Should I Choose to Become an LPN or a CNA?
LPN or CNA? This guide explains the differences between LPNs and CNAs, including how long their programs take and the steps to become either an LPN or a CNA.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs offer quick training and prepare graduates for entry-level patient care. In most settings, LPNs provide a higher level of care compared to CNAs. They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors, performing tasks like patient monitoring, administering first aid, and updating health records. CNAs offer basic care and aid with daily tasks under the guidance of LPNs and RNs.
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LPNs have more independence and responsibilities than CNAs. They can perform tasks beyond those of CNAs, such as assisting in minor surgeries, managing catheters, and giving injections.
The chart below outlines the differences and similarities between these two career paths. Since LPNs hold more responsibilities and autonomy than CNAs, it’s important to understand the variations in salary, education requirements, and job options.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
– Roles: Monitor patient health, provide basic medical care, discuss care plans with patients, maintain health records, report to RNs and doctors.
– Education: 1-2 year certificate or diploma program with clinical experience.
– Salary: Median annual pay of $48,820.
– Workplaces: Nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
– Roles: Assist with patient bathing and dressing, reposition patients, report health concerns to nurses, monitor vital signs, help with meals.
– Education: State-approved, 4- to 12-week training program with supervised clinical work.
– Salary: Median annual pay of $30,830.
– Workplaces: Nursing care facilities, hospitals, retirement and assisted living communities, home healthcare.
Common Questions About LPNs and CNAs
Is an LPN higher in position than a CNA?
Yes, LPNs hold practical nurse licenses and receive more training and responsibilities than CNAs. Although CNAs pass competency exams in most states, they work as assistants and often under the supervision of LPNs. Moreover, LPNs earn higher salaries than CNAs.
How long does it take to become an LPN after being a CNA?
Starting as a CNA provides valuable patient care experience and basic medical service skills. Some CNA credits might transfer towards LPN certificates or diplomas, and some schools offer CNA-to-LPN bridge programs. Expect at least a year of education to become an LPN.
What’s the quickest way to become an LPN?
Enrolling in an LPN training program at a vocational school or community college is the fastest route to becoming an LPN. Most programs take 1-2 years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated tracks that can reduce the timeline to under a year.
Should I become a CNA before becoming an LPN?
Becoming a CNA has its advantages, like spending less time in school compared to becoming an LPN. It gives you a chance to experience nursing and earn money while considering further education. It’s an opportunity to work with patients and nursing staff in healthcare settings.
LPN vs. CNA: Job Responsibilities
Both LPNs and CNAs focus on direct patient care, and their duties overlap in some areas. In both roles, they help patients with daily needs like hygiene, mobility, and health monitoring. The following lists highlight the differences and similarities between their job responsibilities.
LPN Job Responsibilities
LPNs handle daily patient care and provide basic nursing services.
Tasks include:
– Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and eating.
– Changing bandages, inserting catheters, and giving enemas.
– Monitoring vital signs like blood pressure.
– Collecting samples and conducting routine lab tests.
– Maintaining patient records.
– Providing updates to nurses and doctors.
– Supervising CNAs and orderlies.
– Communicating with patients about their care.
CNA Job Responsibilities
CNAs work with medical teams, assisting under RN and LPN guidance:
– Answering patient call buttons.
– Helping patients change positions.
– Assisting patients in and out of bed or wheelchairs.
– Aiding with bathroom visits, bathing, and dressing.
– Serving meals and helping patients eat and drink.
– Monitoring vital signs.
– Reporting patient issues to nurses.
Top-Paying Work Environments
While most CNAs and LPNs work in assisted living, retirement communities, home healthcare, and hospitals, some industries pay more than others. Higher education, research and development, and outpatient care centers offer higher salaries for both positions. In specific work settings, CNAs can earn around $10,000 more annually compared to traditional healthcare facilities.
Top-Paying Industries for CNAs: Average Salary
– Junior Colleges: $49,250
– Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools: $44,870
– Federal Executive Branch: $41,210
– Scientific Research and Development Services: $39,630
– Outpatient Care Centers: $38,420
Top-Paying Industries for LPNs: Average Salary
– Junior Colleges: $60,570
– Outpatient Care Centers: $56,320
– Insurance Carriers: $56,260
– Religious Organizations: $55,100
– Scientific Research and Development Services: $54,490
LPN vs. CNA: Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs earn an average annual salary of $50,090. The lowest 10% earn under $35,570, while the top 10% make at least $65,520. CNAs earn an average annual salary of $32,050, with the lowest 10% earning less than $22,750 and the highest 10% making over $42,110. This translates to average hourly wages of $24.08 for LPNs and $15.41 for CNAs.
Projected Job Outlook for LPNs and CNAs
From 2019 to 2029, it’s expected that LPNs will have a 9% growth rate in job opportunities, while CNAs can anticipate an 8% growth rate.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
– Average Salary: $50,090
– Average Hourly Wage: $24.08
– Projected Job Growth: 9%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
– Average Salary: $32,050
– Average Hourly Wage: $15.41
– Projected Job Growth: 8%
Best-Paying States for LPNs
Where you work has a big impact on your LPN earnings. The following table lists the five highest-paying states for LPNs. In the Western U.S., except Massachusetts, LPNs can earn around $9,000 more annually.
The top-paying states for LPNs in 2020 are:
Licensed Practical Nurse Average Salary
Alaska $67,620
California $64,090
Massachusetts $60,400
Washington $59,780
Nevada $59,700
Top-Paying States for CNAs
The highest-paying states for CNAs are located on the East Coast and the Pacific. CNAs in these states earn at least $5,000 more annually than the national average.
The states with the highest CNA salaries in 2020 are:
Top-Paying States for Certified Nursing Assistants Average Salary
Alaska $42,500
New York $40,620
California $39,280
Hawaii $38,650
Massachusetts $37,160
Education and Licensing
CNA and LPN education and credentialing provide faster routes to nursing careers compared to traditional nursing schools. Both CNAs and LPNs earn diplomas or certificates from training programs. Instead of spending 2-4 years in traditional nursing programs, CNAs can complete training in months, and LPNs in about a year. Passing an exam is necessary for both positions.
While CNAs and LPNs follow similar steps for licensing, there are significant differences. LPNs receive more training in nursing procedures and prepare for more independent work and supervising other staff. The sections below outline the curriculum, exams, and licensing procedures for CNAs and LPNs.
Becoming an LPN
To become an LPN, start by applying to accredited LPN programs at vocational, technical, or community colleges. Some high schools and hospitals may also offer training. You need a high school diploma or GED, and some schools might require an entrance exam, like the Test of Essential Academic Skills.
Students complete around 45-40 credits of coursework in nursing fundamentals, anatomy, biology, pharmacology, lab work, and 500-750 clinical hours at healthcare facilities.
After LPN programs, graduates take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to prove their readiness for practical nursing work. Passing the exam leads to state licensure as an LPN (known as licensed vocational nurse in California and Texas).
Becoming a CNA
Aspiring CNAs can join state-approved training programs at community colleges, hospitals, and organizations like the American Red Cross. High school graduates and GED holders qualify. Some states allow on-the-job training at healthcare facilities. BSN nursing students can also work as CNAs after their first year of nursing school, gaining experience and networking opportunities.
Training might involve online and hands-on experience for skills like CPR, first aid, nursing care, and using defibrillators. Coursework covers anatomy, physiology, patient care basics, and safety.
CNA credentialing varies by state. Most states certify CNAs after completing 75 hours of instruction and clinical work and passing a competency exam. Certification needs renewal every two years, often with continuing education requirements.
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