Help with all the different nursing titles!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

I'm in Canada, and hoping to become and LPN.

I'm not sure what all the differences are between:

RN

ADN

BSN

and any other titles I've seen referred to here. I'm assuming BSN means "bachelor of science in nursing". What about ADN?

What is the difference in amount (time of courses and degrees) of education? Is there a difference in amount of education between Canada and the US?

TIA, I'd love to know the differences between all of these before I start my LPN course so I don't look like a complete idiot! ;)

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro.
I'm in Canada, and hoping to become and LPN.

I'm not sure what all the differences are between:

RN

ADN

BSN

and any other titles I've seen referred to here. I'm assuming BSN means "bachelor of science in nursing". What about ADN?

What is the difference in amount (time of courses and degrees) of education? Is there a difference in amount of education between Canada and the US?

TIA, I'd love to know the differences between all of these before I start my LPN course so I don't look like a complete idiot! ;)

RN=Registered Nurse

ADN or ASN=Associate Degree Nurse or Associate of Science in Nursing

BSN=Bachelors of Science in Nursing

All ASN or BSN = RN

Once you are finished with your prerequsite courses, you can usually complete your ASN in 2 years, although total time usually is around 4 years with the prereqs included. BSN can be completed in 4-5 years. I have no idea about Canada vs USA.

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilities, LTC.

Don't forget LPN & LVN!

LPN: Licensed Practical Nurse

LVN: Licensed Vocational Nurse (I believe this abbr is only/primarily used in Texas)

*both refer to the same job/position

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Don't forget that in Canada we also have RPN = Registered Practical Nurse

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.
Don't forget that in Canada we also have RPN = Registered Practical Nurse

Ok, so what does that title mean? Is that the same as LPN? or as RN?

I'm so confused! :confused:

Are there any programs in Canada that offer "RN" after a 2 year program, as opposed to a 4 year BSN?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

RPN is similiar to LPN but I am not sure if it is exactly the same. RPN is 5 semesters, how long is LPN? I know the title varies from province to province. Some provinces have phased out the dipoma RN programs altogether and only licence degree graduates. Good luck.

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:) People in Ontario like to be a little different and call their LPNs RPNs. This is confusing because here in MB RPNs are Registered Psychiatric Nurses.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

:) Hey you learn something everyday on allnurses. lol So is the LPN course the same length as the RPN? Does anybody know, I have always wondered.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.
:) Hey you learn something everyday on allnurses. lol So is the LPN course the same length as the RPN? Does anybody know, I have always wondered.

I'm in BC and it is pretty standard here that LPN is 12 months. My course will be Sept to end of Aug. I'm not sure how it's broken down into semesters. I think 3. Sept to Dec, Jan-Apr, May-Aug.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I wonder how the RPN fits in. It used to be 2 semesters I think.Ontario expanded the course when they announced they were phasing out the diploma RN.Hmmm.

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