Can't choose...Lpn or RN

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2014

Good day, _marie_:

What is the LPN vs. RN job market in your geographic area? What is the frequency of LPN jobs that hire without experience compared to the same for RN jobs for new graduates? Are the places that hire LPN's pushing their staff to become RN's that, due to such a push, are only doing new hires as RN's?

Those are some of the things to check in order to help you make a decision.

Thank you.

MedicalPartisan · Apr 7, 2014

Don't let your fear of a bad program dictate your future. So many people I know choose to pursue RN after years of LPN. The money is obviously better, and you get a much broader range of environments and responsibilities to choose from. The length of school is not that much longer. Everyone's wants and needs are different and opinions are definitely subjective, but in my personal opinion, it's a waste to spend the time in LPN school when you could have became an RN. Sure, they have bridge programs, but ask yourself... is an LPN the highest you want to reach for your career? If it is, that's fine. But make sure you know your answer before you choose. Also, you have so many more opportunities for your future with registered nursing. Perhaps in 10, 15, 20 years you won't want to work in direct patient care and your experience skill level enables you to move up into clinical IT or clinical management. I've never looked into LPN, but to me it just seems like RN is a smarter decision, especially considering the ever-growing competitiveness in healthcare careers. And no disrespect to LPNs whatsoever.

Good luck with your journey. Come back at some point and let us know what you chose!

TC3200 · Apr 7, 2014

18 months is a long time for an LPN program. You can find 12 months ones. If you can relocate, then maybe you can even find a community college one that you can complete in 2 semesters. Here's one to look at:

Community College of Beaver County -

The length of RN school in my locale is 3 years: 1 to get the college prereqs done, then about 24 months to get either AD RN or diploma RN done. Then there are online options to bridge to BSR from RN, and those take anywhere from 12 - 18 months. So it you are comparing 12 months LPN to 36 -48 or more months for RN, then no comparison.

Whether or not to pursue LPN depends on your goals, and the job market and types of jobs and pay scale in your area. Pittsburgh area (PA), LPNs can earn $18-$22 / hour. In the small towns, LPN is more like $15/hr. "Team leader in a nursing home" is the typical employment for LPN here, and some hospitals here have eliminated all LPN jobs in favor of CNA and RN, and the RN must be BSN at some places. Once you get your LPN, you can work and start a bridge to RN program. LPN is more tack oriented that RN. Here, the best and brightest LPNS usually say they wished they'd just gone RN instead. But there's nothing except financial situations and /or childrearing that prevents them from going back to school for RN, either.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 7, 2014

There are also LPN-BSN bridge programs available. They are not 100% online because they have to include additional clinical experiences. But this type of program would prevent you from having to make an additional educational step.

Keep in mind that if your LPN program is a 'clock hour' program, it will not result in any transferable college credits, but it may prepare you to 'CLEP' or test out of some of the nursing basics in some RN programs.

_marie_ · Apr 7, 2014

Thank you for your response, pmabraham. LPN's in my area are mostly in LTCF and doctor's offices. Many of the hospitals if not all at this point want nursers with a BSN which is why I would want to continue on to get to that point. The fact that we would move before that would be possible if I go the LPN route worries me and I have no clue where we are headed next.

_marie_ · Apr 7, 2014

TC3200, 18 months is a long time. That is a negative aspect to that program. This is so hard.

_marie_ · Apr 7, 2014

There are also LPN-BSN bridge programs available. They are not 100% online because they have to include additional clinical experiences. But this type of program would prevent you from having to make an additional educational step.
Keep in mind that if your LPN program is a 'clock hour' program, it will not result in any transferable college credits, but it may prepare you to 'CLEP' or test out of some of the nursing basics in some RN programs.

I have seen some LPN-BSN programs around, actually there is one in my area at a university BUT I wouldn't be here long enough after the LPN program to even attempt to apply. I do believe they are "clock hours" so nothing would transfer.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Apr 7, 2014

I would find a shorter LVN program or go for the RN. The job market isn't great & you don't know where you'll move to in 3 years but it probably would be easier to get a job as an RN working on your BSN (online). But it depends where you move, if you move to an area that isn't new grad friendly it doesn't matter. But if I could do it all over again I would go for my RN, instead of my LVN. Good luck!

Ecl09 · Apr 7, 2014

I would recommend going for the RN. Though it is often tough to find a job with either one (LPN or RN), it's a bit easier if you are a registered nurse, especially if you are also working towards your BSN online. A lot of hospitals are starting to require thir current RNs to earn their BSNs, and they are only looking to hire BSNs. So I think going for the RN at this point would be nore beneficial for you than the LPN program. I just read a really helpful article about the job market for nurses (comparing LPN, RN, and BSN) if you are interested: Job Market for Nurses Best of Luck!!

nija315 · Apr 7, 2014

I would say do RN it's your best bet and then you could get your BSN or go straight through with your BSN

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Apr 8, 2014

Um, I have a completely opposite opinion here and I hope you take it to heart. $57,000 for a RN degree at a school that does not have good NCLEX pass rates is a waste of money and time. I'm going to say this is a private for profit school. Do not do it. Plus it is only a year. There is a reason why most programs that are RN are at the very least 2-3 years. They are basically taking your money and promising you the moon when you will have a difficult time passing the NCLEX and not be able to be a competent RN. Heck if you can't pass the NCLEX you won't be any kind of nurse and will have just flush $57,000 down the toilet. Do the LPN program. 18 months is the average time for a LPN program. Then transition to your RN. That is what I would do. They have a better track record anyway and cost a lot less money. You need to look at the quality of your education. Not time.