What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

At a minimum, to become an RN, you need a two-year associate degree in nursing. However, most RNs have a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing. In contrast, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) needs only a vocational or associate's degree in practical nursing. Most programs last between 1 to 2 years.

Since RNs have an expanded set of duties and are more frequently employed in hospital settings relative to LPNs. An RN is more involved in creating a care plan for patients, while an LPN is the one who is there to carry out those instructions.

Both RNs and LPNs must pass a national exam. The NCLEX is offered at both the RN and PN levels. Both LPNs and RNs go through a licensing process that is very similar to registered nurses. There is a screening process and often a finger-print based background check.

A registered nurse or RN averages around $73,300 a year, while a licensed practical nurse or LPN averages around $44,849. The biggest factor in why RNs earn more than Loans is that RNs have a much more hands-on role in patient care than an LPN who essentially assists RNs and doctors.