I am interested in taking LPN or RN training. However where I live in Pennsylvania the nursing schools are very hard to get into. Is there any online or distance alternatives that might allow a person to setup their own residency? If any one knows of a good program I would appreciate any info. Thank You
Most of the online programs are degree completion programs for those already RNs. Excelsior and Edison accept LPNs. Most clinical programs are this way. One exception that I have heard of lately is Deaconess College. Sorry don't know the Web page. You do most of the course work online and do clinical training in your own area then go to the campus each semester to update the experience. Nursing school is difficult to get into but if you have that goal nothing will stop you. You can take the non-clinical courses first which should transfer (A&P, English, Sociology, Psychology, etc.). This also increases the chance of acceptance if your grades are good. Good luck. I did it when I was a working adult so I am aware of how it works ;-)
nursing board? I don't know what the laws are in your state, but if there is a board of some kind that looks over Nursing, you may want to check with them. They have approved school lists here in FL. If your school doesn't appear on the list you will be out of luck.
Dear Nurque; Look for alternate sources of this education nearby. Where I live, one can become an LPN through an Adult Education program sponsored by the City Public Schools. There may be some Hospitals still offering Nurse's training. Are you working as a Nurse's Aid now? If you are in the business, there may be some tuition assistance/sponsorship from the Hospital or Employer, in exchange for a commitment to work for them after graduation. See http://www.pahealthcareers.org/careerdirectory/career_directory_nurselpn.asp for a list of sources in Pennsylvania.
Deaconess College Website: http://www.deaconess.edu It looks interesting. Is it legit and can one obtain licensure?
Deaconess College of Nursing is indeed legit. It has been around for over 100 yrs. and they started their online program 2 yrs ago. I will be graduating in July! It's been a wonderful experience.
Wow. It's good to see an online/DL nursing program! When I was looking several years ago for online nursing programs, they were not at all available. Of course, I didn't think to look for MSN programs that took previous BA/BS degrees. Wish I'd thought of that sooner. But back to the topic... it looks like Deaconess College is your best bet. I've done a ton of hunting for online/DL MSN programs (now that I've completed a BSN program at a B&M school) and have not once come across a school that offers ADN/BSN or even LPN degrees. Silly question, but do you already have a college degree? You could look into the accelerated MSN programs with one. Yes, nursing school has become extremely competetive and I'm fortunate to have made it through one of the new accelerated programs and am finally working as an RN. One word of advice after going through all this - seriously consider attempting at least an associates level degree in nursing. LPNs are very limited in the work they do and the autonomy they have as nurses. With an ADN you at least have more flexibility in where you work and advancement is more prevalent. Good luck!
