subject: LPN Or RN? We Tell You Which Is the Better Degree for You [print this page] LPN Or RN? We Tell You Which Is the Better Degree for You
Those who want to pursue nursing are faced with a common dilemma -- whether to get a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree or a Registered Nurse (RN) degree.
The choice is easy actually, and depends on your current situation. If you're after a degree that you can finish more quickly and then get work right after, an LPN degree is the more practical choice. It only takes one year to complete if you are attending full time - some programs finish as quickly as 9-11 months. In addition, there aren't as many prerequiste subjects as there are for an RN degree; all you should have is a high school diploma, plus you would need to pass the entrance exam to get into the LPN school. This may require some knowledge of college level algebra.
Then, best of all, upon getting gotten your LPN degree, you can take an LPN to RN online program - while you're working! And many employers will pay for this continuing education.
Another upside to being a licensed practical nurse first is that you can take the time to decide whether an RN degree is something you want to pursue. Bear in mind that managerial duties are part of a registered nurse's responsibilities and not everybody is prepared for such pressure.
However, many people DO want to be registered nurses. The pay scale is significantly higher. They can rise through the ranks and get more promotions. Some hospitals will only hire RNs. There are generally more career opportunities for registered nurses.
If, at this point in your life, you have the time and resources to complete a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing or even a 2-year associate's program straight through, then just grab this chance! With a nursing degree tucked under your belt, it would be easy for you to to choose from a wide range of of job paths and work environments.
However, only do this if you can afford to work at most part-time for those two to four years, and perhaps even not work at all. Nursing school is arduous, and you do not want to start just to discover that you can't financially handle not working for that length of time.
