Lpn cert.or Degree

rondanc · Jul 25, 2009

If i'm not mistaken, educationally, LPN's go through about one year of vocational training to attain their title. RN's must attend about 2 years of nursing school to obtain an Associate's Degree and 4 years to obtain an Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree. Both RN's and LPN's take many of the same classes such as, Anatomy and Physiology, Medications and safety, Medical Terminology, Basic Charting Methods, Age Appropriate Care, Cultural Sensitivity, Developmental Psychology, Developing Care Plans, Nursing Diagnoses. Each must also attend clinical experiences, in which they provide direct care of actual patients in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics for psychiatric, medical/surgical, labor and delivery and geriatric patients. However, RN's must attend classes which LPN's do not. Most of these focus on theory and administrative functions. Some of these classes are on subjects such as Biological Chemistry, Role of the Charge Nurse, Community Health. They must also take classes which are focused solely on the educational requirement toward gaining a degree, such as elective classes on arts or languages. One state used to have a requirement of a mandatory history class.

I hope this helps!

Good luck! :up:

caliotter3 · Jul 26, 2009

As far as being an LPN, the difference between a degree and a certificate or diploma does not mean much in the workplace. It is just easier to transfer credits from a degree program into another school that grants degrees. It would help you if you have completed some of the RN prerequisite requirements. You might not have to repeat these courses. It also helps you when you are asked the question (on job applications) if you graduated from a school and what degree did you receive. It looks better on paper. If you decide to not go beyond LPN, then you can always answer that you obtained a two year degree. This is something that diploma or certificate grads can not claim.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2009

The vast majority of LPNs in the U.S. workforce have attained a certificate or diploma in practical nursing. However, a handful have earned the 2-year associate of applied science degree in practical nursing.

Diploma/certificate LPNs took exactly the same state board exam as the LPNs who attained their associate degrees and, therefore, usually have similar employment prospects within their local job markets. However, the sheer accomplishment of having earned a degree will bring you a little closer to the RN designation, because it is likely that some of the prerequisite classes will have been completed in the degreed LPN program.