Choosing a career is tough, but you've already passed that stage.
You know that you want to become a nurse, but do you know the difference between a registered nurse (RN) and a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
When you decided to become a nurse, you likely weren't aware of the various nursing roles or which path you'd ultimately pursue.
This comprehensive guide shows the education requirements, licensing processes, responsibilities, and certifications for both RNs and LPNs so you can make an informed decision, choose the right program, and become the nurse you envision.
Comparing RN and LPN roles in patient care
Though often grouped under the general term “nurse,” RNs and LPNs function at different levels with different expectations. So, if you were wondering whether an LPN is the same as an RN, the answer is no.
RNs manage complex clinical assessments, make critical decisions, and often coordinate interdisciplinary care. Their role demands deeper education and ongoing professional development.
By definition, LPNs provide essential foundational nursing care, typically delivering hands-on assistance under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
Questions like “Which is higher, an RN or an LPN?” are common. The professional consensus is that RNs occupy a higher clinical and licensure level, as they have greater responsibility, autonomy, and education.
The distinction between licensed practical nurse vs. registered nurse can be seen from the very beginning of their professional trajectories: LPN programs are shorter, making this path a practical way to enter the nursing field, while RNs generally pursue more comprehensive education with broader career opportunities.
What is an LPN?
First, let’s clarify the terminology: practical nurse vs. LPN vs. LVN.
LPN stands for licensed practical nurse; therefore, “practical nurse” and “LPN” have the same meaning. The LPN title specifically refers to the licensure status authorizing practical nursing duties.
*In California and Texas, the term licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is used instead of LPN.
LPNs typically work under RN supervision. They form the backbone of patient care in many settings, including nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and some hospital departments.
A licensed practical nurse offers hands-on patient care, such as the following:
- Daily health maintenance
- Medical treatments
- Assistance with activities such as eating, bathing, and mobility
Their role also encompasses monitoring vital signs, administering prescribed oral medications, dressing wounds, and communicating patient conditions to healthcare teams—all critical to seamless patient care.
RN vs. LPN: Education and programs near me
Education represents the most significant difference between RNs and LPNs, setting the foundation for their varying scopes of practice and career paths.
Understanding these educational pathways in detail helps prospective nurses make informed decisions.
The path to becoming an RN
Becoming an RN typically requires completing either of these paths:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN program often takes two to three years and is offered through community colleges and some universities.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN program, which is usually four years long and offered at colleges and universities, includes additional training in leadership, research, public health, and evidence-based nursing practice.
Becoming an LPN
LPN programs offer a quicker entry into nursing, ranging from 12 to 18 months. These diploma or certificate programs focus heavily on practical nursing skills, covering fundamentals such as the following:
- Patient hygiene
- Basic pharmacology
- Vital sign monitoring
- Wound care
Many technical schools, vocational institutions, and community colleges offer these programs with an emphasis on hands-on experience through clinical rotations to prepare LPNs for their vital role in basic patient care.
For those interested in beginning their nursing journey, finding LPN programs is typically accessible, as state-approved and accredited programs are offered widely. These programs provide a practical career path with fewer initial requirements than registered nursing.
Moreover, many LPN programs now include flexible learning options, such as part-time or hybrid models, to accommodate students managing other life responsibilities.
These programs combine remote theory instruction with required in-person clinical hours, offering a blend of convenience and essential practical experience.
RNs vs. LPNs: Licensing and certification
Licensure certifies nursing competence and regulates the scope of practice on a state level:
- RNs are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and meet their state board’s criteria to obtain their RN license.
- LPN candidates need to complete an approved program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain an LPN license.
Ongoing certification and continuing education are required to maintain and advance licensure for both RN and LPN roles.
Related: Unlock new opportunities with LPN specialty certifications
Certifications increase earnings for RNs and LPNs
Both RNs and LPNs can pursue specialty certifications to advance their careers and potentially increase salaries:
- RNs may pursue certifications in various areas such as intensive care, oncology, pediatrics, emergency nursing, and more. Each certification requires additional coursework and examinations.
- LPNs focus on niche certifications like IV therapy, long-term care, and pharmacology. These certifications expand their duties and improve marketability.
Certification benefits may include higher pay, increased responsibility, and greater career satisfaction.
“Let us never consider ourselves finished, nurses. We must be learning all of our lives.” - Florence Nightingale
Licensing and regulations
Staying current with state board regulations is essential. For instance, Connecticut nursing license suspension rules must be understood by all nurses practicing in the state to avoid disruptions. Maintaining compliance through education, ethics, and legal adherence protects nursing careers.
Related: Common reasons nurses lose their licenses
Registered nurse vs. practical nurse: Advancement pathways
Many LPNs utilize bridge programs to earn RN degrees, advancing their careers. This step improves salary prospects, expands responsibilities, and opens management or specialty nursing opportunities.
RN vs. PN: Roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice
The roles and responsibilities of an RN differ from those of an LPN. Here are some typical roles for this type of nurse.
RN roles and responsibilities
Registered nurses take on extensive responsibilities, including the following:
- Conducting comprehensive patient assessments and physical exams
- Developing, implementing, and revising care plans based on patient data
- Administering intravenous medications and therapies
- Coordinating patient care in collaboration with healthcare teams
- Educating patients and families on health conditions and treatment plans
- Supervising licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and other support staff
- Serving as team leaders within the nursing model of care
LPN roles and responsibilities
Licensed practical nurses focus on direct, day-to-day patient care, including the following tasks:
- Monitoring vital signs and reporting changes to RNs or physicians
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility
- Administering prescribed oral medications within their scope of practice and state regulations
- Assisting with wound care, catheterizations, and basic treatments
- Documenting patient care and maintaining accurate medical records
- Supporting patient intake assessments, particularly in long-term care or skilled nursing facilities
- Supervising other LPNs and CNAs in some states (depending on the state’s board of nursing)
The clear difference between a licensed practical nurse and a registered nurse lies in the autonomy and complexity of clinical decision-making. RNs hold leadership and critical evaluation roles, while LPNs provide essential foundational care.
Exploring LPN and RN salaries: Understanding pay differences
The paycheck gap between LPN salary and RN salary relates to length of education, specialization, and clinical accountability. This information can help nurses plan their career paths.
RN vs. LPN salaries
The difference in salary reflects the training, responsibility, and demand for each type of nurse.
RNs
- RNs earn an overall median pay of $93,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- RN salaries vary by state, with the highest averages in California ($148,330), Hawaii ($123,720), and Oregon ($120,470).
- RNs in states such as South Dakota earn lower wages, on average $72,210 annually.
LPNs
- LPNs have an overall median pay of $62,340 annually.
- Similar to RN salaries, LPN salaries vary by state.
- LPNs find higher pay in Washington ($79,970), California ($79,090), and Oregon ($78,160).
- LPNs receive lower pay in states such as Mississippi at $49,960 annually.
Geographic differences stem from the cost of living, healthcare infrastructure, and state laws regarding nurse scope.
Discover the top 10 best-paying states for LPNs here.
How RNs and LPNs work together
In modern healthcare settings, the collaboration between registered nurses and licensed practical nurses is essential to delivering safe, comprehensive patient care. Although these two nursing roles differ in scope and responsibilities, their teamwork creates a strong, effective clinical environment that benefits both patients and healthcare facilities.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
RNs often act as team leaders or care coordinators, overseeing patient assessments, complex interventions, and multidisciplinary care plans.
LPNs complement the RN role by providing consistent bedside care, monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily living activities, and reporting patient changes promptly to RNs. This partnership ensures patients’ needs are met continuously and efficiently.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of this collaboration. RNs rely on LPNs to provide accurate observations and timely updates, enabling swift clinical decision-making. Conversely, LPNs depend on RNs for guidance, support, and supervision when tasks exceed their licensure scope.
Many healthcare organizations implement team nursing models where RNs and LPNs share responsibility for patient groups, dividing tasks based on each nurse’s licensure, education, and expertise. For example, an RN may manage patients with complex medical conditions and coordinate treatment plans, while LPNs focus on routine care, patient comfort, and safety.
This collaborative approach benefits from mutual respect and a clear understanding of each role’s boundaries. It empowers both RNs and LPNs to work at the top of their licensure, improving job satisfaction and reducing burnout.
Difference between LPN and RN: The patient perspective
From the patient's view, RNs often provide assessments and education, while LPNs tend to deliver direct care and comfort. Both roles are crucial for quality care.
Some FAQs answered
Here are some frequently asked questions that can help candidates make an informed decision.
What is an LPN in nursing?
An LPN in nursing denotes someone licensed to provide practical, hands-on care, including monitoring, basic treatments, and documenting patient status.
Are LPNs nurses?
Yes, LPNs are nurses licensed to provide practical patient care. They hold credentials that enable them to work under supervision while providing critical nursing services.
What is higher: LPN or RN?
Ultimately, the RN is higher in the nursing hierarchy. They have greater clinical independence, leadership roles, and educational requirements. The differences between practical nurses and registered nurses clearly affirm RNs as the advanced professional role.
Addressing staffing challenges with flexible nursing solutions
Healthcare facilities face staffing challenges, including shortages, burnout, and unpredictable patient volumes. Combining permanent and PRN staffing models creates flexible, resilient schedules that support clinical staff wellbeing and maintain patient care standards.
Nursa’s marketplace is a space where qualified RNs and LPNs can connect directly with healthcare facilities in states like California, Utah, Oregon, Oklahoma, and many more.
Flexible healthcare staffing: How Nursa helps
Clinicians who want to avoid burnout, gain flexibility in their work, and have control over their schedules need to look for flexible staffing platforms like Nursa.
Nursa helps clinicians connect with local facilities or facilities in other states. This allows clinicians who want to travel to learn about different places or nurses looking for more independence to find the PRN jobs that suit them best.
Interested? Here are 6 reasons why you should consider PRN work.
How to find PRN jobs in your area
PRN jobs provide the opportunity to find a work-life balance, offering flexibility and often higher hourly pay rates. Whether clinicians are looking for an extra income or to work per diem full-time, PRN jobs are a great opportunity to achieve their goals without jeopardizing family or rest time.
Finding PRN jobs in your area is easy with technology and the help of platforms like Nursa, which connects clinicians and facilities in a virtual space. Nursa opens the doors to a broad pool of facilities that are looking for the highest-level RNs and LPNs.
Once you become a licensed nurse, download the app, open your account, and start looking for PRN jobs. Don’t waste more time and start your new life as a nurse.
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