LVN to BSN

There are a variety of nursing titles available based on your education and the type of certification you receive. Two that you may be considering are “licensed vocational nurse,” or LVN, and “licensed practical nurse,” or LPN. Both are quick ways to enter the field of nursing but what is the difference between the two?

The short answer: There is no difference! In actuality, you need exactly the same educational training and certification to be an LVN as you do to be an LPN. The title you receive is simply determined by the state in which you live and work. LVN is the title given to this level of nurse in two states – California and Texas. All other states in the United States are given the title of LPN.

As an LVN or LPN you need to go through a training program, which typically lasts about a year and can be taken online. There is a fairly high turnover rate in this field because with your LVN or LPN certification, you can enter an associate’s degree program to become a registered nurse, or RN. From there, you can get your bachelor’s degree, or even go on to get a master’s degree in order to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified nurse anesthetist. All of these career paths are possible, regardless of whether you start as an LVN or as an LPN.

In your LVN/LPN role, you’ll be responsible for basic patient care. Some of the tasks you may do on a daily basis include checking vital signs, monitoring patients, assisting with feeding and personal hygiene, preparing patients for surgery, collecting samples for laboratory tests, cleaning rooms and equipment, preparing injections, gathering family history, and recording other patient information. LVNs or LPNs in a healthcare facility can’t diagnose patients or treat most medical conditions, but they are responsible for ensuring that the patient sees a nurse or doctor as soon possible. In some states, you may also start intravenous fluids or administer prescription medications to patients if you’re an LVN or LPN.

No matter where you work, in order to work in this field, you need to take a licensing example, which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. State requirements vary, so if you move, you may have to retake the exam. However, many nurses who at certified in one state can easily transfer their certification to another. This is especially true if you’re an LVN working in California and want to move to Texas (or vice-versa).

As an LVN/LPN, your starting salary won’t be as high as is possible with other nursing degrees, but since it only takes a year of training to work in this field, many students opt to start their careers at this level of nursing. You can later go on to enter RN, BSN, or MSN programs, even getting your degree online as you continue to work as a nurse.

For those looking to make the jump from being a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) to registered nurse (RN), the LVN to BSN degree is the perfect choice. Below are several accredited online colleges that offer nursing degree programs, ideal for any LVN/LPN looking to advance their careers and earn higher salaries.

Top LVN to BSN Degree Programs

LVN to BSN	Indiana State University — Through the Indiana State LVN to BSN (baccalaureate in nursing) program, nurses are able to transition from a vocational nurse to a baccalaureate nurse. Graduates are eligible to register for the registered nurse (RN) licensure exam. The curriculum includes Professional Nursing Synthesis, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, and Nursing Leadership. Read more >>
LVN/LPN to BSN LVN/LPN to RN LVN/LPN to ADN	The College Network (Various Accredited Online Colleges) — Earn your LPN/LVN to BSN degree entirely online with no campus attendance and no waiting list. Learn at your place, your pace, and earn an NLNAC-accredited associates degree in half the time and cost of traditional programs. Read more >>

Other Online Nursing Degrees

RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN - Nurse Admin MSN - Nurse Education	Kaplan University — The Kaplan University School of Nursing offers students the tools required to become world-class nurses in one of the fastest growing careers today. The online program provides the flexibility of completing your degree while staying in the workforce. The curriculum is taught by practicing professionals dedicated to your success. In addition to the bachelors (BSN) degree, the school also offers and masters (MSN) degrees in nurse administration and nurse education.
RN to BSN MS in Nursing (MSN) PhD in Nursing More Degrees...	University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix College of Nursing provides students a wealth of programs at all levels, including bachelors, masters, and doctorate nursing programs. The school prepares the next generation of leaders in the nursing field, with graduates throughout the nation.
RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Informatics MSN - Management	Walden University — The Walden University Nursing School presents students with numerous curriculum options, including bachelor's and master's degrees in nurse education, nurse informatics, and nurse management available to current RNs. The online format is designed for working professionals that can complete their degree while remaining at work – a flexible solution for today's modern nurse.
RN to BSN	Liberty University — The Liberty University Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor's, RN to BSN, and Master's program. Liberty University focuses on clinical practice, and undergraduates are placed in a hospital setting soon after starting coursework. The RN to BSN track allows nurses to complete their degree in a convenient online format.
RN to BSN	Utica College — Fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission and approved by the New York State Education Department, Utica College offers its online RN to BSN program to licensed registered nurses already holding an associate's degree for the next stage in their career as a health care professional.
RN to BSN RN to MSN	South University — South University provides students both a Bachelor's and Master's program in Nursing. The on campus bachelor's degree prepares students for careers at acute care hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and community-based clinics. The online master's degree provides advanced study in clinical teaching skills and research.
RN to BSN	Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences — The Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences offers an online RN to BS in nursing program that provides students with the knowledge and potential they need for career growth within the nursing profession. Students of this program will gain skills in nursing leadership, management, critical decision making, and health communication.
RN to BSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Nurse Management	Herzing University — The Herzing University School of Nursing offers students a variety of nursing program at the BSN and MSN levels. The curriculum is designed to provide graduates advanced coursework in academic, theoretical and clinical instruction in geriatric, surgical, and mental health specialties.
RN to BSN	Grand Canyon University — The Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Sciences is often recognized as a leader in healthcare education. Courses feature academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to graduate committed healthcare professionals. Bachelor's, Master's, or certificate degree conferred.
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