What is the Difference Between an LPN vs RN vs BSN

There is a common misconception that all nurses are the same. However, it’s not the truth. Each nursing field has its own set of responsibilities and practical knowledge. If you want to become a nurse, you need to understand the difference between LPN vs RN vs BSN. 

LPN vs RN vs BSN

Because there are three nursing licenses given by the state: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), to help you understand the Difference Between LPN vs RN vs BSN, here’s the information about each nursing license you need to know.

What are LPN Nurses

LPN “licensed PracNursingrseing,” a profession of caring and helping for sick or injured people as well as their families. To get an LPN license, you need to take an accredited practical nurse program that requires at least 60 semester hours in this field of study.

Besides, some apprenticeships can help you get your LPN License after some courses and workshop training together with your experience in first aid care as a patient-care assistant.

If you have all these requirements, then it’s time for you to take the examination offered by National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) from Pearson Vue. After passing this exam successfully, your LPN license will be issued by the state board.

LPNs have a registered vocational license (LVN). It’s similar to registered nurses, which means they can provide primary nursing care and work as unlicensed personnel in hospitals and clinics but under the supervision of registered nurses. 

For example, LPNs can treat patients in a registered nurse’s absence, but registered nurses are usually required to do the treatments or procedures.

What is a registered, nurse (RN)?

They are registered allied health professionals, and they have registered nurses’ licenses. A registered nurse has more authority than an LPN or an LVN since registered nurses administer medications during treatments and procedures. They work in hospitals and clinics as registered medical staff.

Registered nurses are registered with the California Board of Registered Nursing, and they practice students’ rights following laws and regulations governing registered nurses for patient care. 

When they have graduated from a registered nursing program, registered nurses can take NCLEX-RN exams given by Pearson Vue and receive certified registered nurse licenses after passing this exam successfully. After that, these nursing professionals will take an oath to protect patients’ lives when working on duty.

BSN Careers

If you’re interested in a BSN career, you need to understand first since there has been some confusion about a BSN degree online or a bachelor’s BS degree online versus an MSN degree online.

A BSN degree is a registered nursing degree. Once you have acquired your registered nurse license, the first responsibility for registered nurses is to earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees online. 

This way, registered nurses can get the advanced knowledge and expertise they need to start working at the next level, management or administrative positions. Requirements on how to become registered nurses vary from state to state.

Still, it may be required that registered nurses should have two years of experience before applying for this program since some business employers seek well-trained professionals for these positions.

Nursing Degrees: Which One is Right for You?

BSN is a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Students planning to take this program have a bachelor’s degree, which should be related to the subject they’re about to study. It takes four years of education and training in clinical settings, health care facilities, and hospitals.

After graduation, students can choose among several career options. Like Specialized practice areas where bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses work as patient care specialists, advanced practice registered nurses such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. They can also continue their education through post master’s certificate programs and earn master’s degrees in nursing.

What is an MSN Degree Program?

MSN stands for Master of Science in Nursing. Registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees usually enter into MSN programs that typically last two years. Once registered nurses have acquired their master’s degrees in nursing, they’re considered Nurse Practitioners (NPs). In addition, MSNs can work as associate clinical professors or associate nurse faculty members at universities and colleges.

What is an associate degree?

If you want to take associate degree programs online, you should know that associate degrees are two-year professional studies. Training for associate degree programs will prepare students for jobs such as dental assistants or physical therapy assistants. 

Unlike associate of arts degrees online, which may not require a recognized accredited college program; however, advanced standing opportunities may require applicants to hold related bachelor’s degrees before starting a bachelor of science in nursing associate degree programs online. Associate in applied science (AAS) degrees are associate degree programs that are ideal for non-traditional students. 

Associate degree programs can be earned at community colleges and career-oriented technical institutes. However, an applied associate of arts degree online is different because they do not require applicants to hold a high school diploma. Instead, applicants must show evidence that they’ve completed equivalent secondary or postsecondary education.

Can You Become a RN Without a BSN?

A lot of people think that they can become Registered Nurses even without a BSN degree. But, you do not qualify for national certification and licensing boards to practice as RNs if your nursing degree is less than a BSN degree. 

So, suppose you are interested in becoming a practical nurse (LPN) or an administrator position like director, vice president, or chief nursing officer. In that case, you’ll need to get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing first.

After earning their bachelor of science online while pursuing the national licensure exam, RNs can choose among many advanced practice opportunities available. Such as Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), the family registered nurse practitioner (FNP), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

If you relocate to a different community or plan to work at other hospitals, you must inquire about the national certification of your nursing degree. 

Be sure the university where you earned your bachelor of science in nursing degree is accredited by national associations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and American College of Nurse-Midwives. You can also check with national regulatory boards such as Advisory Council on Nurse Licensure and Certification (ACNLC).

Today, most top universities offer master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) programs. The healthcare industry needs Registered Nurses with the right blend of education, work experience, and skill set. And, since you’re thinking about nursing schools online, you’ll be happy to know that BSN students have more opportunities now than ever before.

Online RN to BSN Degree Program: Why Consider an Online Program?

The healthcare industry needs nurses committed to lifelong learning; therefore, it was not surprising when registered nurses had turned out in big numbers for formal academic training programs such as BSN degrees. Some colleges and universities even offered associate degrees or certificate programs for Rn, which had enabled them to boost their earning power and marketability. 

However, the academic preparation for becoming nurses was almost the same in all nursing schools, despite differences in curriculum and nursing school degree programs.

Conclusion of Lpn Vs Rn Vs Bsn:

A lot of employers are turning to RNs who hold a BSN degree program. If you’re currently employed in a hospital or healthcare facility, consider getting your bachelor’s nursing online and advancing your career. 

A bachelor’s degree will not only help advance your career, but it will also make you eligible for administrative positions like Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Vice President of Nursing Administration (VPNA), and Director of Nursing (DON).

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