Check with the local Board of Nursing since each state has different requirements and regulations. In some states, an LPN can only work as a CNA or MA if they are a certified CNA or MA.

However, many states allow LPNs to work as a CNA or MA without the certification. Note that you will still be held to the standards of your license.

The same is true if an RN was working as an LPN, they can only practice under the scope of the LPN license, but will be held to the standards of an RN.

 

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An LPN can become an RN by completing an LPN to RN Bridge Program. Many schools offer them and some are available online, however they will require completion of hands on clinicals. They take approximately a year to complete full time.

There are different programs depending if you want to complete an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree.

The experience as an LPN can make the RN program less difficult. It is important to make sure the program you chose accepts your LPN credits.

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There is no difference besides a letter. Same qualifications, same duties, .same jobs. Practical vs. Vocational.

 

Most states use LPN – 48 in fact. The only two states that prefer “Licensed Vocational Nurse” are Texas and California. So if you’re moving to TX or CA and you are currently an LPN, the only thing that will change is the middle letter!

 

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The difficulty of the LPN program depends on the individual. It does help to obtain basic study skills and any medical experience is a plus. The LPN program requires less basic general education credits then the RN Program, yet some say that it is a lot of the same information crammed into a shorter time frame.

Nursing school does require a lot of time and dedication. Some say that it is easier the further you get because you learn to know what is expected out of you.

 

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With the nursing shortage, LPN’s are utilized in a variety of areas, and those areas continue to grow. Depending on the state and facility, many LPN’s are needed in hospitals, however they are mainly found in subacute areas like the medical surgical units.

Many hospitals will pay for their employed LPN to complete LPN to RN Bridge Programs. LPN’s are also needed in Home Health Care Agencies, Hospices, Long Term Care Facilities, and physicians’ offices.

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The length of time it takes to become a nurse depends on what nursing degree you will study and the course load you want to take. It generally takes 1 to 2 years to become an LPN without an academic degree. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing generally takes 2 to 3 years. A Bachelor’s degree takes between 4 to 5 years.

There are RN to BSN Programs and they generally take 2 to 3 years to complete. There are also Fast Track Nursing Programs, which are available for students with a Bachelor’s degree who want to become a nurse, and they take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

Before entering any Nursing Program, you will have to complete the general education requirements specific for the program.

 

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There are many factors to consider for the LPN salary. The Salary for LPN’s differ depending on the location of the LPN. For example LPN’s in San Francisco, California make on average $57,050. LPN’s in Tulsa, Oklahoma make $32,890.

Salary also differs between experience and the area worked. LPN’s who work in hospitals usually make more then LPN’s who work in Long Term Care Facilities or physicians’ offices.

LPN’s also receive shift differentials for working weekends or nights usually ranging from $1 to $5/hr. Another factor in salary is the amount of hours worked. Due to the nursing shortage, overtime is often available and if utilized can greatly increase the LPN’s yearly salary.

 

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