So Confused! LPN or RN?

[Francesca_H]

Hello all!

This upcoming fall I'll be starting my sophomore year of college. Currently this summer I am taking a Nursing Assistant course, and hope to be certified by September.

My future goal is to eventually become an RN, but the different routes to get there is what's confusing me. Can someone please explain to me the difference between doing an LPN-to-RN bridge program versus a two year RN program? And either way do you end up with an associates degree from both of them, or does the two year get you a BSN?

Also, in my current pursuit to get into an RN program I'm trying to figure out how to complete all these science and math prerequisites...is an LPN-to-RN program involving mostly all of the same prereqs, or are there less?

Any information/input is appreciated! Thank you!

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Becoming an LPN first will get you in the job market more quickly, and you can complete your RN while working.

Or, if you just want to go and get it all over with, go for the RN. 2 year program is an ADN, 4 years is BSN.

You'll need to talk to specific programs re their articulation or bridge programs regarding what carries over from one program to the next. LPN may have less prereqs, and some of the courses in the LPN program may meet RN pre-reqs, but you need to check that out.

[Francesca_H]

Oh okay, thank you!

I guess what I'm also confused on is...are there prereqs for getting into an LPN program?

And also, obviously having a BSN will merit higher income, but would I still be successful as an RN with just an ADN?

Thanks!

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

While an ADN & a BSN earns the same licenses there is a difference.

The marketplace has been moving towards the BSN, especially the larger urban medical centers, those with University affiliation, or those facilities with Magnet status.