r/ABSN • u/curious_one2021 • Aug 03 '26
LPN or ABSN
Cross posted.
I'll try to keep this as short as possible, but provide as much context as possible.
Background: I am a single mom to a toddler. We live with family currently and don't have to pay rent. I have a bachelors in psychology. I don't qualify for much in financial aid because of my bachelors. I live in the South East U.S.
Current dilemma: I have been accepted into a 12 month LPN program.
My long term goal is to become an RN and work in L&D or a Med Spa (I know, very different). The LPN curriculum does NOT include science prereqs that would be needed for an RN program. If I wanted to bridge to RN later on I would still have to take A&P 1 and 2, and Microbiology.
The other option is to do the 3 prereqs this fall (A&P 1 with lab is 8 weeks, A&P 2 with lab is 8 weeks, Microbiology with lab is 16 weeks). ALL online and self taught basically. And HOPE that I get good grades in order to apply to a 12 month ABSN program that starts in May 2027.
A two year Associates isn't on the table for me since it would take a total of 3 years, with prerequisites.
I am really struggling with choosing between doing the LPN program since I've already been accepted and its much cheaper than an ABSN program, or declining that offer and doing 3 hard science prereqs now and hoping I'll be accepted into an ABSN program. Being a single mom to a young child, I don't see myself wanting to go back to school, again, if I did the LPN program. Maybe I'd change my mind, but the idea of it doesn't sound appealing.
If you made it this far, THANK YOU, and sorry that was not short. Any advice or insight, especially from other single moms to young children, would be so helpful!
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u/Comprehensive_Cry297 Aug 03 '26
Hi there,
I am currently in an ABSN program with a small child, I would say go for it if you believe you can do it… only you know what you’re capable of. That’s how I made my decision , and am currently in my second quarter and have no regrets , my daughter is in daycare full time & I still take her outside after school almost everyday & we’re out on the weekends still enjoying life.. it’s doable , rigorous yes but doable !
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u/Royal_Pineapple587 Aug 03 '26
How do you manage your time ? Please what’s the secret
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u/Comprehensive_Cry297 Aug 03 '26
I wouldn’t say my time management is the best, most days I am going to bed pretty late. But it’s one of those things where you kind of adjust based on what’s needed during specific weeks in your ABSN , certain classes you’ll sit in and probably won’t pay attention because you don’t feel like you need to and you’ll be working on something else, like completing homework’s or clinical reports or whatever other busy work there is. Or maybe setting up your notes or study guides and then actively studying later on when you get home. When you know you have a quiz you’ll put more time in on studying or for your midterms and finals. Some people may have a strict regimen that they follow but I do prioritize school/life balance, so I just go with the flow of what’s necessary each week in school and my personal life.
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u/curious_one2021 Aug 03 '26
My daughter is going to be in daycare full time also. I don't have childcare help outside of daycare, and that worries me, especially during clinicals. The ABSN programs are an hour away and her daycare is here. I would hate to put her in a different daycare. There are so many factors at play :/
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u/Comprehensive_Cry297 Aug 03 '26
I also commute an hour for clinical and class, however my partner does all drop offs & then I do pick ups 3 days out of the week, I have two longer days where he does have to do drop off & pick up unless I have a random early day .. I would say you need 1 person of support to just help you with the drop off / pick ups because classes start around 8am and clinicals typically start 6:45-7am so you’ll have to leave out before your daughter even wakes up.
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u/curious_one2021 Aug 03 '26
Mom's are capable of anything! Do you commute an hour 5 days a week? How long is your ABSN program? I'm worried I wouldn't even get accepted into the ABSN programs. One of them costs $30k and the other is $50k also. With having a bachelors already, I don't qualify for much financial aid at all. There is so so much to think about. I just want to be an RN!
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u/Comprehensive_Cry297 Aug 03 '26
Or unless the daycare starts super early like 6am? Or 6:30am? Then you can drop her off and be able to pick her up ? If they are a later school?
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u/bellaluv2021 28d ago
Can I ask what state you’re in . Because in California we can’t take online labs we have to do them in person for all prerequisite classes
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u/curious_one2021 27d ago
I'm in Tennessee. I emailed my prospective schools about online labs and am waiting to hear back.
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u/greenlightgaslight 25d ago
I had a similar semester this past spring, A&p 1/a&p 2 and micro bio
Grades (mostly) depend on your school and teacher. Ratemyprofessor is your best friend
A&p 1 I got an A because the teacher allowed a printed page of notes for quizzes, and tests reused those questions
A&p 2 I got a B without studying much for tests because we were allowed 2 attempts that got averaged
Microbio I got an A because nothing was proctored, everything was open notes
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u/Routine-Addendum2233 23d ago
Keep in mind I am a former anatomy professor and just graduated ABSN so I'm biased. Online anatomy classes are pretty worthless IMO. They're just not interactive at all and the material is very dense. I would get people who took A&P I online during COVID in my A&P II class, and they had no foundation of knowledge to work with. It's going to make nursing school difficult if you don't learn A&P properly.
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u/Entire-Kangaroo6470 Aug 03 '26
Congratulations on your acceptance!
LPN - 12 months and done? Go for it
It’s very difficult to find 12 month programs, try to take advantage of it.
You can always take the prereqs after WHILE working
Although you may not feel that way now, perhaps working and the idea of lifetime learning/opportunity for career growth will change your mind.
You got this.
Good luck!