Registered Nurses (RNs) play a crucial role in ensuring that patients understand treatment plans and helping them through the recovery journey.
RNs are the backbone of daily operations because medical insurance companies rely on nurses to gather information from patients.
The high demand for RNs in the medical industry motivates people to apply for nursing school, however, most people ask whether it’s possible to skip LPN and go to RN. The answer is Yes, of course, you can skip LPN and go to RN however LPN provides a stepping stone to a nursing career and enable you to work as a licensed practical nurse in as little as 6 months. After working as LPN you can enroll in a bridge program to become RN in 2 years.
Can You Go Straight Into RN School After High School?
Here are some steps you can take to gain admission into nursing school after receiving your high school diploma.
1. Prepare For The Possibility of Joining a Bridging Program
Nursing schools emphasize high performance in mathematics and science because these subjects are the foundation for coursework in medical school. Fortunately, nursing schools still offer admissions to students who have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The process of admission, however, takes a little longer because a student with a 2.5 GPA has to attend a bridging program that runs from six to eight months.
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2. Study For The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Test
Aspiring RNs have to sit for the TEAS test to assess their level of preparation for medical school. This test has four sections which are English grammar, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The secret to passing this entrance exam is implementing a three-month study plan and finding a good study group.
3. Join a Medical Volunteer Program
A high school graduate who aspires to join nursing school also has to demonstrate the ability to communicate with patients and collaborate with other medical professionals. Fortunately, medical volunteer programs are available in virtually every city and it costs nothing to gain membership. In addition, these programs enable people from different medical backgrounds to network for career opportunities.
4. Avoid Committing Any Crimes
The worst thing that an aspiring RN can do to mess up their chances of admission to nursing school is committing a crime. It’s impossible to gain admission unless you meet the legal requirements to get the records expunged. However, expunction is an expensive process that takes years to complete.
What Are The Pros of Skipping LPN and Going Straight to RN?
1. Students Can Transition to Higher Levels Within a Short Time
Students who are gifted in mathematics and science can complete RN school within three years instead of four. This advantage allows an RN to transition to higher levels such as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at a young age. It’s usually a struggle trying to return to nursing school when a nurse already has a family and a full-time job.
2. Registered Nurses Enjoy High Demand In The Job Market Countrywide
In 2020, the Association of American Medical Colleges published a report indicating that there’s a shortage of at least 50,000 doctors. According to the World Health Organization, the recommended doctor to patient ratio is 1:1000 and the rising deficit in physicians creates a high demand for nurses countrywide. It’s quite possible for RNs to take home an annual salary of $100,000.
Are There Any Cons to Skipping LPN for RN School?
Students in the RN Program usually complain about anatomy, medical calculations, and pharmacology. In addition, a typical day for a full-time RN student involves spending eight hours in class and an extra two to three on class assignments. This situation tends to overwhelm students who’ve never experienced similar challenges in previous medical courses such as LPN school.
Can Medical Assistants (MA) Skip LPN Become RNs?
A medical assistant can achieve this dream by enrolling in a MA to RN bridge program. The entry requirements are less strict because nursing schools put the student’s professional experience into account. These bridge programs run for two years then students sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Would You Be Okay With Skipping LPN School?
LPN school is recommended for high school graduates because it prepares them for the hectic schedule that’s expected when completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. It also has fewer entry requirements compared to RN school. On the flip side, students that are brilliant in math and science can graduate from RN school in just three years.
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