Choosing a nursing career is a big decision. If you are interested in the medical industry, you have choices. Many people start by comparing Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs).

LPN vs. RN: Key Differences in Duties, Education, and Career Paths

Both roles are important to patient care, but they have different responsibilities, training requirements, and career opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following are the duties and responsibilities of LPN vs RN:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs provide basic medical care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. Their daily tasks include:

• Checking vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature.
• Assisting patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Changing dressings and cleaning wounds.
• Collecting samples for lab tests.
• Recording patient information and reporting changes to RNs or doctors.

LPNs play a hands-on role in supporting patients’ comfort and recovery. Their close contact with patients often makes them the first to notice changes in a patient’s condition.

Registered Nurse (RN)

RNs have a wider scope of practice than LPNs and more authority in decision-making. Their duties include:

• Performing patient assessments and developing care plans.
• Administering medications, including intravenous (IV) treatments.
• Operating and monitoring medical equipment.
• Supervising LPNs, nursing assistants, and other staff.
• Educating patients and families about health conditions and treatments.
• Collaborating with doctors and other healthcare providers to coordinate care.

RNs handle more complex medical tasks and serve as leaders within healthcare teams. Their role combines bedside care and advanced clinical decision-making.

Education Requirements

Here are the educational requirements for LPN vs RN:

LPN Education

To become an LPN, you must complete a state-approved Practical Nursing program. At OBC, this program can take 44 weeks to finish. Courses cover basic nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Students also complete clinical training in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. After finishing the program, graduates take the NCLEX-PN exam to earn licensure. Once licensed, LPNs can begin working right away in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

RN Education

Becoming an RN requires more advanced education. At OBC, you can complete the LPN to RN diploma program. RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation to become licensed. RNs may have more opportunities for advancement, higher pay, and eligibility for advanced training.

Career Paths and Opportunities

Here are the career paths and opportunities for LPN vs RN:

LPN Career Options

LPNs often work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics. Career advancement for LPNs can include supervisory roles in nursing homes or further education to become an RN. Many bridge programs exist to help LPNs become RNs.

RN Career Options

RNs work in hospitals, emergency departments, intensive care units, and surgical centers. They can specialize in areas like pediatrics, oncology, critical care, or labor and delivery. RNs also have more opportunities to advance into leadership positions.

Salary and Job Outlook

Here are the salary and job outlooks for LPN vs RN:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for both LPNs and RNs remains strong. However, RNs generally earn higher salaries and have faster job growth.

• LPN Median Pay (2024): About $62,340 per year.
• RN Median Pay (2024): About $93,600 per year.

The BLS projects employment for RNs to grow 6% between 2023 and 2033. LPNs are projected to see a 3% growth rate. The difference in salary and job prospects is due to the higher level of education and responsibility required of RNs.

LPN vs RN: Choose Your Path

Choosing between LPN and RN depends on your career goals.

• If you want to start working quickly with a 44 week program, LPN training may be the right choice.
• If you want higher pay, more responsibility, and long-term growth, becoming an RN may be better.

The good news is that OBC offers an LPN program and then you can complete the LPN to RN program that can be completed in 12 months. This new program allows you to become an RN in less than 2 years, rather than completing a BSN program at a four year college.

Final Thoughts

Both LPNs and RNs are vital members of the healthcare team. LPNs focus on bedside care and daily patient support, while RNs take on greater responsibility in planning, treatment, and leadership. With strong demand for nurses, either path offers a rewarding career helping others.

LPN to RN Program

The LPN to RN program provided by the OBC is 44 weeks or 4 quarters long. The LPN to RN program covers patient care skills, medical knowledge and critical thinking and decision-making skills. Once you graduate from the LPN to RN program, you will be fully qualified to take the NCLEX-RN Exam to become licensed as an RN in Ohio and 38 additional states as part of the Multi-State Compact License.

Contact us today to learn more about our LPN to RN program.