LPN to RN, BSN, or MSN

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hello fellow students! i'm currently going through the lpn program and i'm contemplating where to go and what to do after i graduate and become licensed. with that being said, can anyone fill me in on some concrete information as to the differences and pros and cons if i were to go straight into either the rn, bsn, or msn programs? if i get my bsn or msn straight after lvn and one day i decide to work on the floor, would i be able to do the duties of an rn, or will i be doing what an lvn does? if there are any websites you can direct me to that pertains to my questions, that would be very much appreciated! ..i hope this makes sense! thanks to all that reply!

*believe in the power of nursing.* :nurse:

Specializes in Day program consultant DD/MR.
if i were to go straight into either the rn, bsn, or msn programs? if i get my bsn or msn straight after lvn and one day i decide to work on the floor, would i be able to do the duties of an rn, or will i be doing what an lvn does?

this statement is a bit confusing. if you get your bsn or your msn it would be in nursing right? if so you would be an rn and you would be able to work the floor as an rn.

Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

You will always be held to the standards of the highest nursing degree you hold, whether you're working at the bedside or not. you can work at the bedside with a PhD, if you wish.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I have decided to get my BSN after considering going right for my MSN because I'm a bit suspicious about the "what ifs" that life can throw our way. Same rationale for getting my LPN first. I want something in my hand first and then I'll chip away at the next degree. Everyone just has to find what will work for them and remember that all the programs are different with their requirements, time frames etc. Good luck.

if i get my bsn or msn straight after lvn and one day i decide to work on the floor, would i be able to do the duties of an rn, or will i be doing what an lvn does?

i hope your lpn program is going well!

just to clarify, you cannot get a msn until you first get a bsn. the possible steps from lpn are associate degree (asn), bachelor's degree (bsn), and then you could pursue a master's degree (msn). if you obtain your asn, bsn, or eventual msn you would be licensed as a registered nurse (after passing your state board exam) and would perform those duties at any job you choose.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I hope your LPN program is going well!

Just to clarify, you cannot get a MSN until you first get a BSN. The possible steps from LPN are Associate Degree (ASN), Bachelor's Degree (BSN), and then you could pursue a Master's Degree (MSN). If you obtain your ASN, BSN, or eventual MSN you would be licensed as a registered nurse (after passing your state board exam) and would perform those duties at any job you choose.

There are ADN to MSN programs.

There are ADN to MSN programs.

You're correct, but most of them combine the BSN and MSN cirriculum, and you essentially earn both degrees during the program. Others require that you have a non-nursing BSN degree. Neither seems like a viable option for teenaxo at this point.

Specializes in Pediatrics.

Is anyone currently an LVN and getting their BSN online?

I got accepted into an Online LVN-BSN program at Chico State University. Before I make any decisions to accept into the program...I wanted to get feedback from students who are currently doing an LVN-BSN online...

Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

alpha-dog, if you look at the ISU threads in the Distance Learning Forum here, you'll find lots of LPN-BSN students.

Personally, I'd go for the RN first. The pay is barely different with an ADN or BSN but is markedly higher than that of an LPN. You can do a BSN on-line.

Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
Personally, I'd go for the RN first. The pay is barely different with an ADN or BSN but is markedly higher than that of an LPN. You can do a BSN on-line.

I agree. My goal right now is to change the initials behind my name. After that........the sky is the limit. Good luck to you!

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