LPN is the acronym for licensed practical nurse. LPN is often replaced with the term LVN in some states. LVN is the acronym for licensed vocational nurse. Both LPN and LVN are exactly the same in all regards, barring the nomenclature. RN is an acronym for registered nurse.
Both LPN and RN are nursing professions to enter which one has to appear for the NCLEX exam and pass. Both are licenses and aspirants with either qualification would become nurses in various medical establishments.
Primary Differences
The primary difference between LPN and RN should have become obvious by now, courtesy the nomenclature. LPN or licensed practical nurse is trained on a practical course which deals with more applicative procedures. RN or registered nurse is trained on a professional course that delves in much more details about nursing and medical science than applicative procedures. In other words, an RN would be more trained than an LPN. Another way to put it would be, an RN can do everything at a medical facility that an LPN can but an LPN cannot do everything an RN can.
Additional Differences
The second difference is in the course. Since an RN would be attending a professional, more thorough course, it takes more time. One can become an LPN in quick span of time, often in a few weeks to a few months. To become an RN, one has to attend a reputed school and spend much longer time before one can get his or her license.
Qualifications
RN is a higher qualification than LPN. This much must have been apparent by now. Thus, LPN can be treated as an entry level job and then one can opt for RN to further one’s career. However, there are enough jobs and growth opportunities for those with LPN certifications as well.
Compensation
An RN would earn substantially more than LPN. This is one reason that convinces most aspirants to opt for RN. However, it is relatively inexpensive to become an LPN and the short course term makes it more convenient for some aspirants. If one wants a job in the immediate future then LPN is a more convenient alternative.
An RN can further his or her career by studying more and that can open up myriad growth opportunities. An LPN would have to graduate to an RN before exploring more extensive or specialized medical careers in the future.
