Is the LPN program the same as the first year ADN?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

Not quite. There's a lot of similar material (patho, interventions) since both RNs and LVNs are nurses. But keep in mind that RNs and LVNs have different scopes of practices so things are going to be presented differently. Also, some of what you learn in a RN program you're not going to be able to legally do as a LVN.

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

Who told you the LPN program was easier? I've never heard that! The LPN programs in my area go M-F 7:30am-3pm and clinicals can take place on the weekends, If you miss more than, I think it's 5 days (probably less) you get kicked out. RN program is difficult, but I think the quick pace and long hours of the LPN program might be more stressful.

justin.j · Apr 3, 2012

Before being accepted to an RN program, I had been accepted to an LVN program, so I had a chance to see the class flow for both programs. I definitely agree with both of the previous posters. The role you play as an LVN is a bit different than that of an RN, so the curriculum is a bit different, and perhaps not as in depth. However, you also do almost as much clinical study in a year of LVN training as you do in a two year RN program! So, I don’t know that I would say that it’s easier, just different. On a good note, a lot of RN programs have "advance placement" options for LVNs, but I don't know that it equates to a full year of courses in an RN program.

But more importantly, if your goal is to be an RN, why go for the LVN program? There is definitely nothing wrong with being an LVN and if that would make you happy, then that’s awesome and you should go for it. But if you’re passionate about becoming an RN, you should believe in yourself and go for it! Study habits can be learned, but passion can’t. Don’t sell yourself short before giving it a shot. :) Good luck to you.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

At my school, you get accepted for the RN program, are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN after the first year and then finish up the following year (except when you do it PT like me, then double that timeline, LOL). It's set up that way so you can work as an LPN while you finish, or like a couple of my classmates did, opt not to return to finish yet they were duly qualified and licensed LPN's

Oh, and easier? Not so much---both are darn tough!

Mama_Cashew, ASN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

At the school I am applying to, the LPN program is 3 semesters long (Fall, Spring, Summer). The first two semesters are the exact same ones as the first two in the RN program. The final semester is the only one that's different.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

I am currently an LPN who is in the LPN to RN bridge program. Upon completion of a 3 credit online course and a 1 credit clinical/classroom lecture course we (LPN's) are then admitted into the second year of the ADN program. The classes are not teaching new skills, just giving information on the new resposibilities you will have as an RN. It basically teaches you to 'unthink' as an LPN and transition over to an RN student.

And while the scope of practice is different between the LPN and the RN, the info and skills learned in the full LPN program is almost exactly the same as what the RN students learn in the first year nursing programs in the ADN program with the exception of the info that is taught to RN students in the very beginning which is what the 3 & 1 credit class teaches (ie: legal responsibilities of the RN, patient education etc). Well, at least in the eyes of the State of Connecticut BON as they are the ones who implimented the regulations and requirements of both the LPN and RN programs.

Easier? No not at all. As an LPN student I went to school Monday-Friday from 730a-330p. We had none of the usual college breaks (spring, winter, between semesters etc). We had countless hours on the floor for clinical time and our grading standard for passing was higher than the RN programs. However, I don't think the LPN program was harder either.

If, as you say you, have 'terrible study habits', your experience in the LPN program will be no different than that of the 1st year of the RN program.

RLtinker, LPN · Apr 3, 2012

At my school the LPNS and ASN take all the same classes together except the last semester. The scope of practice between an RN and LPN is not that much different. RNs are the primary caregivers and coordinators of pt. care, aka RNs are directly responsible for the pt, write care plans, delegate care, as well as ADPIE. LPNs work directly under and assist RNs and therefore need many of the same skills, but don't write care plans or nursing diagnosis. The point is if you are having difficulty in the RN program, your not going to have an easier time in the LPN program.