How to Switch from LVN to RN: Career Overview
If you’re a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) looking to advance your career, becoming a registered nurse (RN) can open the door to higher earning potential, greater job opportunities, and more autonomy. Whether you want to work in a specialized nursing field, take on leadership roles, or expand your scope of practice, transitioning from LVN to RN can help you reach your professional goals.
This guide will cover the essential differences between the two titles, the process for advancing your license, and frequently asked questions.
A quick note about licensed vocational nurses compared to licensed practical nurses: The two professionals are essentially the same, but they are called LVNs in California and Texas.
Why Pursue an RN License as an LVN?
There are many reasons someone might want to earn their RN license as an LVN — the chance to earn more income as a nurse, pursue a specialty, earn additional education for advanced practice, and more. Plus, your LVN experience will make the transition into RN care much easier.
To learn more about the benefits of an RN license, let’s go over the major differences between LVN vs. RN roles:
Schooling requirements: LVNs typically complete a one-year vocational nursing program, while RNs must earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes two to four years. RNs receive more in-depth education in areas like critical thinking, leadership, and advanced patient care, which opens them up to roles with more responsibility.
Licensure: LVNs must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure, while RNs must pass the more comprehensive NCLEX-RN exam. The RN exam tests a broader range of knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Scope of practice: LVNs typically handle basic nursing tasks like monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and administering some medications under supervision. RNs assess patients, develop care plans, administer a wider range of treatments, and collaborate more closely with healthcare teams. They also delegate to other team members, such as LVNs, nursing assistants, and others. Learn more about the LPN/LVN scope of practice and the RN scope of practice.
Settings: Common LVN work environments include long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health, and outpatient clinics. RNs can work in these settings in addition to a broader range of acute care environments such as emergency departments, intensive care units, and specialized fields like oncology or surgery. They also tend to have more career flexibility, and can work in non-healthcare settings as well.
Career growth: While LVNs can advance by gaining certifications or moving into supervisory roles, RNs have more opportunities for growth. They can become researchers or nurse educators, or pursue advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
Income: The difference in income can be a major draw for LVNs interested in earning a higher license. Nationally, the average salary for LPNs/LVNs is $64,150 per year, compared to the average RN salary of $98,430 per year.
What to Know Before Starting an LVN-to-RN Bridge Program
Some key factors to consider when choosing an LVN-to-RN bridge program in Texas or California include:
Accreditation: Ensure the program is accepted by your state board of nursing so that you’ll qualify for the NCLEX-RN when you graduate.
Prerequisites: Programs typically require credits in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology before admission. Check whether you’ll need to complete these prereq courses separately before you apply or begin your program.
Clinical requirements: Bridge programs include hands-on clinical training. Make sure you understand the schedule and whether you’ll need to travel for clinical rotations. Some remote programs require that students find their own clinical placements, so be sure you know how you’ll complete your hours.
Non-degree options: You may not have to earn an associate’s degree to complete anLVN-to-RN bridge program. California allows a non-degree track that lets you take the NCLEX-RN without an ADN. Call a school counselor for more information about these options.
How to Go From LVN to RN: 3 Steps
Step 1: Select Your Top-Choice Schools and Apply
Once you’ve decided the degree path you want to pursue, check out the websites of nursing schools in your area to learn which ones offer bridge programs for LVNs. Remember to check their NCLEX pass rates to ensure they’re preparing students for the licensure exam. Keep in mind that you may need to take additional prerequisite courses and a placement exam like the TEAS or HESI.
Many schools run year-round, so look up application deadlines to understand how much time you have. Requirements for applications typically include the following:
- High school diploma/GED
- Previous academic transcripts
- Proof of your LVN license
- Background check
- Immunization records
Step 2: Complete Your Bridge Program
Once you’re in a bridge program, the real work begins. Programs typically include the following courses:
- Role transition
- Geriatric nursing
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Psychiatric-mental health nursing
- Multicultural care
- Pediatrics and maternal/child nursing
- Leadership and management
In addition to the above coursework, you’ll also have labs, skills checks, and clinical rotations during school. Learn more about studying for nursing school and how to be a good nursing student.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX
Registration for the NCLEX exam typically starts in your last semester of nursing school, and the process differs by state. You’ll need to answer between 75 and 145 questions of various formats, including multiple choice, case study, and select all that apply.
How does the NCLEX-RN compare to the NCLEX-PN? Expect this test to focus less on basic nursing care and more on clinical judgment. Patient safety and prioritization are also essential areas. Many nursing schools run NCLEX review programs after graduation, and you can also buy online study packages to support your review before test day.
Depending on your state, you’ll have an additional RN licensure process either before or after you pass the NCLEX. Typically, this involves submitted background check information, documents that show your nursing school degree, and an application fee. See our in-depth articles on how to become an RN in Texas and how to become an RN in California for more information.
LVN to RN: FAQ
Are there online LVN-to-RN programs?
It’s possible to select a program to go from LVN to RN online, but remember that you’ll need to complete hands-on clinical rotations before you graduate. If you’re considering this option, read our guide on going to nursing school online.
Can an LVN challenge the RN board exam?
The answer is generally no, but it can depend on your state. California’s 30-unit option allows LVNs to enroll in a year-long program, after which they’re eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The downside is that you’ll only be able to be licensed in CA — other states likely will not award licensure by reciprocity, and you won’t be eligible for a compact license.
Find Roles for LVNs and RNs
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