LPN vs. RN: What's the Difference?

Day-to-day job duties comprise one of the major differences between LPNs and RNs. 

LPNs usually report to RNs. Their duties cover many aspects of patient care while also maintaining an organized and sanitary office space. 

The specifics of these tasks depend on the type of healthcare environment. For example, an LPN working in a nursing home may have dramatically different daily duties than an LPN in a hospital or emergency room.

Registered nurses undergo a longer course of study. They also often specialize in a particular area of care. For these reasons, they typically have more responsibilities than LPNs. 

For instance, RNs have more control over patient care and often communicate directly with families. They usually report to physicians and can have different daily tasks depending on the type of facility where they work.

Both LPNs and RNs play fundamental roles in caring for patients and keeping their hospitals and clinics running. Patients would not be able to get the care they need without capable and highly trained nurses standing at the ready.

As an aspiring nurse, you need to understand the differences between pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) diploma.

To help you better navigate these nursing degree options, we want to explain the similarities and differences between these two common starting points for aspiring nurses:

• An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is a Professional Nursing program that prepares students to become Registered Nurses, or RNs.
  • Note: To become an RN, you could also get a Bachelor’s degree. The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) will take 4 years instead of 2-3, and both options prepare you to become an RN.
• A Licensed Practical Nurse (or LPN) program is a Practical Nursing program. LPN diplomas are not the same as an associate’s degree. This diploma-granting program prepares you to for the role of an LPN.
  • Note: An LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) program may also be an option in your area. LVNs and LPNs are largely the same and this is mostly a nomenclature difference that depends on your state.

While both are entry-level pathways into the nursing profession, they offer different levels of education and prepare you for differing responsibilities and career opportunities.

The Basic Differences

*The Jersey College LPN programs are a diploma-granting program. However, you may find some LPN and LVN programs that grant certificates instead of diplomas.

• Choose an ADN if you are looking for a comprehensive nursing education, aspire to become a Registered Nurse, and are willing to invest more time in your studies.
• Choose an LPN Diploma if you want to enter the nursing field quickly, focus on basic patient care, and prefer a shorter educational path.

Educational Pathways

Let’s breakdown the difference in ADN vs LPN program experiences, length of study, and post-program licensure testing:

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Curriculum Comparison

Though there's plenty of overlap, prospective LPNs and RNs have different curriculums and expectations.

It can take anywhere from two to four years to become an RN depending on the degree program. LPNs usually receive their certification in one year to eighteen months.

The LPN curriculum focuses on assisting RNs and physicians, maintaining a safe and sanitary clinic environment, and providing basic care for stable patients.

Many LPN and RN programs partner with hospitals to allow students to supplement their education with hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

Read more in our guide on How to Get into Nursing School.

ADN programs typically take longer and therefore cost more than LPN programs.

Explore the total estimated program tuition & fees for the program in your area using the cost calculator below. You can also visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed breakdown of program costs by campus location.

Students should also weigh the cost of education against future earning potential. Be sure to read the Salary data lower on this page.

Finally, proper financial planning for nursing education is also a crucial consideration. For more information on scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities, explore our Financial Aid resources.

Once you've earned your certificate or degree in nursing, you'll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in the state where you plan to practice. Both exams cover similar content, but focus on different aspects.

• Aspiring LPNs take the NCLEX-PN. Exam topics include basic patient care, following instructions, and providing assistance to RNs.
• Soon-to-be RNs take the NCLEX-RN. The test covers the same material as the NCLEX-PN but with sections about supervising nurses and making decisions about patient care.

Other licensure qualifications and requirements vary state by state. Some states require a criminal background check. All nurses must be thoroughly educated on the specific laws governing nursing in the state in which they wish to practice.

Nursing licenses must be renewed periodically. The window varies, but most states require a license renewal every two years. Be sure to read our 10 Tips to Prepare for the NCLEX.

Due to their more rigorous educational background and higher degree of responsibility, RNs tend to earn higher salaries than LPNs. 

The typical salaries across the US are shown below:

• $64,150 = The average (mean) salary for an LPN/LVN in 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly rate was $30.84.
• $98,430 = The average (mean) salary for an RN in 2024, according to the BLS. The average hourly rate was $47.32.

​​​​​To explore salary data for both LPNs and RNs by state, visit our Nursing Salary Guide.

LPNs and RNs have different options available to advance their careers. There are also limitations associated with each career path, which are primarily determined by the level of education involved.

Common LPN jobs include occupational health, rehabilitation, palliative care, and geriatric care. Since the educational requirements differ, LPNs cannot become RNs based on experience alone. The best way for LPNs to advance their careers and earn more money is to become an RN, such as through an LPN to RN bridge program.

RNs typically work in hospitals, home healthcare, and outpatient centers. They can advance their careers by earning their MSN degrees or by earning certificates that qualify them to fill upper-level management roles or perform more specialized tasks. The highest-paying options include becoming a registered nurse anesthetist, nursing administrator, neonatal intensive care nurse, or general nurse practitioner.

Industry Placement

RNs and LPNs sometimes work in different environments. 

About 35% of LPNs work in nursing and residential care facilities. You're less likely to work in hospitals, home healthcare services, or government facilities as a licensed practical nurse.

On the other hand, 60% of RNs work in state, local, or private hospitals. 18% work in outpatient settings, while only 6% work in nursing or residential care facilities.

The best career path depends on various factors, many of which are unique to you. Only you can decide on the right career path for you; however, Jersey College is always happy to provide guidance.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What level of salary do I need to support the lifestyle I want to have?
• How soon do I need to start working in my chosen field?
• Is a shorter path better for my current situation?

Learning more about how to become an LPN and how to become an RN can help you decide which option is right for you. Keep in mind that you can always decide to continue your education later. Many Jersey College campuses offer LPN to RN bridge programs designed to help licensed practical nurses advance their careers.

Whichever path you choose, becoming a nurse is a tremendous achievement that guarantees a demanding but endlessly rewarding career.

Start your journey with us by contacting our admissions office for more information today!

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