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Discussion

LVN vs. ADN

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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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    • Author

    don't comment all at once LOL

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    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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    • Author

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

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

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    • Author

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

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    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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    • Expert

    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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    • Expert

    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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    • Author

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

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    • Expert
    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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    • Author

    thank you, anyone else do both?

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    On 11/15/2021 at 9:43 PM, jupiter101 said:

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

    I’d be more focused on what your employment opportunities are after graduation. LPNs that their own exam. RNs take theirs. The RN program will be a higher level of education. I got my LPN then bridged over to my RN almost 15 years later….so I thought my full time LPN program with a test almost every other day was more intense, but I had a lot of experience under my belt before I bridged over. Then I took a full time RN bridge program but I did my prerequisites all ahead of time so all I had was nursing courses. I was in a fast paced program (12 months) but I found the transition easier because I had the initial foundation. Even with a family and nursing job at the same time. I did what I had to do to get the job I wanted at the time. I still hold both licenses. 
     

    Talk to a college advisor. Also, make sure the program is accredited so if you want to advance later on-you can do so and not have to start over.

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