Diploma or degree?

merdarah · Nov 7, 2005

Having a Degree is way better than having a diploma I myself is currently going to school.I will be going to a lpn school probably in about 2 months or maybe even take Respiratory Therapist.Diploma is a Diploma you get that in private schools or I believe some in Community Colleges.Having a Degree means You widened your career choices and educaiton. A degree takes a little while to get than a diploma I believe.Being in an Lpn/Lvn private school I believe you will get a diploma, but if you want to continue your education I know there are Lpn bridge-Rn programs in some community colleges that will get you a Associate Degree in Nursing.That way your education is more advanced and you will certainly get paid more(also depends where you are or where you worked at.)Well that's all.

RN34TX · Nov 7, 2005

I am currently in LPN school now and when I finish I want to go for my RN. There are a couple of schools that offer a diploma and one that offers a degree. I just wanted to know did anyone know the difference. I've heard that having a degree is better and others have told me a degree and diploma are the same. So if any one could help me clear this up it would be greatly appreciated.

You must live in the East where diploma schools are still alive and well.

There is no difference in practice or pay of Associate degree vs. Diploma RN's. Go with whatever program suits your needs better, as both will lead you to the same final destination.

RN34TX · Nov 7, 2005

Having a Degree is way better than having a diploma I myself is currently going to school.I will be going to a lpn school probably in about 2 months or maybe even take Respiratory Therapist.Diploma is a Diploma you get that in private schools or I believe some in Community Colleges.Having a Degree means You widened your career choices and educaiton. A degree takes a little while to get than a diploma I believe.Being in an Lpn/Lvn private school I believe you will get a diploma, but if you want to continue your education I know there are Lpn bridge-Rn programs in some community colleges that will get you a Associate Degree in Nursing.That way your education is more advanced and you will certainly get paid more(also depends where you are or where you worked at.)Well that's all.

Traditionally, RN diploma programs were 3 years in length and associate degree RN programs were two years.

But the ADN programs have basically become 3 years in length to mimic the diploma programs, because, as everyone knows, it ends up taking 3+ years to become an RN by the time you finish all of your pre-req's before entering the two year ADN program.

The diploma RN and the associate degree RN are equal in the employment setting.

Don't choose an ADN program expecting more money or advancement than a diploma RN because it won't happen.

Also, if an employer is deciding between a diploma or ADN grad for a position, they will most likely look at experience and not education when deciding on which candidate to hire.

merdarah · Nov 7, 2005

Rn Diploma?do you get that in a private school?I go to a community school and we get a Associate degree in nursing while finishing.Maybe some states Call's it Rn Diploma I know here in Cali we have Associate degrees if you finish school and some private schools like Mt St Mary's you get a BSN in 4 years without taking any pre-reqs it's a private school.Cost about 30k a year.then when you finish you will get a Bachelor's Degree

RN34TX · Nov 7, 2005

Diploma programs don't exist in your part of the country.

They are mainly in the eastern states and are hospital based programs.

Hospital diploma programs were the original way RN's were educated.

Most diploma programs today are now affiliated with a college so that the students are actually getting college credit for their course work in their diploma programs. That way it can transfer into a BSN program should they decide to go on, just like associate degree grads.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 7, 2005

No difference here, so go with whichever program suits you better. :)