Pros
Shorter time to completion: If your goal is to get started as soon as possible, an LPN diploma is your best bet. You can earn an LPN diploma in as few as 12 months, then sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed.1
Lower cost: It’s no surprise that a shorter education program is also typically the more affordable option. If you’re looking to get into the nursing field for less expense, the LPN route may be an appealing option.
Positive career outlook: Thanks to the aging baby boomer generation, LPNs are seeing a steady solid employment picture. This profession is projected to grow by nine percent from 2019 through 2029, creating an additional 65,700 jobs nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2
Simple path to become an RN later: What if you want to start your nursing career quickly with an LPN diploma but you want to make sure you still have advancement opportunities down the road? You’ll be happy to hear that there are simple options for doing just that! LPNs can always enroll in the Rasmussen University Professional Nursing program, which offers a bridge path from LPN to RN that can be completed in as few as 12 months.1 You’ll be able to build on your existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch.
Cons
Less autonomy on the job: Although LPNs can embark on their career quickly, they don’t have quite as much independence in working with patients as RNs do. LPNs typically need to be supervised by an RN or physician, though the exact regulations vary by state.
Lower pay: The BLS reports a 2020 median annual salary of $48,820 per year for LPNs.2 While that’s nothing to scoff at, especially considering the relatively low barrier to entry, it is still less than what RNs make.
RN Associate’s degree in Nursing: Pros and cons
Pros
More credits toward a Bachelor’s degree: If a Bachelor’s degree is on your radar for the future, an Associate’s degree will help you achieve more credits that may count toward a BSN later on. With Rasmussen University’s RN to BSN program, you could be eligible to transfer up to 134 credits!
Skills training for a broader scope of practice: The extra time it takes to earn an Associate’s degree comes with a bit more specialized training than the broad nursing skills you’ll learn with an LPN diploma. For example, students enrolled in the Rasmussen University Professional Nursing ADN program will also take courses like Multidimensional Care and Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing.
Higher salary: Because RNs have a broader scope of practice and can take on more nursing job duties, it only makes sense that they have greater salary potential. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for registered nurses was $73,300 in 2019.2
Cons
Longer time to completion: Earning an ADN takes a bit longer than an LPN diploma. It’s common for programs to take up to two to three years, although Rasmussen University’s ADN program is designed to allow students to graduate in as few as 18 months.1
Greater cost: As you might expect, a longer degree program comes with a higher financial commitment. Though RNs are positioned to earn a higher salary than LPNs, the difference in up-front cost may be a downside for students who want to enter the workforce without a large investment first.
Choose the road to begin your nursing career
In the debate of a nursing degree versus a diploma, there are pros and cons to weigh on both sides. If you know that becoming a licensed practical nurse is right for you, an LPN diploma can help you get started quickly and affordably. An Associate’s degree, on the other hand, is best suited for those who want to enter the field as a registered nurse.
