Do LPNs with bachelor's degrees make more $ ?

Updated:   Published

I thought this was interesting. Anyone notice this in practice? I wonder if having a bachelor's in an unrelated field for a new LPN/LVN would lead to better pay, or if these folks had some other health-care related degree.

I'm asking as someone with a BA in liberal arts, looking to get into nursing.

http://lpn.advanceweb.com/common/Editorial/PrintFriendly.aspx?CC=83114

Quote

EDUCATION

Perhaps LPNs are hoping that higher degrees will help boost pay. Results of our 2006 study show more LPNs are earning their associate's and bachelor's degrees than in previous years and, at least for those who earn their 4-year degree, the move is paying off.

In 2004, approximately 90 percent of all respondents had earned a PN diploma and no other degree. This year, that number has dropped dramatically — by 17 percent — to 73 percent overall. Twenty-one percent of our respondents said they have an associate's degree, while 6 percent have earned their bachelor's (up from 4 percent in 2004).

LPNs with a bachelor's make approximately $5,000 more than LPNs with a PN diploma. Also, the average salary for LPNs with bachelor's degrees has risen from $38,500 in 2004 to $44,000 this year.

However, the same can't be said for LPNs with associate's degrees, who actually make $3,000 less per year than LPNs with PN diplomas as the highest educational degree, according to our respondents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In my area, I haven't seen a place that pays any nurse more for any non-nursng degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i wouldn't think so,

what would they bring to job if they have a degree that is unrelated to health field? A lpn in this position should really try and advance to rn, this will open up many new doors as well significantly improve take home pay

mho if this is a recent degree the credits might greatly assist in being admitted to an accredited nursing school

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have never seen it in all of my years of practice. If the LPN goes on for more education, it is usually in nursing and then they get paid more. But with a degree in another field, it is of no use in a hospital as far as management goes. You may be able to combine it with something that is out of the bedside setting, but at the bedside; no increase in pay.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, peds, rehab, psych.

Well, I imagine that if you have certain bachelor's you would have a better chance of getting a job as a DON or an office position related to healthcare after putting in time as a floor LPN. That could be the only thing I could think of. But as far as working as a regular LPN, you aren't going to get a higher pay. Higher pay for LPN's is based on their nursing experience, not their college degrees. I do agree with the above poster who said you should get your RN instead.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know PNs who have their Bachelors in Health Administration or Human Services and they have gone into management jobs in situations like womens shelters, native health centres, jobs in the not for profit sector.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most people I know who have a Bachelor's in some other major and decide to go into nursing, get their RN because all they have to prove is a degree, and can skip all the other stuff and take just the nursing classes strictly....and can become an RN in the same amount of time (depending on the program) as an LPN/LVN.

I wonder why CA and TX are LVN??? Weird.

:) I am also hating what I read about CA taking 3 weeks to get results!! What is the point of having the test on a computer?? When I was a Realtor, we took the tests on computers and if you failed, you knew right then and there, but if you passed, it took about 3 weeks to get your license, but at least you knew!! How backwards is it to make people wait for results!!! It is computerized.....get with it CA!! Maybe we can take our test in another state?? Is that legal??

:)

God Bless

Deb

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Two coworkers had B.S. degrees before entering nursing, and they are paid the same hourly wage as me. I do not possess a degree.

My friend has a B.S. in public health, but her caseworker job was only paying her $12 hourly. She became an LVN and nearly doubled her pay. Another coworker has a B.S. in chemistry, but her job as an environmental chemist was paying only $14 hourly. She became an LVN and increased her pay.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That is really good to hear!! Thanks for the reply and I am more excited now than ever about the salaries!! When I was in nursing school waaay back in 92, LPN's in IL were making $10 per hr if they were lucky!!

Thank God for the increase in pay!

:)

Deb

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

yeah unless you have to have that degree to preform your job you not gonna see a penny. i have a college degree in addition to being a lvn.. nothing extra and i'm working on my bachelors in my same degree area and when i get done it will be the same, nothing... it will be different if i can ever get into nursing school and become a rn..then the wages will start changing and i hope for the better...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the replies. I kinda figured those survey stats weren't telling the whole story.

My goal is to be an RN, but I'm keeping my options open considering the competition for spots, wait-lists, and high tuition. My prereqs. are ~10 years old, too. With the emerging online options, including options to test out of prereqs, I might be able to reach my goal of RN just as fast, and for around the same cost, with the LPN-RN route.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Knuckle Dragging Nurse aka MTA.

Unfortunatly it will not lead to an increase. I will be done with my B.S. degree in June. Keep in mind that if you work for the state as an LVN you can later promote to other non-nursing jobs that pay very well and require a B.S./B.A degree as the minimium requirement. (in the event that nursing is not for you).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion