~Certificate .vs. AA Degree

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2006

The only reason to do this is if you are planning on persuing education beyond the LVN such as going for your RN later on.

The usuall idea behind the AA is to transfer the AA to a 4-year school and finish up.

Getting an AA isn't going to offer much advantage in the field of LVN jobs. Of course, I'm speaking from a Florida perspective, not CA. IMO.

If your future goals involve getting another degree then go for it. If it involes getting and RN, check with the RN program to be sure you're taking the proper pre-reqs for RN.

Good luck.

ChargeNurseAmy74 · Sep 2, 2006

thanks tweety..all this can be confusing at times.... amy:nurse:

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2006

You're welcome Amy. Good luck to you. Always ask when you have questions, we're here to help. :)

Bala Shark · Sep 2, 2006

Hi, I got my AS degree in vocational nursing in May 2006..I live in Ca..The way I look at it is that employers might see you as more educated if you hold an AS than just the certificate holders...But I think it would not matter if you hold an AS or a certificate in terms of looking for a job as a LVN..

tookewlandy · Sep 2, 2006

I did not know that many LPN school offered Associate degree's, have they always done so or is this new. Around here you either get a diploma or a certificate upon completion of LPN training.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 2, 2006

I did not know that many LPN school offered Associate degree's, have they always done so or is this new. Around here you either get a diploma or a certificate upon completion of LPN training.

At schools that offer Associates, such as Community Colleges, there is always an option to gain a AS with the LPN. But of course there is also the option to continue on and gain an AS to be a RN too, and that is what most people do.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2006

I have a AAS in Liberal Arts and I am a LVN. My AAS degree did not help me until I applied to the BSN program other than that I dont get any extra pay or recognition for it. But it is quite a accomplishment for me ,cause Im the first to graduate in my family. Good luck to you

tookewlandy · Sep 3, 2006

So the assocuates degree is not awarded for the LPn education itself, but an Associate of arts or science general degree

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2006

I guess there are some LVN programs that might be associate degress but the majority are certificate programs . I got my AAS degree from a CC and its is just the pre- classes for the BSN program plus some extra classes as electives.

So the assocuates degree is not awarded for the LPn education itself, but an Associate of arts or science general degree

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 3, 2006

So the assocuates degree is not awarded for the LPn education itself, but an Associate of arts or science general degree

Basically, what most of us are trying to say is that the student obtaining a LPN certificate has to seek out the additional courses. Otherwise, he/she will not be awarded an Associates upon completion of the LPN program even if he/she graduates from a CC.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2006

So the assocuates degree is not awarded for the LPn education itself, but an Associate of arts or science general degree

Correct.

The AA is just something to do on the side. Anyone who takes the right courses can get an AA degree, a dental assistant, a CNA, etc. it doesn't mean they have an "Associates Degree in Dental Assistance" or "An AA in LPN", is just means they are an LPN who also holds an AA degree.

Again, as was stated above AA degrees are designed as stepping stones to other degrees, primarily a bachelor's degree. However, the LPN with an AA would have a lot of the RN prereqs done already and could slide over to another associates degree, this one in nursing and become an RN. So getting the AA certainly isn't a waste of time.