LPNs with a Diploma vs LPNs with an Associate's Degree

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2009

In my area, employers tend to hire based solely on the LPN license, not the program attended. There's no salary difference in my city being paid to LPNs based on whether or not they have a degree in practical nursing.

My friend is an LPN with a bachelor of science degree in public health, and she does not receive higher pay rates for her educational level.

lauralauranurse · Mar 9, 2009

i didn't even know there were programs for LPNs to finish with a diploma or associate's degree.

i'd say 98% of programs here award a certificate. also, every LPN co-worker, i've ever worked with has a certificate ..

i don't think it's as big of an issue in the LPN world as it is in the RN world regarding if you hold a diploma, associate's or bachelor's.

as far as i know, hospitals aren't going to look at your degree, but the fact that you are an LPN.

i know a few RNs who have master's degrees in education, bachelor's in biology, etc., however hold a diploma in registered nursing and are only getting paid for their diploma-level education.

just sayin' ..

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 9, 2009

In my area, employers tend to hire based solely on the LPN license, not the program attended. There's no salary difference in my city being paid to LPNs based on whether or not they have a degree in practical nursing.
My friend is an LPN with a bachelor of science degree in public health, and she does not receive higher pay rates for her educational level.

Does your friend intend to use her degree in public health or has she had any options to utilize it? I am asking because I am seriously considering going the same route and am researching this option intensely. Thanks!

lauralauranurse · Mar 9, 2009

no, i don't think any of the nurses i know have done "anything" with their other degrees.

most of the people here have the problem -- "i'll go to school for this ..... and when i graduate, i'll find that i'm working at a bookstore for $7/hr. hmm.. maybe i'll try nursing school."

however, i think if you work it the other way around, you have a better chance at using that "other" degree because i think employers love that you have a nursing background.

am i making sense? i hope so!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

Does your friend intend to use her degree in public health or has she had any options to utilize it? I am asking because I am seriously considering going the same route and am researching this option intensely. Thanks!

My friend earned her BS degree in public health several years before becoming an LPN.

When she graduated from college with her degree, she could only land lower-paying case management positions with the state. She was never able to earn more than $30,000 per year with her degree. Now that she's an LPN, she has more earning potential (she earned $49,000 last year).

Some people are wondering why she didn't enroll in an accelerated BSN program for students who have previous degrees. Her previous college grade point average was a 2.6, which is not competitive enough for admission into many RN programs.

neygray · Mar 9, 2009

i didn't even know there were programs for LPNs to finish with a diploma or associate's degree.
i'd say 98% of programs here award a certificate. also, every LPN co-worker, i've ever worked with has a certificate ..

I have a diploma. I guess it depends on what state that you are in. But in the end, yes, all that matters is that you're a LPN and are licensed by your state BON.

caliotter3 · Mar 9, 2009

There really is not a difference between having a diploma or certificate versus a degree. The LPN license is what the employer is interested in. However, it is nice to be able to say that one had graduated from college and has a degree. There might be some advantage in the higher education process if one already has a degree.

Butterflybee · Mar 11, 2009

I have a degree and as far as I can tell there is no difference.

Mr. Username LPN · Mar 18, 2011

Recently I saw a posting by HCA for an LPN Coordinator at their Jacksonville Cyberknife, that required an Associates Degreed LPN, or an LPN with a previous Associates in a medical related field.

Simba&NalasMom, LPN · Mar 23, 2011

i didn't even know there were programs for LPNs to finish with a diploma or associate's degree.
i'd say 98% of programs here award a certificate. also, every LPN co-worker, i've ever worked with has a certificate ..
i don't think it's as big of an issue in the LPN world as it is in the RN world regarding if you hold a diploma, associate's or bachelor's.
as far as i know, hospitals aren't going to look at your degree, but the fact that you are an LPN.
i know a few RNs who have master's degrees in education, bachelor's in biology, etc., however hold a diploma in registered nursing and are only getting paid for their diploma-level education.
just sayin' ..

My program in Colorado was a diploma one. It took a year.

To the OP, I happen to have an associate of arts degree. It may be worth about $5 more than the paper it's printed on. :lol2:

2ndcareerchange · Mar 23, 2011

I have seen similar postings where they are asking for an associates degree. I am not sure if the HR person who is posting the job has any idea of what they are asking for or its the new thing to see if you have an associates degree as well. But it has been a common theme during this lagging job market. Also I have seen postings for an LPN II?? what is that?? Are their different levels of LPN or is it again an HR person who has no medical background posting these things?? The jobs didnt read any different then just the "LPN" jobs. Just curious....