Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) vs. Registered Nurse (RN): Key Differences in Education, Scope of Practice, Duties, Salary, Job Outlook & More

Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have a fair amount of things in common. Both professions are invaluable to the healthcare industry, and LPNs, just as much as RNs, play a significant role in saving lives, helping millions of people, and making patient care a little better every day. 

Although they share the same objective, the two roles and career paths also differ in many ways, including education, training, certification paths, and scopes of practice. Consequently, job prospects, work environments, and salary expectations also differ. We will explore the essential differences between LPN and RN roles and help you choose the best route for you.

LPN vs. RN: Key Takeaways

• Role Focus Differences: LPNs and RNs represent distinct roles with divergent scopes of practice in a clinical environment. While LPNs perform practical, task-oriented duties, RNs have a higher level of expertise and assume a broader array of responsibilities that require critical thinking, strategic management, and patient care.
• Study Time: Although both can be entry-level roles, LPNs have a shorter study and certification period of 12 to 18 months compared to RNs, who, depending on their chosen certification level, can expect to complete anywhere from 16 months to 4 years of learning.
• Level of Preparation: RNs are better prepared and can complete multiple tasks that LPNs can only perform while under supervision. More generally, LPNs work under the supervision and guidance of RNs or higher-level staff.
• Earning Potential: LPN salaries are considerably lower than RN salaries. In 2024-2025, the average annual wage for LPNs in the US was $63,540, while RNs earned $98,430. However, nurse salaries vary significantly by state and profession and should be considered within the specific context of each medical environment.
• Job Outlook: The number of RN positions is expected to increase faster (5%) than the number of LPN positions (3%) over the decade.
• Career Ladder: To advance their nursing careers, LPNs need to pursue RN licensure. Compared with other healthcare professionals, RNs have more opportunities for advancement and multiple professional paths and nursing jobs.
• Choice Criteria: Becoming an LPN is preferred by aspiring nurses who want to enter the job market earlier and gain more experience before advancing to a higher level of accreditation. Becoming an RN from the get-go is more fitting for those who can allot more time to learning, with the benefit of higher earning potential, a better job outlook, and more perspective.

These are the main differences between LPN and RN roles. However, the comparison does not end there; the two roles may follow different educational paths and yield different outcomes, which should inform your choice.

ADN RN vs. BSN RN: What Is the Difference?

One of the main choices you have to make if you decide to join the workforce as a registered nurse is between getting an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) within 16 to 2 years or enrolling in a longer 4-year program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Although an ADN can seem attractive, it takes less time and qualifies you for the same role and responsibilities as a BSN would. However, when considering the prospective trajectory of your career, you may realize that, sooner or later, you will have to get your BSN to advance. 

You can do so later on via an RN-to-BSN path that takes only one year and can be completed online, but you may want to complete your BSN-level education as early as you can. Judging by the benefits once you start working, BSN salaries are higher than RN overall salaries and implicitly higher than those of nurses with an ADN.

There are many other differences between the two types of accreditation. We recommend that you read our ADN vs. BSN comparison for more information.

Once you make your decision, enroll in one of the programs at Nightingale College and start your career as a registered nurse:

• Our BSN Program prepares you for the highest level of RN licensure in less than 3 years via a flexible hybrid program that combines online instruction with on-field supervised practice.
• If you are already an LPN and want to take the next step, enroll in the LPN-to-ASN path and advance to an RN role in as few as 16 months.
•  And if you have postponed earning your Bachelor’s, you can complete the RN-to-BSN path in 12 months with 100% online education.

Browse our educational programs and start your nursing career today!

LPN or LVN: Is There a Difference?

You may have seen the terms LVN and LPN used interchangeably and wonder what the connection is between the two. The answer concerns terminology. LVN, or licensed vocational nurse, is the title licensed practical nurses hold in states such as Texas and California. 

Essentially, LVN and LPN represent the same role in a clinical environment, with the same jobs and salary levels, and only the names differ based on the area they work in. As far as preparation goes, if you want to become an LPN or an LVN, you have to pursue the same path: a PN diploma program, followed by taking the NCLEX-PN exam.

In other words, LPNs and LVNs have more in common than they do with other roles and levels of accreditation. Read our LPN vs. CNA and LPN vs. ADN comparisons to see how the two roles compare with other nursing levels.

If you have made up your mind and want to become an LPN/LVN, you can enroll in the PN Diploma Program from Nightingale College, a flexible hybrid learning path that combines online didactic instruction with on-ground supervised field experience, and graduate in as few as 12 months. The Program prepares you to pass the NCLEX-PN and excel in your field.

Enroll in our PN Diploma Program and start your nursing career! 

LPN vs. RN: Education and Length of Study Differences

The educational difference between LPN and RN roles is central to all subsequent distinctions in roles, responsibilities, salaries, and job outlooks.

To begin their nursing career, aspiring licensed practical nurses must enroll in a practical nursing program, which generally takes about 1 year to complete. Some of the courses LPNs must take include nursing, biology, and pharmacology. In addition to theoretical studies, LPNs must complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours. Upon completing the program, learners can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), a comprehensive exam that must be passed to become licensed as an LPN.

Learn more about Nightingale College’s Practical Nursing Diploma Program!

Aspiring registered nurses have two available options to become an RN: you can pursue an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

An ADN program usually takes about 2 years to complete, while a BSN program typically spans up to 4 years. Courses in social, behavioral, and physical sciences, along with hands-on clinical experience, are required for ADN and BSN programs. However, BSN studies also delve into subjects such as leadership and management, preparing RNs for a broader range of career opportunities. After completing the program of your choice, you can gain RN licensure by passing the NCLEX-RN.

LPN vs. RN: Certification Opportunities

While certification is voluntary in most cases, it is a great way to boost your nursing career – regardless of the level of nursing you’re currently in. In general, LPNs must earn certifications for various tasks that are standard for RNs.

Some common LPN certifications include: 

• IV Therapy Certification allows you to administer medication intravenously.
• Long-term Care Certification will give you an edge in providing care in long-term care facilities. 
• Wound Care Certification is a standard recommendation for LPNs working in hospital settings. It allows them to clean and treat a wide range of wounds. 

Registered Nurses have a broader range of certifications based on their ambitions, interests, and career goals. These include:

• Nurse Executive Certification – an essential addition to the resume of any RN hoping to pursue managerial positions
• Nursing Informatics Certification allows RNs to blend their interest and pursue jobs that connect technology and nursing. 
• Neonatal Care Certification is intended for RNs who want to apply their professional expertise to caring for infants born with acute, critical conditions or diseases. This is just one example of a specialty certification. There are many other options to choose from.

Find out more about the top nursing certifications for both RNs and LPNs.

Difference Between LPN and RN Work Settings

A critical difference between the two professions is the work environment. Most licensed practical nurses work in long-term care settings. 

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses find work most often in hospital settings. Over 59% of the 3.4 million RNs from the United States work in state, local, or private hospitals. 19% of RNs work in ambulatory healthcare services, and 6% work in nursing and residential care facilities. Another 5% have jobs in government (excluding state and local education and hospitals), while educational services (state, local, or private) provide work for 3% of all RNs.

Recent data from the BLS also indicate that approximately 37% of the 651,400 LPNs employed in the healthcare sector in 2024-2025 worked in nursing and residential care facilities (a 2% increase from 2023-2024). Hospitals (state, local, and private) employ significantly fewer, around 16%. Home healthcare services and physicians’ offices come next with 12% of the total pool each. Government jobs amount to an additional 6%.

LPN vs. RN: Scope of Practice Differences

The scope of practice for an LPN and an RN will differ significantly, even when they work in the same setting. Since it reflects their training, licensure, and the complexity of the care they provide, RNs generally have a broader scope of practice and are more independent in the workplace than LPNs.

LPNs are trained to deliver primary bedside care, focusing on essential patient comfort and monitoring. In comparison, RNs are prepared to fulfill a broader, more complex range of responsibilities, including patient assessments and the implementation of care plans. Additionally, the work environments of the two roles may differ, with LPNs more likely to work in long-term care facilities and RNs frequently working in hospitals and specialty areas, where they collaborate with physicians and advanced healthcare teams.

More importantly, although RNs need to collaborate with their colleagues and often are under the management, direction, and supervision of doctors, nursing managers, APRNs, or ARNPs, they have more work independence compared to LPNs, who can only perform their various tasks while under the guidance and supervision of better-qualified staff, including RNs.

LPN vs. RN: Duties and Responsibilities

LPNs are primarily responsible for assisting patients with daily needs, providing comfort measures, and performing basic tasks such as monitoring vital signs, changing dressings, and assisting with personal activities. They act as essential links in patient care, reporting changes in patient status to RNs or physicians.

On the other hand, RNs perform a more comprehensive set of duties involving technical skills and clinical judgment. Their daily responsibilities include assessing patient conditions, documenting medical histories, and creating initial care plans, while also coordinating closely with physicians and the rest of the healthcare team to refine and implement them. In many settings, they can perform diagnostic tests, operate medical equipment, and, in some cases, assist in interpreting test results.

Tasks such as administering medications and treatments, drawing blood, and managing IV drips are routine for RNs. By contrast, LPNs are prohibited from performing these activities independently and without supervision. Even so, they would require further training and certification to qualify. You can read more about the duties, responsibilities, and prohibitions specific to the LPN role.

Additionally, RNs often take on a teaching role, helping patients understand how to manage their conditions post-discharge. Overseeing LPNs and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is also part of the RN's role. Some RNs may specialize in areas such as oncology, geriatrics, neonatology, or orthopedics, with duties tailored to each.

The Salary Difference Between LPN and RN Roles

Differences in education, level of training, and overall duties also lead to significant differences in the earning potential of LPN and RN roles.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses earn about $34,890 more per year on average than licensed practical nurses.

According to the most recent BLS data, the average annual wage for licensed practical nurses across the US is $63,540 (a $2,750 increase from 2023-2024). The top-paying states for LPNs are Washington ($79,970), California ($79,090), and Oregon ($78,160). 

Read more about the salaries of licensed practical nurses by state and work setting.

The BLS reported the average registered nurse salary to be $98,430 (a $3,950 increase from 2023-2024). In California, you can expect to earn up to $148,330 per year. In Hawaii, your chances of securing a three-figure paycheck are also relatively high. The mean salary for RNs in Hawaii stands at approximately $123,720. Oregon is third among the top-paying states for RNs, with an average wage of $120,470. 

Remember that wages vary significantly based on location, employer, certifications, years of experience, and so on.

For a more detailed presentation of the earning potential of various roles, read our comprehensive nurse salary report.

LPN vs. RN: Work Environments & Job Outlook

The job market growth over the decade for registered nurses is expected to surpass that of licensed practical nurses, both in percentage terms (5% versus 3%) and in net new jobs (166,100 versus 17,100).

According to BLS projections, the employment of licensed practical nurses is expected to grow by 3% by 2034, on par with the job market increase for all occupations, but lower than the projections for health technologists and technicians (6%). It is estimated that there will be approximately 54,400 LPN job openings each year, with a net change of 17,100 jobs over the decade. 

The job prospects for RNs are equally promising. BLS data indicate that by the end of the decade, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 5% (a decrease compared to 2023-2024 data), which is higher than the change for all occupations (3%), but lower than healthcare diagnosing and treating patients (8%). On average, there will be around 189,100 job openings for RNs each year over the next ten years (a slight year-to-year decrease), with a net increase of 166,100 new jobs by the end of the decade (31,100 fewer than previous estimates).

LPN vs. RN Shortage Estimates

Given the current nationwide nursing shortage, increasing the workforce has become a central requirement for the industry's continued operation. However, shortage rates vary across nursing positions.

According to the Nurse Workforce Projections: 2022-2037, published by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), by 2027, we can expect a 10% shortage of registered nurses, totaling 307,010 vacant positions. Although the overall workforce adequacy percentage remained unchanged from previous estimates, the net estimated RN deficit decreased by 43,530. In comparison, the projected shortage of licensed practical nurses over the same period is 20% (an increase of 13% from previous estimates). The net deficit within the LPN pool also rose from 46,920 unoccupied positions previously estimated to 146,710 in the current 2027 projection.

Over the decade (2027-2037), the shortage percentage for RNs will slightly decrease to 6%, equivalent to a workforce deficit of 207,980. In contrast, the LPN shortage will worsen, reaching a 36% low, equivalent to a workforce deficit of 302,440 licensed practical nurses.

Overall, shortage statistics, both in the short and long run, are worse for LPNs than for RNs. This correlates with slower job-market growth for the former and with trends toward entering the profession with a higher degree; a majority of nurses start practice with a BSN or an entry-level master’s degree, according to the AACN.  Although demand for licensed practical nurses is high and set to increase, fewer new positions are available, both annually and over the decade.

LPN vs. RN: Which Career Path Is Best for You?

Undoubtedly, LPNs and RNs are just as important to the smooth functioning of the healthcare system and to ensure quality care is offered to those who need it. On the one hand, it may be easier to become an LPN – it takes less time, the programs are less complicated, and, most often, less expensive. However, if Registered Nursing is your end goal, it may be worth considering a BSN degree.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you want to get out of a nursing career. Do you want to enter the workforce in as short a time as possible, or would you rather spend more time studying and pursuing a job with higher salaries and better advancement opportunities? Do you want first to test the waters, or are you committed to becoming a full-time Registered Nurse? Both careers are excellent in their own way; you have to choose the one that works for you. In the LPN vs. RN debate, you should be the one who knows best.

And we are here for you, whichever way you’re leaning. 

Enroll in Nightingale College’s PN Diploma Program and start your LPN journey!

Our BSN program, our LPN-to-ASN Path, and our online RN-to-BSN program are all viable options for pursuing an RN career or advancing your current role. Enroll today in the program that best suits you!

LPN vs. RN FAQs

What Is the Difference Between LPN and RN?

Licensed practical nurses and registered nurses represent two distinct nursing roles, with differences in education, scope of practice, and duties and responsibilities. Consequently, their work settings, job outlook, and salary expectations will also differ.

Essentially, RNs receive more training than LPNs and have a broader range of duties and tasks in clinical settings. By contrast, LPNs complete practical tasks and require supervision from RNs or other staff members.

Is LPN a Higher Accreditation Than RN?

No, LPNs are one step below RNs, and most often the first step for LPNs to further their careers is to advance to RN accreditation via bridge educational programs, such as our LPN-to-ASN Program.

However, it is worth noting that both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are essential parts of a clinical work setting, although they serve different roles in patient care.

Which Kind of Nurse Gets Paid the Most?

RNs are, on average, better paid than LPNs. According to the latest data from the BLS, the median salary of registered nurses exceeds that of licensed practical nurses by nearly $35,000 per year.

Is It Better to Become an LPN or RN?

The choice between the two roles depends on your current priorities and long-term expectations. Both paths give you an entryway into the nursing profession and have their specific benefits.

LPNs can accrue experience early in their careers, as they do not need to devote additional time to education and certification. In comparison, RNs prepare for roles that require greater responsibility and, as a result of their more extensive preparation, have better job outlooks and salary expectations.

It is important to remember that you can begin a PN Diploma Program now, work in the nursing field, and advance to an RN position later via bridge programs, such as the LPN-to-ASN Path.

However, if you wish to start as an RN and are ready to pursue a longer educational program, you should start with an ADN path or a BSN Program. The latter will generally garner the best results and benefits once you start working. However, even the BSN accreditation can be earned later in your career via a 12-month RN-to-BSN Track.