I cant decide which one to be they both take the same ampount of hours to complete......the figures above$$$$ are what I have to pay after the pell grant . I love both.

I am a Hygienist: to chose from the two, I would go for LvN

Have you checked the classifieds?  Which ones are in demand?

In LA, I'd assume cosmetology has the
greatest upside $$$ making potential
if you get linked into entertainment
or very high-end clientele.

However, the skill set to excel in either
is very different.  Are you more artistic
or a nurturing compassionate type?

Choose accordingly.

life as a hair dresser/cosmetologist is very unstable. You have to be extremely self-motivated, because you're constantly  going to be in a process of building a clientelle base and keeping them happy.

I would look to your reasons for wanting to do both.

If you want to be an LVN strictly for a promise of making money, you might hate the long hours, or the difficult work conditions. Do you want to become an LVN because you love taking care of people? Any reason other than that might be the wrong one. If it's not your passion, no amount of money will make up for being ankle deep in blood and pee and poo for the next 5-10 years!

If you want to be a cosmetologist or hairdresser because it's "fun", well, it is, but it's also really hard work. Do you want to work weekends and holidays? Do you want a steady, predictable paycheck the minute you leave school? are you a serious hustler who likes to perform?? would you want to be on your feel 8-12 hours per day in high heels??

Look at the long term earning potential.  Ultimately, it's more important that you choose a profession you are passionate about and can commit to for many years to come.  If you are looking at a certificate, and AA degree or a BA/BS degree, try to avoid taking out student loans as much as possible (for higher degrees their is limited finanical aid funding available compared to undergraduate degrees).  Focus on grants and scholarships or try to turn loans into work study opportunities on campus (ask the financial aid office about this).  Student loans will follow you to your death.  They earn interest and you can only get rid of them by paying them off or working them off.  It can come back to haunt you, even if you don't finish your degree or training program.  I've heard some horror stories about student loans.

LVN healthcare is going to be booming !!

I've been attending community college for pre-reqs. I just need a different part time to support my self throughout the years.I am nurturing but then burnout. I am very artistic but I want to secure my future. I have qualified for these grants because I am a single parent. I am not  the typical , I am a go getter who sees the benefit of an education but would like to make a good living and I love both professions. I just cant imagine standing 12 hours and working holidays....for how much $$$$.

All good advice, especially cheap times.  I'd go w the guaranteed income but that's just my personality.

LVN

I worked in hair salons & have a sister who is a hair dresser. Very few hair stylists make good $$$, and if you're a single parent, the money isn't steady enough. I know a metric TON of people who have gone to cosmetology school and then left the profession within a year because they can't support themselves.

Professions on the medical field are solid jobs with a great future, especially with the aging baby boomer generation. I have a friend who is a successful cosmetologist, but it took her many years to become established - and some major sacrifices along the way.

I think one of the main things you need to consider is how long it will take you to pay back the money you are borrowing...if you're borrowing anything at all.

The law of exponents can be a brutal thing.

Solid advice from Jeena.

LVN.  $15,000 is pretty cheap!  My wife paid like $25,000, if I'm not mistaken.  If you can get on a waiting list, the best thing would be to try to get into an RN program at a community college.  You'll save all that money and have a lot more earning possibilities.  

LVN doesn't mean long hours or being ankle deep in blood and guts as somebody suggested.  My wife is an LVN and a typical work day for her is 8 hours.  It consists mostly of checking people in, taking their blood pressure, asking a series of standard questions, and a some other routine things.  After about 5 years, she's getting close to $30 an hour and has the most incredible benefits that cover the whole family.  It all depends on where you work and what you do.  LVNs can make over $30 an hour.

All the baby boomers are now (or soon will become) straight-up geezers.  Nursing is going to be recession-proof industry for many years to come.  That said, you should do whatever moves you.

Do LVN, medical is getting more and more demanding now

LVN. I have dated far too many cosmetology drop outs-strippers-bartenders-go go dancers-waitresses-actresses. They are always hurting for cash. Very unstable professions. Oh wait, were the girls the ones unstable? I will have to think about that.

The seal who should be chopped up into tacos is right. Also the LVN-RN path requires effort and wiliness to learn. One ex dropped out of her program because it was too hard. I was pissed as I paid for some of the tuition, then she showed me her big boobs and we got it on all weekend in San Fran. So I forgot to stay mad.

I am kind of a bad man. Oh well.

My wife is doing LVN-RN, right now.  She was very fortunate to get into the Glendale Community College program, which is super cheap....practically free, compared to private programs.  Her work is allowing her to cut her hours to go to school, also, as the program is during the day.

LVN. better pay better security. You will get burned out on cosmetology quickly. It's labor intensive and not lucrative in a recession

okay...im researching several schools to start soon... my math so sucks....and i guess i need some patience to pass that entrance exam....LVN schools with no waiting list ...im on it..

Since you are asking folks on yelp for help- I'm sure you are undecided about what path you want to go into-so instead of wasting time & money please go see your advisor @ the community college.

15,000 for a LVN degree is a lot( that's a 2 yr RN degree or a BS) - I would never pay that amount when you can go work at the VA hospital or another hospital and they will pay for you to go to school. (second there are a lot of scholarship(=free money) for folks entering the healthcare field-(go to your local library/bookstore, use internet and search)

Step 1-Career assessment-( meet with a career counselor @local career center/community college) Step 2-Research careers (department of labor website, job shadowing,etc...) Step 3-Put plan to action

Sn- A lot of folks are jumping into the nursing field. I would look into other healthcare fields were the numbers are low (like- 2 year degree as a physician assistant, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist assistant, and etc...) I have friends with BSN and they are looking for work or either working in LVN positions ( schools are pumping out nurses like crazy - lots of nurses but not a lot of positions)

Good thing about the LVN/RN degree you have more choices when it comes to your field-like working as a school nurse, traveling nurse, working @ home for insurance companies, or running your own business being an consultation( you don't have to work in the nursing home or hospital)

LVN, the company I work for still seems to have problems finding QUALITY nurses throughout california. Demand is there +2 on all the pro-LVN comments. Besides there will always be sick or people that need medical care. Economy takes more of a dump, fewer people would have the cash to get that cut and color....

girl c'mon! it ain't that hard. LVN!
I'm going to school for RN and it is the best decision I ever made! try going for RN, lots of sacrifices, time, and hard work but it'll pay off in the end!! trust :)

Jennifer - once you get your RN, gimme a shout so i can refer you and get a referral bonus - i'll kick back a percentage!!  In fact - any RNs out there looking for work in pediatrics?  Holla!

go to a community college for registered nursing and then put down money for cosmetology. i'm a nurse. you can message me if you want more advice or information.