LPN vs RN degrees is a common question for inspiring nurses. Before we delve into the question as to which degree should be pursued, let’s review what the key difference is between the two. A LPN, or Licensed Practical Nurse, or in some states a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). Registered nurses, on the other hand, have more managerial duties.
LPN vs RN Degrees – Which Course of Study Should You Pursue?
It depends on many factors, including how long you can afford to be in school. Nursing school is so demanding that holding down even a part-time job may be a struggle. You can get your LPN degree in about a year to a year and a half, depending on whether you go part-time or full-time. However, the pay scale is significantly less for LPNs than it is for RNs. Also, there may be less opportunities for jobs for LPNS in some areas of healthcare. Many hospitals prefer to hire RNs; some hospitals do not hire LPNs at all.
This does not mean that there is a shortage of jobs for Licensed Practical Nurses, by any means. A glance through the “help-wanted” section of any newspaper will tell you that.
When the LPN vs RN degrees question comes to mind, one option that works for many people is to get an LPN degree first to see if they like the healthcare field. Not everyone enjoys the nursing profession, and it would certainly be better to find that out after one year of school than after four years of school. Once you become licensed as an LPN or LVN, you can pursue an online LPN to RN program, or you can go to a community college or vocational school to get your LPN to RN degree.
That’s the great thing about the nursing profession. There are so many different degrees and career paths that you can choose to follow. And if you don’t like what you have chosen, there are always ways to pursue higher degrees and move into other nursing professions!
