LPN vs RN: Who Earn Better?
People often think the title “nurse” is for everyone who works as a healthcare staff in the medical environment. However, there are different roles and names for them. In this article, we are going to introduce two types of nurses: Licensed practical nurses (LPN) and Registered nurses (RN), the difference between LPN vs RN and LPN vs RN salary, who has a higher income.
1. Overview
1.1. What’s LPN?
LPN ( Licensed practical nurses) is the next level of CNA (certified nursing assistants). They can perform additional tasks with higher medical skills to take care of patients under the supervision of RN.
1.2. What’s RN?
Registered nurses, unlike LPN, are nurses who have been educated to give sophisticated therapies and provide excellent patient care. They frequently collaborate with doctors or physicians to do patient assessments, treat injuries, and adhere to treatment regimens.
>> See more: How To Become A Registered Nurse?
2. LPN and RN job prospects
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, it seems that both LPN and RN outlooks are very open. Due to the high aging population rate in the US, more and more hospitals and healthcare residents acquire nurses and healthcare staff. From now to 2030, LPN and RN are expected to grow by 9%. It is estimated that each year, there will be 60.700 new LPN and 194.500 positions opening for RN.
3. LPN vs RN key difference
Of course, they are nurses who assist doctors and physicians in the treatment of patients. However, in order to choose which path will suit you most, you should take a look at the distinction between LPN vs RN.
3.1. LPN vs RN NCLEX exam: is RN has more requirements?
The biggest difference between LPN and RN is the education training required.
To become an LPN (Licensed practical nurses), you need to complete an accredited practical nursing program. This program is year-long and is a combination of academia in nursing, biology and pharmacology. After completing the accredited practical nursing program, you need to take a state-approved program to make sure you are legal to work as a nurse. Lastly, you must have a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) license to be an LPN.
On the other hand, RNs’ requirements are more than that. For those who want to be an RN, you are required to have a bachelor’s of science in nursing or a diploma in the nursing program. It often takes you at least 3-4 years to complete this qualification. The nursing program covers courses in social, behavioral, and physical science. In addition, you also must pass the National Council License Examination (NCLEX-RN).
| LPN requirements | RN requirements |
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>>See more: How to pass the NCLEX-PN
3.2. LPN vs RN Career: what can LPN vs RN do?
While exact job requirements vary significantly based on the work location and/or specialty emphasis, we may establish some assumptions about LPN and RN job duties.
Basic nursing care is often provided by licensed practical nurses, which includes monitoring vital signs, wound care, prescription administration, and aiding with daily living tasks.
Registered nurses have more freedom when it comes to delivering medical treatment. This involves performing diagnostic tests to establish a baseline for a patient’s health, creating treatment plans, and educating patients and their families about their condition and recovery choices.
You can check this table to know what exactly each branch of nurse does:
| LPN responsibilities | RN responsibilities |
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3.3. LPN vs RN Salary: who earns more?
Acknowledge that RN’s demand is more advanced than LPN in education. They have spent 4 years learning and training. It helps them be more skillful to handle and complete complex duties. Therefore, RN salary is often higher. On the other hand, LPN requires a lower education level, without a university bachelor.
It is stated that the average salary of an RN is $73.550/year. In short, an LPN will earn $22.62/hour, which means the average wage could be $47.020 per year. (You also should note that this number is not right for every state, some are higher/lower than the average)
| LPN salary | RN salary |
| $ 47.020/year | $73.550/year |
4. NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Practice tests
Both LPN and RN are great choices for your nurse career. You can consider your interest, autonomy at work, and salary to make your decision. To become one of those, don’t miss the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN tests because, without them, you can reach your future goals. Start your dream by clicking on the NCLEX Practice test on our website now.
That is all the information about LPN and RN we have provided you, to help distinguish two types of nurses LPN vs RN, and help you decide which one can be your future job. No matter which one you choose, you should bare in mind that the key factor in the medical field is patient care quality.