RN vs. LPN: The Advantages of Becoming a Registered Nurse

January 3, 2014

Nursing is a great career choice for those who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Those who decide to go back to school to pursue a degree in Nursing have a big decision to make – what type of Nursing program to choose. Many schools across the country offer either a Registered Nursing program or a Licensed Practical Nursing program.

So what’s the difference between the two?

The biggest difference is the length of each program, the types of classes required, and the degree or certificate you will earn upon completion of either Nursing program. Those who choose to become a Registered Nurse must earn either an associate degree or a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree. Typically, pursuing a career as an LPN requires participation in a program that culminates in earning either a certificate or an associate degree upon graduation. Regardless of whether you choose the RN or LPN route, you must pass the NCLEX exam before officially practicing as a Nurse.

There are some major benefits for those who choose to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse:

There is a high availability of RN jobs, and this number is still growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RN employment is expected to grow by 26% from 2010 to 2020.

There are career growth and educational opportunities for RNs. As a Registered Nurse, there are opportunities for career growth, as well as opportunities to explore various related roles, such as Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator.

Curious about getting started in Nursing?  Contact Arizona College to learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program today.


Information in this blog post is accurate as of January 3, 2014.

Start Your Future in Nursing Today

Nursing School Faculty In Lab

If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Our BSN program enables you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 3 years or less with qualifying transfer credits. We’ve helped hundreds of students to earn a BSN degree and enter the nursing profession – and we’re ready to support you on your path to becoming an RN.

Why Choose Arizona College of Nursing?

  1. Earn a BSN degree in 3 years or less with eligible transfer credits
  2. Campus locations throughout the US
  3. Night classes for general education courses
  4. Hybrid Online/In-Person format for general education classes
  5. Nursing education is all we do
  6. CCNE-Accredited Program*
  7. NCLEX-RN success coaches and exam preparation class
  8. Financial aid available to those who qualify

Discover Your Path to a Career in Nursing

Information in this post is accurate as of January 3, 2014.

*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.