LPN vs ADN: Comparing Nursing Career Paths

The healthcare industry is one of the country's fastest-growing economic sectors. Almost 2 million annual healthcare job postings are projected every year between 2023 and 2033. Many will be for nursing positions, but there may not be enough skilled professionals to meet the demand. The country is facing a nursing shortage as facilities try to hire enough people to care for an aging population and fill positions left vacant by retirees.

In 2020, the median age for registered nurses increased to 52. More than a fifth of nurses said they planned to retire by 2025. As these nurses look to leave the workforce, there's space for new nurses to step into their shoes. Nursing is a stable and exciting career choice, but one that can have several paths depending on the chosen course of study. Securing a licensed practical nursing certificate or associate degree in nursing can greatly influence a nurse's career trajectory and opportunities, so we compare these options side by side.

What Is an LPN?

LPN is short for licensed practical nurse and also stands for the certificate healthcare professionals need for this position. LPNs perform basic healthcare duties under RNs and doctors. In California and Texas, they're called licensed vocational nurses. LPNs and LVNs may work in:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Physician's offices
• Extended care facilities
• Private homes 

Some common LPN duties include:

• Checking patient vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
• Performing basic medical tasks, including inserting catheters and changing bandages
• Keeping patients comfortable by helping them bathe, dress, and eat
• Recording details of patients' health status
• Communicating with patients and loved ones about their health, including listening to patient concerns
• Reporting patient health status and concerns to supervising RNs and doctors

Related article: LPN vs LVN
 

LPN Education and Licensing

Vocational schools, community colleges, and technical colleges award LPN diplomas. Aspiring nurses need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in an LPN certification training program that meets the applicable state nursing board's standards.

Completing an LPN certification program takes between nine and 18 months depending on the program you choose. These programs offer classroom or online learning and supervised clinical experience which helps students deepen their clinical knowledge and patient care skills. Some LPN certification program topics include:

• Nursing theory and practice
• Biology
• Pharmacology

After graduating with an LPN diploma, aspiring nurses may then prepare to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses9 (NCLEX-PN). Passing this exam qualifies them for a license to work as an LPN.

Studying to become an LPN can help people develop the following professional qualities:

• Patience
• Physical stamina
• Compassion
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Organization
• Tolerance for bodily fluids
• Caring nature

LPN Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job opportunities for LPNs and LVNs to grow by 3% between 2023 and 2033, which is as fast as the average for all jobs. That equates to approximately 54,000 new job opportunities for LPNs each year within this period. Many new LPNs will replace nurses retiring from the workforce or moving into different roles.
 

What Is an ADN?

An ADN is an Associate Degree in Nursing. Completing an ADN is the minimum level of study for RNs. These nurses can perform a wider range of more complex duties than LPNs, including managing entry-level nurses. They can also work more independently than LPNs. Obtaining an ADN prepares these healthcare professionals to work in various settings, including:

• Hospitals, including specialty hospitals
• Clinics, including public health, psychiatric, and substance abuse clinics
• Extended care facilities
• Doctor's offices
• Nursing homes
• Outpatient care centers
• Home healthcare companies
• Health insurance companies
• Colleges or universities

Some common duties of RNs with ADNs include:

• Conducting comprehensive patient evaluations, including checking vital signs and performing head-to-toe assessments
• Talking to patients and their loved ones to collect thorough health histories
• Developing and administering holistic nursing plans, including administering medications, and communicating plans to patients
• Running basic diagnostic tests and analyzing results
• Educating patients about their health, self-care strategies, and healthy lifestyle choices
• Operating medical equipment
• Assisting physicians as required
• Collaborating with members of the patients' multi-disciplinary team, including physicians and other healthcare providers
• Managing a nursing team, which may include certified nursing assistants, LPNs, and other RNs

ADN Education and Licensing

Aspiring RNs can study an ADN training program at a community college or vocational school. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED. They should also have studied prerequisite subjects, such as English, chemistry, biology, psychology, and anatomy. Many competitive training programs set a minimum grade point average for applicants.

As ADN training programs offer a more in-depth nursing education than LPN programs, they take between 18 and 24 months to complete. Students participate in a mix of classroom instruction, either in person or online, laboratory work, and clinical experience. The coursework covers the following topics:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Microbiology and immunology
• Psychology
• Communication
• Behavioral health
• Nursing fundamentals
• Nursing specialties, such as medical-surgical, pediatric, community health, and psychiatric nursing

After graduating from an ADN training program, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses to qualify for their license to practice.

Training to become an ADN-RN can help nurses develop the following important qualities:

• Compassion
• Patience
• Strong communication skills
• Emotional and physical stamina
• Critical thinking
• Organization

ADN Career Outlook

ADN-prepared RNs are in high demand in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, extended-care facilities, clinics, and home healthcare companies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job opportunities for RNs will grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the national average. That equates to roughly 197,200 new jobs for RNs every year within this period.
 

Choosing Between LPN and ADN

Considering the following points can help aspiring nurses decide between training to become an LPN or studying for an ADN:

• Career goals and desired level of responsibility. An LPN prepares nurses for jobs with basic responsibilities, while an ADN equips them for more complex RN roles that may have leadership duties.
• Time commitment and financial considerations. An LPN takes less time and is typically more affordable than an ADN.
• Long-term career advancement opportunities. Nurses with LPNs and ADNs can both advance with further study, but it may take LPNs longer than if they'd studied for an ADN.
• Personal preferences. Aspiring nurses may prefer completing an ADN so they can specialize in an area of nursing or patient population they're interested in.

There is also an increasing preference for RNs with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in many healthcare settings. RNs with an ADN may get this qualification through an RN-to-BSN training program, which takes between 17 and 24 months. LPNs can also earn a BSN through a bridge program, which offers credits for exams to reduce study time. An LPN-to-BSN training program usually takes two or three years of full-time study. The transferability of credits is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Concorde Career College does not guarantee that credits earned will transfer.
 

Advancement Opportunities

LPNs and ADN-prepared RNs can advance in their careers by participating in continuing education and professional development programs. LPN-to-RN, LPN-to-BSN, and RN-to-BSN education programs can all help nurses develop their knowledge and skills to increase their advancement potential. LPNs and RNs may also want to specialize in areas of nursing such as pediatrics or substance abuse. Experienced RNs may also rise to management or leadership roles.

Related Article: What Are the Types of Nursing Careers?
 

Conclusion

With a growing demand for nurses due to the aging population and local shortages, training to become an LPN or ADN-RN is a smart decision for anyone interested in healthcare. Aspiring nurses should consider their career goals when choosing between these education programs. Both qualifications give nurses the opportunity for career advancement, although LPNs may need more study to achieve their goals.
 

LPN vs ADN FAQs

1. Can LPNs become RNs later in their career?

LPN-to-RN bridge training programs provide an efficient opportunity for LPNs to become RNs later in their career. These two- to three-year training programs build on an LPN's existing knowledge and skills to train them to become an RN. Some employers may reimburse tuition costs to help their LPNs study. Advancing to an RN role can help a nurse access diverse job opportunities.

2. What are the main differences in job responsibilities between LPNs and ADN-RNs?

LPNs focus on basic patient care. Some common duties include monitoring their patients' vital signs and helping them with daily activities. ADN-RNs have a much broader scope of responsibilities and work more independently. They also have more opportunities for specialization and leadership. Their duties may include assessing patients, administering medications, developing care plans, and supervising LPNs.

3. Are there online options for LPN and ADN training programs?

Many LPN and ADN training programs now have online or hybrid learning options. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 93% of nursing education programs used online or distance learning, and many of these options are still in place. Virtual simulation is also increasingly popular, with 87% of nursing training programs adopting this technology. While remote learning is increasingly common, clinical components still require in-person attendance. Online learners will usually have the opportunity to visit local healthcare facilities for these classes.

4. Which path is better for someone looking to enter the nursing field quickly?

The LPN is the best option for someone looking to enter the nursing field quickly, as these training programs can be completed in as few as between nine and 18 months, compared to 18 to 24 months for an ADN. However, the longer ADN training program offers a more comprehensive education, so graduates often have the opportunity for better long-term career prospects and wider job responsibilities. Aspiring nurses should consider their long-term career goals, not just study time, when choosing among these paths.