What is the difference btwn. a bachelors vs. an associates?

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I an going to a 4 year university, working on my BSN. What is the difference between LPN, RN, and CNA? Also, what is the difference in pay?:p

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

I am wondering here?? Are you actually in a BSN program now, or are you just gathering information? You're question does not reflect someone who is already in a BSN program.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

I believe I read on another thread that you are not yet in the program right, but working on pre-req's? So you are probably just as clueless as I was when I started out (I will be the first to grad from college in my entire family and the only person to work in the medial feild.):p

You will find some very heated debates about the above titles, which is 'better' persay.....so let me explain them a little diplomatically

CNA certified nurse assistant

completes a course ranging from 6 weeks to several months depending on your location and receives a certificate to perform basic patient care. They assist the nurses in the hospital setting to give baths, change linen, etc. In general, they can not perform assessments or invasive procedures, pass meds, etc. (makes $7-12hr based on experience/facility/etc.)

LPN Licensed Practical Nurse

completes a one to two year program and takes the NCLEX-PN to receive a license from the state. Their scope of practice is wider than a CNA, as they can give meds, some invasive procedures, and maybe assessments depending on the state's Nurse Practice Act. There are units and hospitals that may not hire LPNs. (make $15-20/hr based on same as above)

RN Registered Nurse

completes several different programs to gain entry into practice which will be listed below. They take the NCLEX-RN to receive licensure from the state and have a wider scope of practice than the previous two occupations. (make $18-35 depending again on experience/facility/location)

There are four ways to enter into practice so this might be confusing:

Diploma

It is my understanding that this is a shorter course without an Associates Degree but you still sit for the NCLEX and obtain the same license. We do not have diploma programs in my area so perhaps someone can shed more light on this particular route:p

ADN Assosciates Degree of Nursing

Two year program plus pre-req's that prepare the nurse for the NCLEX. They receive the same license performing the same duties on the floor, but may be limited in that they may not be hired into administrative positions

BSN Bachelors of Science in Nursing

Four year program plus pre-req's that prepares the nurse for the floor as well as administrative/leadership roles. Take the same NCLEX and gets the same license.

Second Degree Programs

Offers an option for entry into nursing for the student who already holds a bachelor's degree in another feild. It is somewhat abbreviated as many pre-req's were probably taken with the previous degree. Again, not too much knowlege about this one personally but there are some great threads out there.

Hope this Helps! My pay estimates are just that....estimates based on my location and what I have seen in others posts.

You have to choose the best route for you, considering your lifestyle and goals, tuition, time, etc. Good Luck with your BSN program.

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Thanks so much...that cleared up alot. I appreciate your HELPFUL reply!

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Glad you found an answer. I just want to wish you much luck in your studies. :)

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Thanks, Jess! You are so sweet!:)

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Good job Asoldierswife05!!

I lived on the east coast for several years where diploma programs are still in existance so here's my undertstanding and only correction of your great post.

Most diploma programs are 3 years in length, although two I know of are around two years and mimic the associate degree amount of time in completion.

The prereq's are about the same, the biggest distinction between diploma and ADN are longer clinical time in diploma programs but that's not always the case.

Diploma programs are hospital affiliated, but most are now also college/university affiliated as well so the student is actually getting college credit in their programs.

Previous to this, one drawback of being a diploma grad was trying to bridge into a BSN program after their diploma program. Many BSN programs would not consider their diploma programs as actual college credit so they ended up repeating a lot of material in order to get their bachelors degrees later.

This doesn't seem to be an issue anymore.

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Diploma programs are generally three years in length; not shorter than an ADN.

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Excellently stated. I am a senior BSN student bridging from an LPN program after 8 years of working. There is a very heated debate between ADN and BSN programs. I have found in my years of experience that I can pick out a BSN vs ADN grad very easily, the basic student is just that, they have basic skill but have not had the preparation for advanced practice (critical thinking) that the BSN program provides. Also there are a number of positions that require a BSN, so my advise is to get it done while your at it. I think you'll be glad you did. Good Luck

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Simple as this. BSN- more theroy, ADN- more clinicals

Pay BSN vs. ADN NO DIFFERENCE!!! Sorry this irritates me to death. I ended up getting my BSN because there was a two year wait at the only college around that offerred a ADN program, made sense right. Well I just feel like I spent a LOT of money to get paid the same as someone who spent a quarter of what I did and took the same boards.:madface:

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It doesn't matter whether you're in an ADN or BSN program, critical thinking is taught in both. Critical thinking is one core of a registered nurse.

Asoldierswife05 gave excellent descriptions of each program.

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Dear Starfrek, you will be so glad you got your BSN later in your career. It opens doors not open to ADN/ASN. You do get more money for the BSN BUT only when you actually use it. Bedside RNs get roughly the same pay regardless of degree earned. You are being paid for your license. To get paid for your BSN you need to do a job that requires a BSN. IMHO

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