shoud Z train as an LPN first, then continue schooling, or take the prereqs, and?

go straight for an associates as an RN? I figure obviously RN is better paying, but if I'm an employed LPN, would i be able to recieve reimbursement to go to school as an RN, or is that only RN-BSN programs that recieve reimbursement?

It would be cheaper to start out as an LPN, but not much variety by comparison....any opinions?

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO don't do it!!!!!! I work with soooo many LPN's who did the same thing and have never been able to get back to school because of life changes. It was too easy to get into the working rut, they make around $20/hour some make more on night shift (which is high for lpn's). They can support themselves and their family but not like they want to. Some work over time and second jobs to afford the mortgage. there are a few taking online courses to get their RN but it'll take a couple years because they didn't take the required classes while going to school full time, now it's only part time around work and family schedules. Many hospitals reimburse tuition usually a couple thousand a year, if you obligate yourself to the hospital for 3 years some will pay for everything. You sound young and just starting out so go for it and get your RN it doesn't have to be a BSN that you can do later if you want to go into management or on to nurse practitioner/anesthetist school.

Every employer has their own options as far as tuition reimbursement . Some will even reimburse for LPN. You'd have to check with them. It would also depend on what type of nursing you're looking to go into. Would probably be a good idea to talk to a career counselor.

Go straight to RN, if you can. I did LPN because I had to at the time, and yes, most facilities provide tuition reimbursement, but believe me, for the work you will do, its better if you go ahead and get your RN so you can get the money and respect that come with the Job!!!

Go straight for the RN...
Most companies that do have tution reimbursement require you to be there at least a year to apply, and even if you get it, its usually only $1-2,000 which wont cover the cost of school. You may also have to sign a contract that states you will work for them for a certain length of time after you graduate.
I have seen many LPNs want to do what you propose and never get around to going back to school. It's hard and I've also had many LPNs in school with me while I was going to RN school who ended up having to take almost as many classes as me, actually only one less quarter.
It would be in your best interest to just go for the RN.
You could always go back for your BSN if you choose to do the Associate degree, it would take about 18months to 2 years and the rules and regulations are not as extensive. You still have to sit for the Board as an LPN, then if you go back for RN, sit again, but from RN to BSN you don't have to.
Good Luck