{"id":7852,"date":"2024-01-23T15:00:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-23T15:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=7852"},"modified":"2024-01-18T22:27:46","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T22:27:46","slug":"lpn-vs-cna-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/lpn-vs-cna-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"LPN vs. CNA: What\u2019s the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Career?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/span>demand for healthcare professionals<\/span><\/a> is booming, and with the medical industry offering diverse opportunities, you have many career paths to choose from. Some individuals opt for rewarding long-term careers as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs), while others start their healthcare journeys in these roles and then pursue higher degrees and career advancement. No matter your path, deciding the best option for you can be difficult. To help you decide, we discuss key differences between LPN vs CNA roles, including required education, job outlook, salary and career goal considerations below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overview of LPN Role<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"LPN<\/p>\n

As one of the <\/span>fastest-growing healthcare careers in 2024<\/span><\/a>, licensed practical nurses possess a vital role in the healthcare team and provide direct patient care. LPNs, called licensed vocational nurses in California and Texas, can work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and physician offices. Some typical LPN patient care duties include taking vital signs, changing wound dressings, performing tracheostomy care, inserting urinary catheters and monitoring the intake and output of bodily fluids. In some states, LPNs can perform patient assessments and administer medications under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse (RN).<\/span><\/p>\n

Becoming an LPN<\/span><\/a> requires several educational and licensure requirements. You must first graduate from an approved LPN program. Most LPN institutions provide flexibility to their students by offering various program options, such as full-time vs. part-time options and <\/span>in-person vs. online LPN programs<\/span><\/a>. Other schools offer <\/span>accelerated LPN programs<\/span><\/a>, allowing students to fast-track their healthcare careers and graduate in a shorter time frame compared to traditional LPN programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

After graduation, students must pass the <\/span>National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses<\/span><\/a> (NCLEX-PN) and apply for state licensure. Once you\u2019re approved and obtain your state LPN license, you can begin working as an LPN. Qualifying LPNs may apply for a multistate license instead of a single-state license if they live in <\/span>states participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact<\/span><\/a> (NLC). The NLC allows nurses to practice in their home state and other states participating in the NLC without additional licensure. However, the licensed practical nurse\u2019s scope of practice varies by state, so make sure you understand each practicing state\u2019s rules and regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Licensed practical nurses have a gratifying yet sometimes challenging career. LPNs can enjoy schedule flexibility, steady income, career advancement opportunities and a positive job outlook. However, this career choice does pose some drawbacks, such as working holidays, dealing with difficult situations and being physically demanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overview of CNA Role<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"CNA<\/p>\n

Becoming a certified nursing assistant is one of the quickest ways to enter the healthcare field and ranks 25th on Vivian\u2019s 2024 list of <\/span>fastest-growing healthcare careers<\/span><\/a>. As integral healthcare team members, CNAs perform hands-on patient care duties under the direct supervision of an LPN or RN. Some CNA duties include taking vital signs, transferring or turning patients and assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as toileting, dressing, bathing and offering feeding assistance. They can also perform additional non<\/span>\u2013<\/span>patient care-related tasks, like stocking supplies and answering phone calls. Unlike LPNs, certified nursing assistants can\u2019t perform invasive procedures or tasks, like inserting urinary catheters or administering medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Completing a CNA program is the first step to <\/span>becoming a CNA<\/span><\/a>, with many certification programs available through community colleges, hospitals and online courses. Following program completion, students must complete the required number of hands-on clinical training hours as mandated by their home state. Once students have completed their <\/span>CNA requirements<\/span><\/a>, they\u2019re eligible to take the state <\/span>CNA certification exam<\/span><\/a>. Once passed, individuals apply for CNA certification through their state\u2019s application process and pay the required fees.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choosing a certified nursing assistant career has many pros, including short training times to certification. CNA programs typically last between 6 and 15 weeks, but you can complete an accelerated program in as little as 4 weeks. Another perk is the ability to work in various healthcare settings. However, CNAs face challenges similar to those of LPNs, with the role both physically and mentally demanding at times. Additionally, since the scope of duties is limited compared to LPNs, CNAs may not receive as many career advancement opportunities unless they obtain advanced certifications and licenses.<\/span><\/p>\n

LPN vs. CNA: Key Differences<\/b><\/h3>\n

The primary responsibility of CNAs is to assist patients with ADLs and provide direct patient care, while LPNs have additional responsibilities on top of typical CNA duties. CNA vs LPN responsibilities often appear very similar, but we outlined some key differences in the table below.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Duties<\/b><\/td>\nCertified Nursing Assistant<\/b><\/td>\nLicensed Practical Nurse<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Assist with ADLs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Perform vital signs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Measure intake\/output<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Administer medications*<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Perform assessments*<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insert urinary and intravenous catheters*<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supervised by<\/span><\/td>\nLPN or RN<\/span><\/td>\nRN<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*May differ depending on state scope of practice.<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n

People Skills<\/b><\/h4>\n

Certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses must possess certain people skills to be successful in their careers, with several characteristics applying to both roles. Identical attributes include compassion, empathy, patience and communication skills. Each position also requires flexibility, adaptability and physical and mental endurance. Because the healthcare industry is ever-changing, both of these nursing professionals must commit to lifelong learning and become knowledgeable about new technological advances.<\/span><\/p>\n

LPNs are tasked with being more observant and detail-oriented than CNAs since they must detect the slightest changes in a patient\u2019s health status and assessment. LPNs also possess strong problem-solving skills as they may perform math calculations to administer medications or quickly react in emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Job Outlook<\/b><\/h4>\n

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 5% job growth for LPNs<\/a> between 2022 and 2032, while CNA career outlook<\/a> is 4% for the same period. Based on data reported by the BLS in May 2022, the five states with the current highest employment of LPNs vs CNAs were the following.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Certified Nursing Assistant<\/b><\/td>\nLicensed Practical Nurse<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
California: 99,930<\/span><\/td>\nCalifornia: 73,740<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Florida: 89,110<\/span><\/td>\nTexas: 62,240<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Texas: 81,170<\/span><\/td>\nNew York: 38,590<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New York: 80,100<\/span><\/td>\nOhio: 37,310<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pennsylvania: 66,800<\/span><\/td>\nFlorida: 36,970<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Salary Potential<\/b><\/h4>\n

The average salary of LPNs is typically higher than CNAs for staff and travel positions, likely due to their additional responsibilities. Per nationwide salary data on Vivian Health on December 12, 2023, the <\/span>average staff LPN salary<\/span><\/a> was $31.19 per hour, while <\/span>staff CNA salaries<\/span><\/a> averaged $25.47 per hour. Likewise, <\/span>travel LPNs earned<\/span><\/a> an average of $1,481 per week, while <\/span>travel CNAs averaged<\/span><\/a> $904 during the same period. However, overall earnings vary based on location, experience and specialty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Both Careers<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Male<\/p>\n

Besides the differences in CNA vs LPN responsibilities and educational and state requirements mentioned above, you have several factors to consider when deciding between LPN and CNA career paths. We highlighted a few key factors below:<\/span><\/p>\n