Should You Earn an RN Diploma or Certificate?
Individuals wanting to become RNs via a short-term program have the choice to enter a LPN-to-RN certificate program or a 2- to 3-year diploma program. RN, short for Registered Nurse, is an in-demand profession in the U.S. right now. Registered nurse diploma and certificate curricula are sometimes entry-level programs, but there are also other programs structured as continuing education or transitional tracks for individuals with a nursing background. Some of these routes may allow for online studies.
Depending on the route you take, some programs will require you to already be a licensed practical nurse (LPN-to-RN); have completed an orientation program (LPN-to-RN); have a nursing license (graduate certificate); be CPR-certified (graduate certificate); have liability insurance (graduate certificate); or even hold a completed bachelor's degree (graduate certificate).
As you earn your diploma or certificate, you may choose from a number of specializations, such as cardiology, pediatrics, obstetrics and psychiatric nursing. Graduates of an RN certificate or diploma program are qualified to take the RN national licensing exam. With a diploma, registered nurse employment is within reach.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Certificate Program
RNs are responsible for evaluating and caring for the ill and documenting patient symptoms, medications and reactions. They often supervise LPNs or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and communicate with treating physicians. An LPN-to-RN certificate program generally requires 30 credits for completion.
LPN-to-RN students gain practical nursing skills and learn to treat varying conditions in patients of all ages. At the certificate level, RN students take foundational science classes and participate in lab work and a clinical practicum. Topics of study include:
- Foundations in nursing
- Trends in nursing
- Nursing the mentally ill
- Pediatric patient care
- Nursing the elderly
- Surgical nursing
Nursing Diploma Programs
So what is a nursing diploma? Registered nurse diploma programs are generally offered through hospitals. You may find the occasional RN diploma online, with students completing clinical practices at a local facility. Diploma program students participate in hands-on lab experiences and lectures. Students also take general education classes and specific nursing topics in:
- Nursing principles
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations
- Anatomy and physiology
- Injection procedures
- Medical nursing
- CPR and first aid
Graduate Certificate for Registered Nurses (RN)
The graduate certificate is continuing education training geared toward individuals who may not want to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree program but desire advanced RN training. RN graduate certificate programs are research-intensive. Students delve deeper into nursing topics, such as:
- Patient assessments
- Critical care nursing trends
- Health and nutrition
- Statistics
- Diseases and the body
Popular Career Options
Individuals who have earned an RN graduate certificate may be eligible for positions with greater responsibility. Specific job titles include:
| Position | Median Salary (2021) | Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Head Nurse | $69,328 | 7% growth (all registered nurses) |
| Assistant Unit Supervisor | $85,440 | 32% growth (all medical and health services managers) |
| Home Health Aide Nurse Trainer | $27,112 | 32% growth (all home health aides) |
| Travel Nurse | $78,604 | 7% growth (all registered nurses) |
| RN Case Manager | $72,936 | 32% growth (all medical and health services managers) |
Graduates of nursing diploma programs are qualified for RN positions in outpatient and inpatient facilities. Specific job titles include:
| Position | Median Salary (2021) | Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health Care Nurse | $27,112 | 32% growth (all home health aides) |
| Staff Nurse | $68,572 | 7% growth (all registered nurses) |
| Nurse-Midwife | $97,375 | 45% growth (all nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners) |
| Pediatric Nurse | $62,316 | 7% growth (all registered nurses) |
| Ambulatory Care Nurse | $57,380 | 7% growth (all registered nurses) |
Continuing Education
All states require that RNs be licensed, which requires that they graduate from accredited RN programs. Further, all states require the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). Some states have additional requirements. Voluntary specialty-area certifications are available from the American Nursing Credentialing Center.
You may wish to obtain an ADN, or Associate's Degree in Nursing. There is some debate about the usefulness of RN diploma vs associate degree programs, so you will need to do your research to find out what works best for you.
Graduates of RN diploma programs may also decide to continue their education toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is a four-year degree that often leads to higher pay and greater specialization opportunities than a diploma, certificate, or ADN. Graduates of more advanced RN programs may be eligible for management positions. Later in your career, you may wish to pursue an MSN (Master's of Science in Nursing) or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree in order to advance to the top of your field.
Whether you're just starting a nursing career or you're an LPN wanting to advance or you're just looking to advance your skills as an RN, there are a number of paths you may follow, including diploma and certificate programs. Students who complete these programs can not only expect a pretty fair salary, but also growth in job opportunities that's much faster than average.
