Difference between RN and LVN

pharmgirl · May 31, 2009

I'm a little confused about your question. LVN and/or LPN are usually diploma programs. RN is usually either an associates degree or a bachelors degree and moves to masters, phd etc. I'm sure that you could go back and get your bachelors from any point. Where I am from there are 2 local schools offering RN programs. The first is where I go, you spend one year and get your LPN and the second year you graduate with an associates degree and your RN. The second school is a straight 4 year college and you graduate with your bachelors and RN. I plan on working with my Associates and then slowly picking away at my BSN, you can go back to school at any point you wish.

I hope this answers your question

tinybubblez5 · May 31, 2009

Thanks so much for the reply :) but i have been looking on 4 year state colleges and is noticed their are 2 different paths one which is LVN-BSN and RN-BSN are these the same? If you are a LVN and enter a program that offers a Bachelor does that accredit you your RN license? Sorry for the confusion

elkpark · May 31, 2009

An LVN-to-BSN program would be one that is tailored to LVNs, to allow them to complete a BSN degree and be eligible for licensure as an RN. An RN-to-BSN program would be for people who graduated from diploma or ADN programs and are already licensed as RNs to return to school to complete the additional requirements for a BSN degree (it doesn't affect their licensure; they are already RNs).

Once you complete a state BON-approved nursing program, you are eligible to write the NCLEX, the national licensure exam for LPN/LVNs and RNs (different exams, of course, depending on which level you're applying for). Licensure is a completely separate process from school -- completing school doesn't make you an LVN or RN, getting the license from the state does.

pharmgirl · May 31, 2009

I'm going to assume here that you mean lvn to bsn program and an rn to bsn program. If you are an LVN and enter a program that offers you a bachelor, you will graduate with your RN (this is all of course pending passing of the NCLEX). Either way, if you are in a BSN program, whether you enter with an RN associates or an LVN, you will graduate with the RN bachelors. The LVN entering a bachelors may need to take more classes then the RN counterpart in the beginning.

I think what the school is doing is this: If you are an LVN, you will need a few more classes to catch up to the RN level. The LVN to BSN program will prolly offer some management/leadership classes that those entering at the RN level prolly already have. The two programs will prolly meet in the middle somewhere and graduate together. Does that make sense?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 31, 2009

Thanks so much for the reply :) but i have been looking on 4 year state colleges and is noticed their are 2 different paths one which is LVN-BSN and RN-BSN are these the same? If you are a LVN and enter a program that offers a Bachelor does that accredit you your RN license? Sorry for the confusion

Did you read the information on the websites of these schools? What did they say? They usually describe what these programs are and what the application requirements are, if not on their website it will be in the college catalog. Or, just call the nursing department of these colleges and ask.

Lovelymo79 · Jun 2, 2009

LVN and/or LPN are usually diploma programs. RN is usually either an associates degree or a bachelors degree and moves to masters, phd etc.

There are diploma RN programs...as a matter of fact..nursing started out as diploma programs associated with hospitals. They are dying out but there are some still around. I'm starting one in August! :yeah:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2009

if a lvn has a bachelors does that make them an rn?

don't know how i missed that question. the answer is

no

.

rn

and lvn are each a legal authorization to work at those specified levels of nursing that can only be granted by the state you live in. you have to meet specific requirements required by your state law as well as take and pass an examination (usually the nclex) in order to get an

rn

or lvn license.

a bachelor's degree is a rank given to a student by a college or university after completing a specified course of study at their institution. a college or university has no authority to grant any kind of nursing license. it is possible to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing, but fail the nclex exam and not be able to get a license.

nursenow · Aug 9, 2009

Hi everyone,
Just wondering is there a difference with being an LVN and going back to get a BSN in comparision to an RN going back to get a BSN? If a LVN has a Bachelors does that make them an RN?

An RN has a two year degree in nursing. If that RN contiues on for four years then it is a BSN.(still an rn with a four year degree.) An LVN to BSN program usually envolves three more years of schooling after LVN(all of the ones i checked into give one year credit for lvn) To get accepted into a BSN program you may have to complete your general ed classes and then apply to the program. Some private BSN schools may include those classes into the cost of the program. Just because you are accepted into the college doesnt mean they will accept you into the BSN program. Often you have to compete against other wanna be BSNs.