The easiest way, if there is an easy way, is to go to your local community college and take the LPN course (1 year) and the at the same community college take the RN course (2 years). That would be three years to achieve an ASN and the RN.

You can get a BSN and the RN and a higher paying job by taking 4 years right off the gate.

Remember, LPN and RN are not levels of the same thing – these are very different jobs (even though both are called ‘nurse’). There’s a reason that an RN makes twice what an LPN does.

If RN is your goal then find an RN program and let the LPN idea slide. If you want to work in the field a few years and then get the RN then find an LPN program and let the RN idea slide. Pick one – they aren’t the same. ☺

As for why take the lpn if your goal is rn, well, if you do the way I suggested, it should only take an extra semester than if you had gone directly into the rn program, and the last year of your studies, you will be making very good money as a lpn and not worrying how you’ll pay rent and tuition….Good Luck!