Is there a major difference between LPN and RN?

[AC2017]

I have been considering a major career change from Administrative to Healthcare. After doing a ton of research, I decided to go to LPN and then to RN ending with NP or PA. I know I want to do LPN - as it will provide part-time income and crucial experience. I've started LPN and we have RN's that teach the class and have taken the same route that I'm choosing. They have said several times that the only difference between RN and LPN is the money and little more education. With all that being said, is there a major difference between the two? Should I continue with the LPN and finish out my Bachelors for the PA or go the nursing track for the NP? I'd rather know from experience rather than wasting valuable time or pointless educational endeavors. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Obtaining a nursing degree (whether LPN or RN) is not beneficial to pursuing a path to PA. If you decide on PA, you should research which bachelors degree will best suit your application to a PA program.

[Kitiger, RN]

A major difference between RN and LPN is that the LPN will have limited opportunities for employment. In my area, the hospitals won't even look at an LPN. Also, although agencies that provide private duty nursing may look, they are not likely to hire the LPN.

I don't have experience in other venues.

[Sour Lemon]

AC2017 said:

I have been considering a major career change from Administrative to Healthcare. After doing a ton of research, I decided to go to LPN and then to RN ending with NP or PA. I know I want to do LPN - as it will provide part-time income and crucial experience. I've started LPN and we have RN's that teach the class and have taken the same route that I'm choosing. They have said several times that the only difference between RN and LPN is the money and little more education. With all that being said, is there a major difference between the two? Should I continue with the LPN and finish out my Bachelors for the PA or go the nursing track for the NP? I'd rather know from experience rather than wasting valuable time or pointless educational endeavors. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

I was originally planning to become an LPN and had to take Anatomy as a prerequisite before starting the one year program. When I switched to RN, I had to take Anatomy, Microbiology, Chemistry, English Comp I and II, Ethics, Psychology, and Human Growth and Development before starting the two year program.

I'd say your instructors have it backwards. The tasks RNs are responsible for are a little more than what an LVN does in many cases, but there is a significant difference in education.