LPN vs. RN: What Are the Differences in Education, Scopes of Practice, Duties and 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 each essential difference between LPN and RN roles and give you a hand in choosing the best route for you.
LPN vs. RN: Key Differences
- LPN and RN represent distinct roles, with diverging scopes of practice in a clinical environment. While LPNs fulfill practical and task-oriented duties, RNs have a greater level of expertise and fulfill a broader array of responsibilities that require critical thinking, strategic management, and patient care strategies.
- 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.
- Consequently, 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.
- LPN salaries are considerably lower than the average pay for RNs. In 2024, the average annual salary for LPNs in the US was $60,790, while for RNs it was $94,480. However, nurse salaries vary greatly by state and profession and should be considered within the specific context of each medical environment.
- If LPNs want to advance their nursing career, they need to pursue RN licensure. Comparatively, RNs have more opportunities for advancement as well as multiple available professional paths and nursing jobs.
- In general, becoming an LPN is preferred by aspiring nurses who want to enter the job market earlier and accumulate more experience before reaching a higher level of accreditation. Becoming an RN from the get-go is more fitting for those who can allot more time to learn, with the benefit of having a higher earning potential, better job outlooks, and more perspective.
These are the main differences between LPN and RN roles. However, the comparison does not end there, and the two roles may have various educational paths and 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 already are 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, if you enroll in the RN-to-BSN path, you can earn your BSN within 12 months of 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 has to do with 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 education difference between LPN and RN roles is central for all the subsequent distinctions in role, responsibilities, as well as salary and job outlooks.
To begin their nursing career, aspiring licensed practical nurses must enroll in a practical nursing program generally taking around one year to complete. Some of the courses LPNs must take include nursing, biology, and pharmacology. In addition to the theoretical studies, LPNs must fulfill a certain number of supervised clinical hours. Upon completing the program, learners can sit the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), a comprehensive exam that one must pass 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 usually takes around two years to complete, while a BSN program typically spans up to four years. Courses like social, behavioral, and physical science and hands-on clinical experience are required for ADN and BSN programs. However, BSN studies also dive into subjects like leadership and management, preparing RNs for a wider pool 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 diverse wounds.
Registered Nurses have an even wider pool 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 directed at RNs who want to dedicate 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 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses find work most often in hospital settings. Over 58% of the 3.3 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 government jobs. Another 5% have jobs in nursing and residential care facilities, while educational services (state, local, or private) provide work for 3% of all RNs.
The BLS indicates that approximately 35% of the 657,800 LPNs employed in the healthcare sector in 2023 were working in nursing and residential care facilities. 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 significantly differ even when they share the same work setting. Since it reflects their training, licensure, and the complexity of care they provide, RNs will generally have a broader scope of practice and be more independent in the workplace compared to 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 and more complex range of responsibilities, including patient assessments and implementing care plans. Additionally, the work environments of the two roles may also differ, with LPNs being 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, RNs included.
LPN vs. RN: Duties and Responsibilities
LPNs are primarily responsible for assisting patients with their daily needs, providing comfort measures, and performing basic tasks like monitoring vital signs, changing dressings, and helping patients 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 care plans. 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 oncology, geriatrics, neonatology, or orthopedics, with duties tailored to each area of expertise.
The Salary Difference Between LPN and RN Roles
The difference in education, level of training, and overarching duties also leads to a significant difference between LPN and RN roles: their earning potential.
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for licensed practical nurses across the US is $60,790. The top-paying states for LPNs are California, with annual salaries of $76,580; Rhode Island, where LPNs earn $75,470; and Washington, with yearly salaries of $75,410.
The BLS reported the average salary for registered nurses to be $94,480. In California, you can expect to make up to $137,690 yearly. In Hawaii, your chances of securing a three-figure paycheck are also relatively high. The mean salary for RNs in Hawaii stands at approximately $119,710. Oregon is third among the top-paying states for RNs, with an average wage of $113,440.
As you can see, on average, the salary difference between LPN and RN roles sits at just below $34,000 per year. Remember that wages vary significantly based on location, employer, certifications, years of experience, and so on.
LPN vs. RN: Work Environments & Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the employment of licensed practical nurses is expected to grow by 3% by 2033. It is estimated that there will be around 54,000 job openings for LPNs every year, with a net change over the decade of 16,900 new jobs.
The job prospects for RNs are equally promising. BLS data indicates that by the end of the decade, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6%. On average, there will be around 194,500 job openings for RNs each year over the next ten years, with a net increase of 197,200 new jobs by the end of the decade.
According to current data, employment of registered nurses increases slightly faster than all other occupations (4%), while the employment of licensed practical nurses is below the overall job increase.
LPN vs. RN Shortage Estimates
Considering the current nursing shortage affecting the entire nation, increasing the workforce become a central requirement for the continuity of the industry. However, shortage rates are not the same for all nursing positions.
According to the Nurse Workforce Projections: 2026-2031 published in March 2024 by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), by 2026, we can expect a 10% shortage in registered nurses, amounting to 350,540 unoccupied positions. In comparison, the projected shortage of licensed practical nurses is 7%, equivalent to 46,920 unoccupied positions.
While the nurse pools for both positions require the preparation and employment of new personnel, the demand for registered nurses outweighs that for licensed practical nurses.
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 between them arising in areas of 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 lower than RNs, and, most often, the first step for LPNs when furthering their careers is to advance to RN accreditation via bridge educational paths, such as our LPN-to-ASN Program.
However, it is worth noting that both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses make up essential parts of a clinical work setting, although they serve different roles in the provision of care to patients.
Which Kind of Nurse Get Paid 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 approximately $34,000 per year.
Is It Better to Become an LPN or RN?
The choice between the two roles depends on your current priorities as well as on your 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 career, as they do not need to dedicate more time to education and certification. In comparison, RNs prepare to fulfill roles that require more responsibility and, as a consequence of their more extensive preparation, have better job outlooks and salary expectations.
It is important to remember that you can embark on a PN Diploma Program now, go on to work in the nursing field, and advance to an RN position later on 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.