Where can I find Licensed Practical Nursing programs?

I'm facing a dilemma, either move to the Midwest to try and find employment, or stick it out here in Utah?

• My story is kind of a long, annoying one, so thanks in advance for bearing with me! LoL!!! I moved to Utah in 2004 to go to college, which was somewhat successful. I got an Associates Degree, which doesn't mean much, I know. I then transferred to a 4-year school here in Utah to attempt to get a Bachelor's Degree, and after changing my major several times, and running out of federal financial aid, that didn't happen. I'm 31 and have been on Social Security Disability since 2003, and haven't really worked much since then either, but as I said above, have been going to school off and on during that time. I am on SSDI (Social Security) due to depression and anxiety problems, which have really improved tremendously in the last 9 years! As I said, my options for financial aid for obtaining a Bachelor's degree have run out, so I'm not even considering that option. One option I have been considering is getting a job as a CNA (Certified Nurse's Assistant). It's something I've very familiar with, as many of my family members have done it in the past or currently do it now as a job. I get it's nothing glamorous, but I'm not looking for anything glamorous, just a job that pays decent (I'm not picky, minimum wage is decent for me even), has benefits, and is relatively secure, which in some parts of the country, is a CNA job. CNA jobs also seem to be in plenty demand in various areas like the Midwest, and don't seem to be going anywhere any time soon with America's aging population. Yes, I get there's other jobs that pay better, have better conditions, I know. I've been thinking about a CNA job in a Nursing home, as that is what I'm most familiar with (from family member's employment experiences). I've always got along and worked well with the elderly, and I know and am prepared for the good, the bad, and downright messy aspects of the job. I've applied for CNA jobs here and there over the years, but due to school at the time, or anxiety, further back, I didn't end up taking the jobs when I was offered them. As I said, those things are not a problem for me now. Here's where my dilemma starts. I've really been considering moving to Nebraska, North Dakota, or South Dakota, or other nearby states as they have very low unemployment rates and plenty of CNA jobs, and most other jobs, available. I realize unemployment rates don't mean everything too, but they are a plus for the Midwest. Here in Utah, we have CNA jobs, of course, but they seem to be harder to get, with large waiting lists just to get into CNA training programs. I also am fully aware, that, due to my lack of recent work history, I'm not going to be on the top of the list when employers are looking through applications. I'd rather apply for a job where 2 or 3 people are applying for it, rather than 20 or 30, then I honestly may as well not bother. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, just realistic! I think this is where I'd have an advantage in the Midwest. Currently, I'm doing relatively well, but everything I have is from various social services. My income, my health insurance, etc. I'm also near the top of the waiting list in my city for Section 8 housing assistance through HUD. I'm grateful to receive all these benefits, and I'm not looking for criticism of me or the programs, because I do qualify for them and am not "using the system," but I feel I'm to a point in my life where I can do more. I can either stay here in Utah, where unemployment is not terrible, but it's not great either, and lower-education jobs like CNAs often pay less than in the Midwest, and often don't have the benefits that they do in the Midwest (I've done plenty of research on this). Here in Utah, I can coast by, but probably not find work, and probably remain on government programs. I'm not ashamed to be on these programs, but would like to be a contributing member of society and not be on them, plus I believe that working and being productive would make me feel better overall, regardless of the field. Rather than stay here and wait for things to "get better" and maybe get a job down the line, I could go to Nebraska or a Dakota, where I think I may have better chances with my current situation. I am from the Midwest (Iowa) originally, and I believe I have the mindset and values of a Midwestern person, and understand and relate to the people there. Utah's nice and all, but after a while, especially if government programs get cut, I might not be doing so well. What's the point of beautiful mountain scenery if you have no money or means to enjoy it, after all. I'm really leaning toward this Nebraska (or Dakota) plan to become productive and get off social programs. There's people who need them now more than I do. Any ideas or input on my situation would be much appreciated! My family li

• Answer:

  Another vote for North Dakota. We're hurting all over. You wouldn't have to go to the oil patch (housing is nonexistent AND expensive there right now). You could try either the cities (relatively speaking -- Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot) or the nonstagnant towns, like Jamestown, Valley City. Or smaller but stable and in need of employees -- Carrington, Harvey, Cooperstown, Hillsboro, Wahpeton, Casselton, Steele, etc. CNA's make far more than minimum wage here, I believe, and they don't worry about out-of-town applications as much. They need help. It's a good starting point to get where you may want to be in a few years, especially if you decide to pursue more higher education. Glad you are doing so much better -- now may be the perfect time to make a positive change in your life. Good luck!