Don't know which route to go

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello,

I am new to the forum and was hoping to get some questions answered. I guess you can say that I am a little confused on the possible transitions from LPN to becoming an RN. I will be getting my LPN license shortly and I have been inquiring to possible schools about getting my RN. However, it seems confusing with all the LPN-RN, LPN-BSN, LPN-ADN, LPN-ASN. I don't know which route to go. If someone could explain the differences and how long it will take to get each one going as a full time student, I certainly would appreciate it. I currently have a bachelor's degree in Sociology, so I don't know if that will help with any pre-reqs.

Is there a significant pay difference between any of them?

LPN-RN

LPN-BSN

LPN-ADN (does this make you eligible to become an RN?)

LPN-ASN (Is this the same as an ADN?)

Thank you in advance and I appreciate your time.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

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

There are three different entry points to becoming an RN, so it is understandable that you may be experiencing some confusion over the various levels. The three ways to becoming an RN in the US are through the ADN (associate degree in nursing), ASN (associate of applied science in nursing) which is the same educational level as ADN, BSN (bachelor of science in nursing), and three year diploma programs. 70 percent of RNs in America are educated at the ADN/ASN level.

1. ADN/ASN = theoretically, the same educational level; leads to RN licensure

2. BSN = leads to RN licensure

3. Three year diploma program = leads to RN licensure

amberfnp

199 Posts

Specializes in Plastic Surgery, ER.

In addition to TheCommuters reply...all levels of RN education sit for the same NCLEX exam.

There is no signifigant pay-scale difference between the diploma RN, ADN/ASN and BSN at the staff nurse level. At least not in my locale.

As far as the area hospitals go, they will hire any level RN, but often say "BSN preferred" in their ads. A lot of the nurse managers and staff education nurses in this area do require BSN.

So...if you have any interest in teaching, managing or advanced practice, go for the BSN if you can. I had to do my diploma RN first because it was the only part-time (nights/weekends) option. Then I did an RN-BSN program which was primarily online with meetings once per month. I only had one "clinical" which was 40 hours with a nurse manager. Just today, I sent off my application for an MSN program. I feel like a professional student!

Hope that helps!

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