LPN or RN. Which program is more difficult?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2015

In my opinion, the LVN program had a slightly higher level of difficulty. The ASN program was not too bad, and the online BSN program was ridiculously easy.

ashmckay · Jun 10, 2015

We had a nursing instructor come and talk to us and she said that in the RN program, they will do 5-6 chapters and then test on it. In the LPN, she said they do a chapter at a time and test. Talking to my friend who is currently doing LPN, they both sound really difficult... Lol

direw0lf, BSN · Jun 10, 2015

Around here LPN school is over $15,000 and no financial aid.

I mean, LPN will be hard but over sooner. My friend went to LPN first and graduates July. She plans to get certified as a medication tech also to help her job chances.

It seems like in LPN school they don't buy as many "extras" that I hear RN students buying...like "med-surg made easy" or whatever. My friend didn't need any of that just an nclex-pn review book.

You could ease yourself in without LPN school imho if you really dedicate yourself and get a few books.

I think don't mistake it being easier to get into LPN school for the degree itself being easier. I think it's just less competition maybe and well a lot of money in it.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2015

I'm not sure asking which program is more difficult is really the way to go; programs vary greatly from school to school and we don't know the specific schools in question. I can show you an easy LPN program and a hard one. I can show you a "less difficult" RN program and a very difficult one.

I also wouldn't think it would be reasonable for you to expect an easier time with an RN program in general; as your friend found out firsthand, she flunked the RN and as getting through the LPN one. So...it would seem your friend found the LPN program easier. FWIW, I have known a good number of people to have not made it through my own RN program who succeeded in LPN programs; I have never known anyone who failed any LPN program to succeed in my school's RN program. But, like I said, quality of program varies HUGELY, and YMMV.

The RN program will award a college degree at the end (assuming you're not talking about a diploma program), and that means taking all the coursework required for a college degree. The LPN program ends in a certificate of completion, but not a college degree (unless it's a rare exception, the Practical Nursing programs are not degree-centered). Not commenting on difficulty specifically, but clearly one will involve more courses of study than the other. You would need to pass the NCLEX exam for either PN or RN in order to actually become a nurse.

If the hiring situation is bleak where you are for LPNs, I'd think you'd want to try to get into an RN program. Or, you could do what your friend suggests and finish the LPN program and do an RN "bridge" program which would consider your LPN completion for the preliminary nursing courses you'd need to do for the RN. You'd have two little ones at home regardless of which nursing program you go with, so that's not as much of factor as accepting that you will need a babysitting plan whichever way you go.

Good luck!

mrsboots87 · Jun 10, 2015

Around here LPN school is over $15,000 and no financial aid.
I mean, LPN will be hard but over sooner. My friend went to LPN first and graduates July. She plans to get certified as a medication tech also to help her job chances.
It seems like in LPN school they don't buy as many "extras" that I hear RN students buying...like "med-surg made easy" or whatever. My friend didn't need any of that just an nclex-pn review book.
You could ease yourself in without LPN school imho if you really dedicate yourself and get a few books.
I think don't mistake it being easier to get into LPN school for the degree itself being easier. I think it's just less competition maybe and well a lot of money in it.

Getting a med tech certification would be redundant and likely not help your friend at all. A med tech just has to show proper knowledge of a safe med pass and knowledge of some pharm. An LPN already has the knowledge and skill to pass meds as they are a nurse. Nurses pass meds. It will already be assumed that your friend can safely pass meds as an LPN. Getting a med tech certificate will not make him/her more valuable. Tell them to save the money and not get the certificate.

mrsboots87 · Jun 10, 2015

OP, both programs will likely be equally difficult, unless one of the schools is cruddy. LPN school is essentially the first year of RN school, with a little extra. Then the bridge program, covers the remaining year. The reason most people who fail RN programs excel at LPN programs is because they have already been through part of a nursing program and they know what to expect. No matter which path you take, you have 2 young children and will need support in order for them to be cared for while youre in class and studying.

But seeing as a few other posters mentioned their experience of LPN being a bit harder then RN and some saying RN is harder. From my personal experience, I am in an RN program. It is definitely difficult but manageable ( i work part time as a CNA and have a 5 and 2 year old at home). My brother is in an LVN program in a different state then mine. His program is much more grueling. He is at school or clinical 5 days a week, while I am in class or clinical 2-3 days a week. We are both doing well. But just saying, you will get a different answer depending on who you ask. In my opinion LPN pay is less everywhere, even when in some facilities they have the exact same responsibilities and job as the RNs and LPN job outlook is even worse then RN in most areas. Secure your future and go straight for RN if you can.

direw0lf, BSN · Jun 10, 2015

Getting a med tech certification would be redundant and likely not help your friend at all. A med tech just has to show proper knowledge of a safe med pass and knowledge of some pharm. An LPN already has the knowledge and skill to pass meds as they are a nurse. Nurses pass meds. It will already be assumed that your friend can safely pass meds as an LPN. Getting a med tech certificate will not make him/her more valuable. Tell them to save the money and not get the certificate.

Thanks will let her know!! Maybe I misunderstood her though.

111th, ADN, LPN · Jun 11, 2015

I read this confused as to why your friend would get a med tech certification as well... If this is truly her idea, she is confused as to what her role as a LPN will be.

I think the correct answer to this question is that it depends on the program and the individual. I also agree that most people who fail the RN program and end up doing well in the PN program, do well because they know what to expect and step up their game.

I attended a community college and received my LPN diploma. Our program was always ahead of the 1st year RN students and seemed to test on more information than they did.

ashmckay · Jun 11, 2015

Thanks to all of you for your feed back! It makes sense that programs vary in difficulty for different areas. As for the childcare, that is one of my major concerns. I can't remember exactly which but i know that one program is 6A-6P and the other is 7A-7P. My husband works 10-12 hour shifts (nights) and his shift isn't changing soon. He was on the 3-11 for 3 years. We don't really have a large support system. My 4 year old will be in kindergarten when (if) I start the program, and I'm not sure when clinicals start once you begin the program, but he will be in school, and my 2 year old will not be... The schedule is what concerns me more than anything. I suppose my daughter will see a lot of daycare and daddy.

I have been looking into respiratory therapy. The clinical hours for that program is more "daycare friendly", and the work hours seem to be the same as nursing (except less day and more night with 3 days/12 hours and lots of on call) Hubby has been trying to talk me into becoming a teacher. :no: I don't know, but I know I really want to be a nurse, whether that means starting out as a LPN or a RN, I want to get there somehow.

I really appreciate all of your opinions. Thanks so much to all of you! :up:

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2015

I have been looking into respiratory therapy. The clinical hours for that program is more "daycare friendly", and the work hours seem to be the same as nursing (except less day and more night with 3 days/12 hours and lots of on call)

Forewarned is forearmed: fewer and fewer RTs are finding employment; ones that have been employed up until recently are finding themselves being let go. Why? Because respiratory therapy is part of what an RN already does, and with hospital cutbacks being what they are (low reimbursements from insurance, gov't) they are seen as a luxury. Not to the already overworked nurses, of course, but when the bottom line is at issue.....extra expenses are cut.

Just food for thought.

RainMom · Jun 11, 2015

The first yr of my ADN program actually was the LPN program; they coincided. Those who wanted to take the nclex-pn & be LPNs took an optional summer semester between the 2 RN yrs. Most of us did that just for security, in case of failing in the 2nd yr or for an unforeseen circumstance (read LIFE, lol). So for me, LPN & RN were exactly the same!