Nursing is a great career choice for those who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Those who decide to go back to school to pursue a degree in Nursing have a big decision to make – what type of Nursing program to choose. Many schools across the country offer either a Registered Nursing program or a Licensed Practical Nursing program.
So what’s the difference between the two?
The biggest difference is the length of each program, the types of classes required, and the degree or certificate you will earn upon completion of either Nursing program. Those who choose to become a Registered Nurse must earn either an associate degree or a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree. Typically, pursuing a career as an LPN requires participation in a program that culminates in earning either a certificate or an associate degree upon graduation. Regardless of whether you choose the RN or LPN route, you must pass the NCLEX exam before officially practicing as a Nurse.
There are some major benefits for those who choose to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse:
There is a high availability of RN jobs, and this number is still growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RN employment is expected to grow by 26% from 2010 to 2020.
There are career growth and educational opportunities for RNs. As a Registered Nurse, there are opportunities for career growth, as well as opportunities to explore various related roles, such as Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator.
Curious about getting started in Nursing? Contact Arizona College to learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program today.
Information in this blog post is accurate as of January 3, 2014.