LPN to BSN – Path of Advancement

LPN to BSN: LPNs are some of the most valuable employees in any hospital, hospice, nursing home, private clinic, or home health care setting, but their importance is often undervalued both in terms of credibility and financial compensation. For LPNs seeking a way to advance in the workplace and earn more money and respect, one of the greatest boosts to a nursing career is the completion of an LPN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree. This achievement can open doors to RN certification, greater recognition, and new nursing opportunities.

 

LPN to BSN

LPN vs. BSN – What’s the Difference? 

BSN and LPN nurses may find work in the same hospitals and medical settings, but they have very different roles when it comes to patient care and treatment. 

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work closely with patients, performing basic care, ensuring maximum patient comfort, monitoring vital signs, and evaluating the results of treatments. They must work under the supervision of a physician, nurse practitioner, and/or RN.  

BSN nurses, on the other hand, have a more active role in patient care and treatment decisions. Although they may perform many of the same duties as an LPN, they have more independence and typically focus more on patient education and wellness options. Completion of a BSN degree requires significant training and education, with the payoff of more varied, challenging tasks and a more generous salary. 

In addition to earning more money than LPNs, BSN nurses also have the opportunity to advance to positions of authority through avenues that are not open to LPNs, regardless of their levels of knowledge or experience. Last but not least, a BSN opens the door to gaining registered nurse certification by taking the RN exam for licensing. 

 

LPN to BSN Bridge Programs 

 

For LPNs interested in getting the necessary training to become a BSN, it may not be timely or cost-efficient to enroll in a traditional 4-year bachelor of nursing program. Although some LPNs prefer to go this route in order to receive the educational benefits of a full bachelor's degree program, those who wish to maintain a salary and continue working during their higher studies are usually better suited to a shorter "bridge" program to make the leap from LPN to BSN

LPNs already have a strong foundation of knowledge and experience, making it possible for them to achieve BSN certification at a much quicker pace than someone who has never studied in the field. There are many Internet-based LPN to BSN bridge programs with independent learning modules, which allow students to: 

  • Study from any location with an Internet connection 
  • Set their own pace of learning 
  • Eliminate dependence on professors’ teaching styles and other students’ learning paces 

LPN to BSN bridge programs are ideal for licensed nurse practitioners who are already working in the field and want to continue earning a salary while pursuing their BSN certification. 

 

LPN to BSN and Beyond

 

 

 

 

 

An additional reource if you are considering the LPN to BSN path: Advancing Your Career

  

 

 

 

 


 

Other career path considerations:

LPN to RN

LPN to BSN

LPN to MSN

MA Medical Assistant

MA to RN

NP Nurse Practitioner

Legal Nurse Consultant

Return to the Home page for more information on LPN to BSN & LPN duties.

Nursing in Australia

    
 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction
Educational Considerations
Funding Education
Beyond the LPN Degree Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Other Resource Articles

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