Pursuing an education as a nurse is an excellent choice which will lead to a medical career with many benefits like a thriving job market, above-average salaries, the potential for job growth, and a rewarding profession improving patients' lives.
There are many programs to prepare you for a career in nursing, all with different requirements, time investment, and potential positions. In this article, we'll help you find the right nursing program for you.
What's the Difference Between an RN, BSN, and LPN?
Registered nurse (RN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees, and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are three educational paths to enter the world of nursing. But what's the difference between these programs?
Registered Nurse (RN)
A registered nurse is a health care professional who works directly with patients in a number of capacities. Requirements for becoming an RN can vary by state but will require an approved education program and exams.
One of the most commons ways to achieve licensure as a registered nurse is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). There are also approved nursing schools that are not associate degrees. However, it will typically require a minimum of two years of schooling.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
It is becoming increasingly common for employers of registered nurses to want applicants that have at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This is one of the reasons pursuing a BSN may be a good choice.
Luckily RN to BSN programs, or registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, exist. These programs allow registered nurses to transfer credits and complete a bachelor's degree conveniently while continuing to work.
Having a BSN degree could increase employment chances and could lead to career advancement and salary increases.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) is perhaps the most accessible nursing qualification. An LPN program is typically shorter than an RN program, and some can be completed in a year or in only a few months.
However, LPNs are not registered nurses, and they are more limited in what health care they can administer and what tasks they can complete. LPNs are also more closely supervised and directed by higher levels of staff.
Fewer education requirements and less qualifications to complete workplace tasks along with additional supervision will typically translate to lower pay than someone who is a licensed RN and/or has completed a BSN degree.
How to Pick the Right Nursing Program
There are many things to consider when choosing a nursing degree program. Here are some questions to keep in mind when trying to make this big decision.
What Type of Work Do You Want to Do?
LPNs and RNs both do similar work, but as mentioned above, LPNs are much more limited in the tasks they can complete and what they can do without supervision. If you are comfortable being in a more limited role, an LPN program is not a bad choice.
RNs, and particularly those who hold BSN degrees, have many more responsibilities they can take on. Additionally, they will work with a broader medical team to develop care plans for patients and work more directly with patients to administer care, answer questions, etc.
Along with increased responsibility there is also higher pay, so that is something to consider when determining if pursuing additional BSN qualification is worth it.
How Long Would You Like to Be in School?
LPNs, while having greater supervision and potentially lower pay, they also have to complete much less schooling. How long you would like to be in school, as well as how much you would like to spend on it, is a huge factor in picking a nursing program.
Becoming a registered nurse takes a minimum of two years of schooling, whereas becoming a licensed practical nurse can be completed in potentially a year or less.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while a BSN degree takes roughly four years, through RN to BSN programs they can be completed while working, and, through credit transfers, can potentially be finished in fewer years.
What State-Approved Programs Are Available to You?
Nursing requirements are set by the state, so it is essential that any nursing program you choose be approved by the state and accredited. Luckily, there are many different state-approved programs available across the country, many of which have a flexible, convenient design, including online options.
Which is Better: a BSN or an LPN?
Whether one is better than the other depends on the individual, but there are some advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind.
Advantages and Disadvantage of a BSN
There are several advantages to completing an RN program and then moving on to a BSN program. BSN programs can be completed while working as an RN, and credits can often be transferred, which decreases the time investment to achieve a BSN.
Significantly, completing a BSN will increase job opportunities, potential for career advancement, and salary. The main disadvantage of a BSN is the time investment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of LPN Programs
The main advantage of an LPN program is that it takes less time to complete one, and you can get into the work force faster. If your primary goal is to enter a position as a nurse, an LPN program could be a good option.
However, LPNs are more limited in the responsibilities they can take on and they often have lower salaries than an RN. Though, there are LPN to BSN programs as well, so an LPN program definitely can be a way to enter the field that can be advanced from.
Find the Nursing Program for You Today
Now that we have broken down some of the different nursing programs available, find the right one for you today!
