LPN vs. CNA: What’s the Difference?
Both licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) deal directly with patients but LPNs have more extensive training and therefore have a wider scope of practice than CNAs. These essential members of the healthcare team work closely with other medical professionals in a variety of settings to improve the health of their patients. Curious about some key differences between an LPN vs. CNA?
For either job, you’ll need a solid educational foundation and the ability to correctly perform many clinical skills. Learning the difference between a CNA and LPN is the first step toward deciding which career path is better for you.
LPN vs. CNA: What They Do
LPNs and CNAs perform certain duties that directly impact their patients. Depending on the work environment, LPNs and CNAs may have overlapping responsibilities such as:
- Helping patients complete the activities of daily living (ADL), which may include
- Bathing
- Getting dressed
- Using the toilet
- Eating meals
- Turning and repositioning themselves
Licensed practical nurses are a bridge between a CNA and a registered nurse (RN), and may complete some of the same duties that RNs have. The duties of LPN can include:
- Administering medications, including injectable medications
- Assisting in minor medical procedures
- Checking and document vital signs
- Inserting catheters
- Explaining treatments and procedures to patients and their families
- Performing wound care, including changing bandages
- Verifying each patient’s medical chart is accurate and up to date
In some cases, LPNs also delegate tasks to CNAs and other healthcare team members. This helps manage the workload and ensures that each patient receives the proper amount of care.
Certified nursing assistants also help other members of the healthcare team. Unlike LPNs, CNAs are not nurses, although they may complete simple medical tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and helping with minor procedures. In some healthcare facilities, CNA duties also include:
- Answering patient calls
- Cleaning and preparing rooms for new patients
- Documenting patient complaints or concerns and reporting them to the RN
- Stocking supplies
LPN vs. CNA: Where They Work
LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, and in home health. Similarly, CNAs are employed in many different healthcare settings. You could be hired at a hospital, rehabilitation facility, nursing home, or long-term care facility.
LPN vs. CNA: Education Requirements
The level of education needed for CNA vs. LPN positions differs significantly. Here’s the lowdown on both job types and the training you’ll have to complete for each:
LPN
LPNs need more education than a CNA before they can work. In order to learn how to become an LPN, you’ll first need your high school diploma or GED. From there, you’ll enroll in an accredited practical nurse certification program.
LPN programs generally takes around a year to complete and are offered at many community colleges. Expect to take courses geared toward biology, pharmacology, and nursing practice.
After completing your certification program, you’ll need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN). This examination consists of both written questions and a skills test. During the skills test, you’ll demonstrate how to correctly perform several typical LPN tasks. It’s another main difference of an CNA vs. LPN, as nursing assistants don’t need to take this major exam.
Passing your NCLEX-PN exam allows you to interview to be an LPN. The job outlook for LPNs is expected to be faster than average over the next 10 years, so you’ll likely be able to get hired quickly.
See all LPN jobs available right now on IntelyCare.
CNA
The road to becoming a CNA is shorter compared to some other types of healthcare professionals. You’ll first need to get your high school diploma or GED. Once you’ve reached this goal, you’ll enroll in and complete nursing assistant training. Most CNA training programs are only a few months long. They’re usually offered at community colleges, technical schools, and certain medical facilities.
Following the completion of your CNA training, you’ll need to take a certification examination before you can start working. The test has written questions and a skills test. During the skills test portion, you’ll demonstrate that you can correctly perform several clinical skills in front of a proctor.
Passing the examination will reward you with your professional certification. Once you’re certified, you’ll be able to interview to be a CNA. The job outlook for CNAs is about as fast as average for all other occupations, which is great news when it’s time for you to look for work.
See all CNA jobs available on IntelyCare now.
CNA vs. LPN: Salary Expectations
The average salary for LPNs is $60,790 per year. The average salary for CNAs is $39,610 per year. Your level of experience, geographical location, and facility type can impact your salary.
The states and areas that pay the highest annual salaries to CNAs are
The states that pay the highest annual salaries to LPNs are
Make an Impact Today
Whether you decide to pursue a path as an LPN vs. CNA, know that both jobs are key for the healthcare system to function. Looking for more nursing advice? Find out how IntelyCare can keep you in the loop with the latest nursing opportunities.