Male nurses are much more common, depending on the types of nursing you are interested in. In my experience, the ICU units and specialty areas attract more guys than the regular med/surg floors, however, any way you cut it the field for guys is just as great as it is for the ladies.

Why LVN? My opinion is go for the RN. To me that is the bigger question rather than the fast track private school question. The private school is a great option, it is fast track, which means a great deal of pressure and work, but it gets you to a great paying job much quicker. In my case, I double my income the first month and technically, will be able to completely pay off my student loan in two years because of the difference in income. Fast track private was my choice. In my opinion, the LVN route would delay my real goal of RN.

Once you go private - probably Carrington College or something similar perhaps - regular universities and colleges will not take the credits. However, there are many online and private colleges that take the credits and provide further education for any number of nursing advanced degrees.