How Do I Become a Registered Nurse?

If you are a currently a vocational nurse seeking to become a registered nurse you can do so by completing a qualified LPN to RN program. Once you are awarded your Bachelor’s degree in nursing you can take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The LPN to RN Bachelor’s degree program can take between 2-4 years, depending on your previous education credits and degree level.

How Do LPN-RN Programs Work?

The premise behind an LPN to RN transition program is to add to the knowledge of a practical nurse to help them become a registered nurse. Since educational requirements for practical nurses are shorter than for registered nurses there is a certain amount of nursing education that the LPN must absorb before they are ready to elevate their job title to RN. When entering an LPN to RN program you may or may not receive credit units for courses previously completed towards LPN education requirements. This will depend upon the academic institution administering the LPN-RN program and the academic institution where the LPN coursework was completed. Once the beginning number of credits is established (if any), the LPN-RN student will begin completing coursework towards earning a BSN degree.

What Are The Advantages of Being a Registered Nurse?

One advantage of being an RN rather than an LPN is a greater level of responsibility in the workplace. Registered nurses supervise nurse aides and practical nurses since their nursing credentials are stronger. RNs are also sanctioned to perform more patient care duties and are often times able to hold nursing management positions. A secondary benefit that comes with the RN designation is a higher average salary. After completing an LPN to RN program that awards a BSN degree the recipient will have a greater selection of career options since they will possess a four year Bachelor’s degree that can be used outside of the nursing field.