Degree or Diploma, confused???

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What's the difference between a practical nursing AAS degree and a practical nursing diploma?

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

The difference is substantial in academia. Basically, the person who earns an AAS degree in practical nursing is considered a college graduate, whereas the person who earns a practical nursing diploma is not regarded as a college graduate. I have a diploma in vocational nursing (LVN), so I am not considered a college graduate.

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So, both are able to get the same jobs, do the same things, etc.? If I plan on going further than LPN, should I still get the degree instead of the diploma? Is one better than the other? Sorry, I guess I'm just not understanding.

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What I'm trying to figure out is on an application i'm filling out it asks--what is your current education intent?

-certificate

-diploma

-associate of applied science

-associate in arts (not this one for sure)

-PSEO(not this one for sure)

I'm just not sure what to mark if I want to become an LPN.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

tigger340,

There really isn't a pay difference as a new grad. I have AAS-Practical Nursing degree, and I'm glad I do, but you probably won't see much more in terms of $ until you get some experience. Hope that helped!

Sharon :wink2:

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If you are planning on continuing to get your RN, it might be a good idea for you to get your LPN from a community college. That way you would get into a RN program easier, especially if that program were at said community college.

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