LVN vs. ADN

Nurses New Nurse

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What's the difference in curriculum between an LVN program and ADN? I have an offer for an ADN, but I'm kind of thinking it's going to be a lot of pathophysiology and intense study of disease processes, which I'm not the biggest fan of. Is the LVN more hands on and less disease process heavy? Or am I just fooling myself and are they 90% the same? I have my prereqs done for ADN. 

I'd appreciate replies from people who have done LVN, ADN, or both. 

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don't comment all at once LOL

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Specializes in retired LTC.

jupitor - don't go shooting yourself in the foot being snippy.  Working folk may still be working and NOT just home yet to open the post. Nor may there be many members fitting your requirements.

I try to welcome newcomers to AN. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt thinking you meant no harm, just trying to be witty. But you may be starting off on a bad foot!

Still, welcome. 

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Thank you, yes hopefully people are getting off work soon. 

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Specializes in retired LTC.

And sometimes it may take a few days for folks to get around to reading and then posting a response.

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okay, thanks for the heads up. Keeping my fingers crossed. 

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

I would like to know the differences between Diploma RN (me), LPN, and AD RN. 

I don't know what the BSN teaches that goes beyond Diploma RN. I'm guessing that it has a LOT more nursing research, and learning how to evaluate studies.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.

LVN is under the supervision of an RN. An RN can be a graduate from the ADN program (Associate's) or BSN program (Bachelor's).

If your goal is to become an RN, then grab that opportunity to be in the ADN program. So many students want to get in. Of course, there will be pathophysiology about disease processes, and that's part of the program whether you delve into ADN or BSN. 

BSN has leadership and research courses. This has an advantage for some employers who only hire BSN grads, or they promote you just because of having it.

Hospital setting wise... no hospital would hire LVNs. You either end up working in the skilled nursing facilities, nursing care homes, vaccination clinics or home health.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.

You already mentioned that you have an offer for the ADN program. That means that you worked hard in fulfilling those pre-reqs. Imagine how many students want to get your spot just to be in the ADN program! It isn't easy. It's hecka competitive nowadays.

Once you finish your ADN, you can always accomplish your BSN via online. So many online programs for ADN-BSN or RN-BSN.

On the other hand, there's no harm to start on the LVN program as well. But let me tell you, it isn't also easy to get accepted into the ADN program from being an LVN, or LVN-BSN programs. 

I was an LVN, and I happened to work in the hospital because I started working there as a CNA. Guess what? I was limited with my nursing care as LVN. So I worked hard in accomplishing the LVN-BSN program to make sure I would become an RN.

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What's the difference in curriculum between an LVN program and ADN?

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
Just now, jupiter101 said:

What's the difference in curriculum between an LVN program and ADN?

The disease process in ADN is more intense or comprehensive than the LVN program. LVN program can be finished in about 9-10 months. ADN program can be finished in a proper 2-year program with 4 semesters.

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thank you, anyone else do both?

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