LPN vs RN - What’s the Difference?
Understand nursing career options in your desire to become an RN or an LPN including LPN vs RN job demand, salary, advancement opportunity, and more.
Are you interested in a nursing career? The demand for nurses of all types is greater than ever, especially among the two most common nursing professions: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). If you're looking into different nursing career paths, you may be wondering which is right for you. What's the difference between an LPN and an RN?
We’re breaking down salary, duties, advancement opportunities, and educational requirements when it comes to an LPN vs. RN. While both career paths play an essential role in healthcare, understanding the key differences of each is important when deciding your future in the industry.
LPN vs. RN: Education
No matter which nursing career you choose, to become an RN or an LPN requires some form of post-secondary education and licensure by your state board of nursing.
LPN: Education for an LPN is more straightforward. First, you have to start with a high school diploma or GED and then, you must enroll in LPN school. This type of program usually takes around one year to complete. If you're interested in completing a practical nursing program, you can find most programs at technical or community colleges. LPN courses typically cover topics on biology and pharmacology and may include supervised clinical experiences.
RN: To become an RN, you first need to earn an associate's degree or bachelor’s degree from an approved nursing program. Associate degrees in nursing, called ADNs, typically take two years of full time study to complete. If you want the opportunity to move into more advanced nursing specialties or nursing leadership later in your career, you will need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which often takes four years of full time study to finish. BSN and ADN programs revolve around behavioral and physical sciences while providing you with hands-on clinical experiences.
LPN vs. RN: Nursing Job Duties
LPN: LPN job duties typically include providing routine, basic care to patients, like monitoring vitals and checking blood pressure. A big part of what LPNs do focuses on making sure that the patient is comfortable. Providing comfort in care as an LPN means that you'd be helping patients to their rooms, assisting them with bathing and clothing themselves, and also helping your patient manage day-to-day activities. As an LPN, you will need to build relationships with your patients. Getting to know your patients will help you observe and understand their physical and mental state and provide them with the support and care they need.
RN: RN job duties are far more prescriptive. While RNs are also responsible for the care and comfort of their patients, RN duties also include operating medical equipment, administering medication and injections, and performing diagnostic tests. RNs also help with patient rehabilitation and education, ensuring that patients know how to manage their condition after being treated. RNs also act as supervisors. They help manage LPNs, nursing assistants, and home care aides.
LPN vs. RN: Salary
People enter the nursing field for a variety of different reasons, but money is a significant consideration when choosing a career path. While higher pay isn't the only thing to consider when choosing how to proceed with your nursing career, it's still an essential factor when making your decision.
LPN: An LPN earns $59,730 on average each year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With experience, promotion, or advanced certifications, LPNs can earn an even higher salary.
RN: The RN average salary is $86,070 per year. This is over $26,000 more every year! By gaining more experience, getting promotions, or pursuing a nursing specialization, RNs with a BSN can earn more than $132,680 according to the BLS.
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LPN vs. RN: Job Demand
LPN: Jobs for LPNs are expected to grow by 5 percent through the year 2032 (faster than the 3 percent average expected for all jobs) according to the BLS. This growth equates to an additional 34,900 new jobs for LPNs throughout the next decade. It is projected that there will be around 54,400 openings for LPNs nationwide each year resulting from the need to replace LPN workers.
RN: Jobs for RNs are expected to grow even faster and be more numerous than those for LPNs. The BLS predicts that RN jobs will increase by 6 percent through 2032 which equals 177,400 newly created RN positions. It is estimated that 193,100 RN job openings will be posted each year over the next decade to replace RNs who move into different roles or exit the workforce. These estimates show the need for nearly 4 times as many RNs vs. LPNs in the coming years.
LPN vs. RN: Career Advancement Opportunities
LPN: With time and experience, you may be able to move on to a supervisory role as an LPN. There may also be additional opportunities for advancement with specialized certifications in long-term care and hospice care.
RN: When you become an RN, there are even more available paths to advancement and grow your nursing career through specialities and nurse leadership. With the right education and experience, you can choose to specialize in an area of medicine that truly interests you, you can become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), work as a school nurse, move on to the healthcare industry's business or tech side, work as a nurse manager, or even advocate for nurse rights are a lobbyist.
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