Which Nursing Program Should You Choose: LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN?

If you are a licensed practical nurse, you've probably considered pursuing further education in order to advance your career. Continuing to practice as an LPN indefinitely means you will hit a ceiling at some point, no matter how much experience you have.

On the other hand, a registered nurse enjoys increased potential for career advancement and higher compensation. RNs, whether they hold a BSN or not, are in high demand. Registered nurses make up the largest health care occupation, with a quarter of a million jobs --and growing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, RN employment is expected to upsize 23% from 2006 to 2016, far more quickly than the national average for all other occupations.

Two popular educational tracks for ambitious LPNs are the online LPN-to-RN degree and the online LPN-to-BSN program. Both of these programs will allow you to apply for better-paid positions, enjoy increased status, and pursue more exciting challenges.

Are you unsure about which program fits in with your career ambitions and current lifestyle? Here are a few factors to keep in mind before making your decision.

Long-term vs. Short Term Benefits

There is an emerging national trend to require all registered nurses to hold a BSN. Therefore, going down the LPN-to-BSN path might be the most efficient and cost-effective option in the long term.

On the other hand, an LPN-to-BSN program will typically take you more time to complete. It may also cost more, although this depends on the amount of federal assistance and private scholarships you're able to secure. Some busy LPNs opt for the LPN-to-RN program and pursue their BSNs at a later time. Also, as an RN, you can take advantage of other degree tracks, such as an RN-to-MSN bridge program.

Financial Rewards

The median annual earnings of licensed practical nurses hovered at about $37,000 in May 2006, with the lowest-paid 10 percent of LPNs earning $10,000 less than the median. After graduating from an LPN-to-RN program, the better job opportunities usually result in a salary hike of about $25,000 per year. However, a BSN degree lets you apply for even more highly paid jobs, such as nurse practitioner or nurse administrator. And a BSN degree is the pre-requisite for advanced practice nursing specialties.

Nursing Specialty Requirements

As an LPN, you are basically a generalist. You cannot start to specialize until you have your RN or BSN degree. It's worthwhile thinking about what area you want to specialize in before you choose your degree program. Do you want to become a perianesthesia nurse, a perioperative nurse, a psychiatric-mental health nurse or a medical-surgical nurse? Do you want to go into advanced practice one day? The answers to these questions should influence your choice of degree.

Think about your long-term career goals, then look at typical job application requirements in your area to decide whether the LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN makes more sense for you. The requirements for various nursing specialties are different in different states, so if you're planning a move at some point, you'll want to read up on the differences.

As you can see, there's a lot to consider before choosing a degree program, but there's really no one better or worse path. For example, Linda and Brendan are both nurse managers who hold BSNs. Linda started out as an LPN and pursued an LPN-to-RN degree program, worked as an assistant nurse manager for 4 years while raising a family, and then earned her BSN degree online. Brendan also started out as an LPN, but chose to apply to an LPN-to-BSN program with an accelerated track.

Both Linda and Brendan are very pleased with the educational paths they chose--and they work alongside dozens of skilled nurses who each have a distinct tale to tell about their nursing career paths. There's never been a better time than the present to take the first step in advancing your nursing career prospects and an online LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN program provides working LPN's the perfect means to do it!

Request Free LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Program Information

Give your nursing career a jump start and increase your income potential by earning your accredited RN or BSN Degree online. There are dozens of exciting and lucrative job possibilities just waiting for you to take the plunge. Attaining your online nursing degree is easier than you think, and you can make the first step right now. Request additional information to speak with a program adviser:

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Why Earn a Nursing Degree Online?
LPN to RN: Why Take an Online LPN to RN Program?
Is An Online LPN to BSN Program Right For You?
RN or BSN - Does it Really Matter?

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