LPN vs RN: What’s the Difference?

Are you thinking about starting a career in nursing?

Great choice!

Nursing offers endless opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives. But before jumping in, it’s key to understand the differences between an LPN vs RN.

Both play vital roles in health care, but each has its own unique responsibilities, educational requirements, and career paths. Understanding these distinctions is essential because they impact everything from your training and daily duties to your long-term career growth. Hint: it’s more than just taking the NCLEX-PN vs the NCLEX-RN.

So, which path is right for you? LPN or RN.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between an LPN and RN to help you find the role that best matches your goals.

What is an LPN?

An LPN is a vital part of the health care system.

LPNs provide essential client care under the supervision of RNs and doctors. They work in various settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and home health care, where their responsibilities include:

• Administering medications
• Changing dressings (wound care)
• Assisting with mobility
• Providing basic care (bathing, dressing, feeding)
• Taking vital signs
• Supporting RNs and doctors

LPNs are often known for their strong client relationships, as they spend a lot of time in close contact with those they care for.

LPN Meaning and Definition

The term “LPN” is an abbreviation for a licensed practical nurse.

Officially, an LPN is a nurse who completed an educational program approved by the state and passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

LPNs must obtain a license to practice and, depending on the state, may have additional certifications in specific areas like:

• IV therapy
• Long-term care
• Pharmacology

Now that you know the LPN definition, let’s look at RNs and their role in the healthcare system.

What is an RN?

An RN is a registered nurse who holds a broader scope of practice compared to LPNs.

RNs are responsible for more complex client care, such as:

• Assessing clients’ conditions
• Collaborating with other health care professionals
• Helping perform diagnostic tests and analyze results
• Operating and monitoring medical equipment
• Recording medical histories and symptoms
• Developing care plans

RNs can serve in specialized roles at various hospital departments, outpatient facilities, schools, and more. They’re leaders in client care and frequently oversee LPNs and other health care aides.

Education Requirements: LPN vs RN

LPNs typically complete a program that takes at least 12 months and then pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed.

RNs, on the other hand, need a nursing degree: either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), requiring two to four years of study. This difference in educational time investment reflects the expanded duties and responsibilities that RNs handle in clinical settings.

Responsibilities and Duties: Registered Nurse vs Licensed Practical Nurse

While LPNs and RNs focus on client care, their specific duties vary significantly:

• Client care: LPNs handle basic client care, including monitoring vital signs, helping with mobility, and providing comfort. RNs manage more complex aspects like creating nursing care plans, running medical tests, and interpreting test results.

• Medication administration: LPNs administer medications in certain settings but may have restrictions based on state regulations. RNs have a broader range in administering medications, including controlled substances and intravenous therapies.

• Supervisory duties: RNs often take on supervisory roles, guiding LPNs, and other health care staff. LPNs typically work under the supervision of doctors and RNs.

Salary Differences Between RNs and LPNs

Compensation is another key difference between RNs vs LPNs, influenced by education, experience, and job location.

What is the Average LPN Starting Pay?

The entry-level salary for LPNs is $62,140. The starting pay for LPNs may vary based on location, experience, and employer.

Highest Paid LPN Jobs

Here are some of the highest-paid LPN jobs, with their average salaries in the US:

• Behavioral health: $68,640
• Clinic: $79,040
• Correctional: $81,120
• Emergency department: $79,040
• Home health: $95,680
• Long-term care: $70,720
• Pediatrics: $83,200

Highest Paid RN Jobs

The entry-level salary for an RN is $87,868 annually.

Here are some of the highest-paid RN jobs and their average salaries in the US:

• Burn intensive care unit: $108,160
• Cardiovascular operative room: $137,280
• Cardiac catheterization: $158,080
• Gastrointestinal lab/endoscopy: $141,440
• Interventional radiology: $153,920
• Neonatal intensive care unit: $110,240
• Perioperative/operating room: $178,880

Career Outlook for LPNs and RNs

LPNs and RNs have strong job prospects, but RNs are in high demand.

Industry experts expect LPN jobs to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033, keeping pace with most other jobs.

On average, there will be about 54,000 job openings every year over the next decade. Most of these openings will come from replacing LPNs who move on to other careers or retire.

On the other hand, experts project that RN employment will grow by 6%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

This is due to increased demand for health care services as the population ages and chronic conditions become more prevalent.

Most Popular LPN Jobs

The top five employers for LPNs are:

1. Nursing and residential care facilities – 35%
2. Local, state, and private hospitals – 16%
3. Physician’s offices – 12%
4. Home health care services – 12%
5. Government – 6%

Most Popular RN Jobs

The top five employers for RNs are:

1. Local, state, and private hospitals – 58%
2. Ambulatory health care services – 19%
3. Government – 6%
4. Nursing and residential care facilities – 5%
5. State, local, and private educational services – 3%

Which Nursing Path Is Right for You?

Choosing the right nursing path is about finding the best fit for your personal goals, lifestyle, and career vision.

If you’re a student or thinking of switching careers, consider these factors as you weigh your options:

1. Career goals: Think about where you see yourself in health care. Are you drawn to specialized fields like pediatrics, mental health, or surgical nursing? Mapping out your end goal can help you choose the right path.

2. Time to complete training: Different nursing roles have different education requirements. If you’re eager to start working quickly, consider becoming an LPN since the training is usually shorter. Consider an RN program if you’re interested in advanced skills and leadership opportunities.

3. Potential career satisfaction: Each nursing role offers unique rewards. Working directly with patients, advocating for their needs, and seeing positive outcomes can bring high job satisfaction. Consider which settings — like hospitals, home care, or physician offices — align with what you’ll find fulfilling daily.

Choosing the right path is a big decision, but with a clear sense of what you want from your nursing career, you’re already one step closer to success.

And if you decide to become an LPN now, you can always transition to becoming an RN later.

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