Diploma vs Associates degree?

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I just recently had a baby and I plan to return to school in Jan to work towards getting my LPN license. I'm a little confused as to what I should go for. Most of the school here in ATL only offer LPN diplomas, but i would really prefer getting my associates degree. Does it make a difference? do LPN's with an associates degree make more than those with a diploma? Also I plan to return to school to get my RN license later on as well. I wanted to go straight for RN but I know the waiting list is crucial and considering I just had a child and need to start a career as soon as possible. I figured me starting off as an LPN would give me some experience before I get my RN license.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Rehab.

AFAIK, associates degrees are at the RN level, not LPN. LPN is usually a 1 year to 18 month program.

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Here in Kentucky, diplomas are LPN, while associates degrees are RN degrees.

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Im going to have to ditto the previous posters. It may be different in your state but where Im from LPN's dont get degrees, they either get diplomas or certificates. To be a nurse with a degree you would have to be going for the associates in nursing, which would be RN (as you already know).

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In my state, LPN's dont get degree's. Its a 1 year (sometimes 18 month) certificate program.

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Specializes in Med Surg/MICU/Pediatrics/PCICU.

In PA diploma programs are RN's not LPN's. So it really just depends on where you are located.

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Specializes in LDRP.

I live in PA as well, and LPNs get certificates. RNs can get associates degrees or diplomas, and it doesnt really make a difference which RN program you complete in regards to getting a job after graduation.

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Just wanted to tell you that I live in the ATL area and go to GPC and there is no waiting list here. Take your pre-reqs and apply. Of course you need strong GPA and decent TEAS score, but there is no waiting list.

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I am going to get my diploma in NC & then take my NCLEX & will be an RN. I can then bridge to my BS directly from my diploma. Diploma does not always= LPN

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A lot of junior colleges have a 1+1 program where lpn is the first year and RN is if you do two years and get your ADN. I never understood why someone wouldn't just stick it out for another year and get that RN license. One more year of classes could make such a huge difference in your life.

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