A lot of studying and training is involved in LPN to RN programs.
Even then, there are still a lot of licensed practical nurses that take LPN to RN programs because of the many benefits that come with being a registered nurse. To become a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse can choose to take a course to obtain a nursing diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing. After completing any of these educational paths, the candidates will then take an exam to acquire their registered nurse license.
Reasons For Taking LPN To RN Programs
One of the major reasons why people take this nursing program is because of the higher salary. Registered nurses generally make more money than licensed practical nurses. They also have better odds of getting hired by a healthcare facility since they perform more than just basic tasks, unlike licensed practical nurses. Another major reason is that registered nurses have a greater chance of advancing further in their nursing career. They have more knowledge and training in the field, therefore they also have more responsibilities and duties to carry out than licensed practical nurses do. This will enable them to be promoted easier into higher nursing positions, such as a head nurse. Some people are unaware that licensed practical nurses and registered nurses share a lot of similar duties in their job. However, registered nurses have more freedom performing their responsibilities. Licensed practical nurses usually need permission to carry out several tasks.
Nursing Diploma
The diploma program is the oldest method of nursing education which enables candidates to take the RN licensure exam. Diploma programs are administered in hospital-based nursing schools and they take 2 to 3 years to complete. Candidates must have at least two years of working experience before they can take an LPN to RN diploma program. Because of this, many licensed practical nurses that do not have two years of experience in practical nursing prefer to get an associate’s degree instead of a nursing diploma. A registered nurse cannot pursue a career as an advanced practice nurse if they do not have a degree, which makes it a better choice for licensed practical nurses to study for a degree in nursing.
Associate’s Degree
The Associate of Science in Nursing degree takes two to three years to finish and can be taken at a community college. This is preferred by licensed practical nurses who want to acquire their RN license in a shorter time. Graduates can also begin working immediately after graduating. Associate graduates can continue their education for another two years if they want to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree takes four to five years to complete and it can be taken at colleges and universities. The first two years in the program are spent on obtaining the general education requirements needed and the remaining years are spent on nursing courses. A bachelor’s degree in nursing is an LPN to RN program that emphasizes nursing theory and research and it has more classroom and clinical hours of study than an associate’s degree does. There are many job opportunities waiting for BSN graduates. BSN degree holders can continue with their master’s degree if they want to become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesiologist, nurse midwife or a clinical nurse specialist.
Michelle works as a nurse in New Jersey and has been in the health care industry for more than 20 years.