As an LPN, students work performing general nursing tasks. While this is a great way of getting starting in this career field, there is not much room for advancement as an LPN. Entering an LPN to RN degree program allows students qualify for higher-paying positions and even take on leadership roles. Once students are an RN, they can also get their bachelor of science in nursing, and from there they can go on to get an advance master’s or doctorate degree in nursing.
As an RN, students perform many of the same tasks they did as an LPN, but they also qualify for more advanced tasks as well. Whereas some states do not allow LPNs to administer medications, almost all states allow this at the RN level. Other tasks students do on a daily basis include laboratory work, checking and recording vital signs, working with patients and their families to create a treatment management plan, assessing progress, teaching patients and their families about at-home care, assisting physicians during exams and treatments, and helping patients with physical therapy exercises. By earning an associate’s degree or diploma through an LPN to RN program, students qualify for lower-level management positions. Many RNs oversee LPN or certified nursing assistant staff members. This is one of the fast-growing career fields in the world which has created a nursing shortage. Over half a million new positions are created between 2006 and 2016, and working in this position, students have the opportunity to make about $64,000 a year, according to the 2011 median salary reported for RNs by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to RN programs assume that students already understand nursing basics, which is why these courses are not as long as regular RN courses. Expect to take advanced medical-related classes and students may also have the option to specialize in one area of medicine. In addition, students are required to participate in hands-on learning through practical work at a healthcare facility in order to qualify for a nursing license with their state.
Online LPN to RN Degrees
- LPN to RN: Indiana State University
