LPN vs. RN: Compare Salaries, Education Requirements and Job Duties
Head-to-head comparisons of salaries, education, job requirements, and more
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, provide basic nursing care. They typically work in long-term care facilities or with patients who require chronic medical care.
- Takes vital signs
- Performs basic patient assessments
- Administers medications
- Handles activities of daily living (ADLs) which include baths, mouth care, dressing, turning, etc.
- Does some procedures and maintains patient records.
LPNs earn a median salary of $48,070 per year or $23.11 per hour (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete a state-approved training program, typically one year
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)
- Obtain license from state board of nursing
Registered Nurses (RN) provide and coordinate patient care. Their exact responsibilities depend on where they work, their education, their specialty and their role.
- Takes vital signs
- Performs in-depth patient assessments
- Administers medications
- Manages activities of daily living (ADLs), either by performing them or by delegating to an LPN or nursing assistant
- Does specialized procedures
- Writes charts
- Researches and develops care plans.
The median salary for registered nurses $77,600 per year $37.31 per hour (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
- Enroll in a nursing program, either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)
- Pass the nurse licensing exam, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
- Obtain a nursing license from the state where you wish to practice
- Find a job as a registered nurse
After earning an ADN or BSN, registered nurses can also earn graduate degrees in nursing. Read more: How toBecome a Registered Nurse