When deciding whether to enter the nursing profession one of the key considerations that you will make is whether to undertake the full registered nurse training or look to enter the nursing profession through alternative means. One of the better ways, that might indeed be classed as an alternative route is to train to become an LPN, or licensed practical nurse. The LPN jobs market is pretty good at the moment and once you have qualified you have a reasonable expectation of receiving a salary of between $30000 and $50000. This is a good wage and worth considering.
One of the key reasons for choosing the LPN route is that the LPN training is comparatively short, especially compared to the length of time it takes to train to become a registered nurse. These days you can qualify to become an LPN in as little as 12 months, and included within this period is a decent amount of time spent on practical experience.
Once qualified this training time will mean that furthering your career through additional training, perhaps to go on to become an RN will be both shorter and more flexible. You might even be able to keep working as an LPN whilst you train to become an RN. So overall the LPN route has definite advantages and is well worth giving full consideration.