Registered Nurse vs. Licensed Practical Nurse (RN vs. LPN)

RNs and LPNs sound alike but share little when it comes to job tasks, education, and pay. LPNs handle basic nursing care and patient comfort. RNs administer medication and treatment, coordinate care, and educate patients. Here's how the two roles compare.

	LPN/LVN	Registered Nurse
Job duties	Provide basic medical and nursing care such as checking blood pressure and inserting catheters, help patients bathe and dress, discuss care with patients, and report patient status to RNs and doctors.	Administer medication and treatment, coordinate care plans, perform and analyze diagnostic tests, teach patients to manage illness after treatment, and oversee LPNs, aides, and home care workers.
Education	An accredited practical nursing program, usually about one year, most often at a technical or community college. Coursework covers nursing, biology, and pharmacology plus supervised clinicals.	A BSN, an ADN, or a diploma from an approved program. BSNs run about four years; ADN and diploma programs two to three. All include social, behavioral, and physical science plus clinicals.
Licensing	Earn a practical nursing certificate from a state-approved program, then pass the NCLEX-PN to get licensed.	Complete an accredited program and pass the NCLEX-RN. Some RNs add voluntary specialty certifications; a few advanced roles require them.
Median pay	$62,340	$93,600
Job growth through 2034	2.6%	4.9%
Career steps	With experience, many LPNs move into supervisory roles. More education can open the path to becoming an RN.	Most start as staff nurses, then advance with experience into management roles like chief of nursing, into APRN practice, or into the business side of healthcare.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024. Salaries reflect national medians and vary by specialty, location, and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between an RN and an LPN? Scope of practice. RNs administer medication and treatment, coordinate care plans, run and interpret diagnostic tests, and supervise LPNs and aides. LPNs provide basic care under an RN's direction, such as checking vitals, helping with hygiene, and, where state rules allow, giving medication.

How much more do RNs earn than LPNs? RNs earn a median of $93,600 a year versus $62,340 for LPNs, roughly 50% more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024).

Which takes longer to become, an RN or an LPN? LPN training is shorter. A practical nursing certificate usually takes about a year. RN education runs two to three years for an ADN or diploma and about four years for a BSN.

Do RNs and LPNs take the same licensing exam? No. LPNs pass the NCLEX-PN and RNs pass the NCLEX-RN. Both exams are administered through the NCSBN.

Can an LPN become an RN? Yes. LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN bridge programs build on your practical nursing credits and clinical experience, so you finish faster than starting an RN program from scratch.

Is the job outlook better for one role? Both are growing. The BLS projects RN employment to grow about 5% and LPN employment about 3% from 2024 to 2034.