An RN has more education (an associate or bachelor’s degree) and broader duties, while an LPN completes a shorter program and provides basic care under supervision.
RN
- Registered nurse.
- Associate or bachelor’s degree, then NCLEX-RN exam.
- Broader scope, including assessment, care plans and IV medications.
- Median pay about $93,600 (BLS, 2024).
LPN
- Licensed practical nurse.
- About 1 year diploma, then NCLEX-PN exam.
- Basic care under supervision.
- Median pay about $62,000 (BLS, 2024).
Choosing
LPN is a faster path. RN offers more pay and advancement.
Education
Registered nurses (RN) complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN, about 2 years) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN, about 4 years). Licensed practical nurses (LPN, called LVN in California and Texas) complete a diploma or certificate program, usually about 12 to 18 months.
Licensing
Both must pass the NCLEX exam: NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, and be licensed by the state.
Scope of practice
RNs can do comprehensive assessments, create care plans, administer IV medications in many settings, supervise LPNs and aides and perform advanced tasks. LPNs provide basic care under RN or physician supervision, such as taking vital signs, changing dressings, giving medications and assisting daily living. Rules differ by state.
Work settings
RNs work in hospitals, clinics, schools, public health and many other fields. LPNs often work in nursing homes, long term care, home health and physician offices.
Pay
The BLS reported a median annual wage of about 86,070 dollars for RNs in 2023 and about 59,730 dollars for LPNs.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of RNs to grow about 6% from 2023 to 2033, and LPNs about 3%, both faster than or near the average for all occupations.
Career path
Many LPNs continue to RN through LPN to RN bridge programs. RNs can go on to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives or educators with a master’s or doctoral degree.
Choosing
Consider time, cost, interest in advanced roles and local employer preferences. Many hospitals prefer or require a BSN.
Education, licensing and scope
Registered nurses (RNs) complete an associate degree in nursing (2 years) or a bachelor’s degree (4 years) and pass the NCLEX-RN. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) typically finish a 12 to 18 month program and pass the NCLEX-PN. RNs perform assessments, create care plans, give IV medications and supervise LPNs and aides, while LPNs provide basic care such as monitoring vital signs, wound care and giving some medications under RN or physician supervision. Scope of practice differs by state.
Pay and outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported median annual pay of about 86,070 USD for RNs and about 59,730 USD for LPNs and LVNs in May 2023. Employment of RNs is projected to grow about 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, with LPN employment projected to grow around 3 percent, faster or similar to the average for all occupations. RNs work mostly in hospitals, and LPNs more often in nursing homes, home health and physician offices. Many LPNs continue to RN through bridge programs. Employers increasingly prefer a bachelor’s degree for RNs.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
