There are two basic types of nursing degrees - licensed practical nursing degrees and registered nursing degrees. The registered nursing degree is a more advanced type of degree and involves more supervisory duties; a licensed practical nurse will report to a registered nurse. Because the registered nursing degree requires more education and demands more managerial duties, the registered nursing degree comes with a significantly higher salary.

However, there are advantages to pursuing a Licensed Practical Nursing degree - at least to start out with.

There are much shorter waiting lists to get into LPN programs than there are to get into either two-year or four-year registered nursing programs. The only requirements to get into most LPN programs are a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to pass an entrance exam which requires college level algebra and an English test.

To get into a Registered Nursing program, a student must first take at least eight prerequisites, including Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Psychology, Nutrition, Microbiology, and several other classes. After a student gets their license in practical nursing, it is very easy to get into what are called LPN to RN "bridge" programs. These are offered online and at many community colleges.

A degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse is the fastest way to find out if nursing is for you. It gives the LPN to work in a healthcare setting and interact with patients and their families. It also provides the opportunity to observe what an RN does every day and what their duties and responsibilities are. And if it turns out that nursing is NOT the career for you, you've only spent a year in school finding it out rather than three or four.

Also, many people prefer to remain as LPNs, because they have more opportunity for patient interaction, and less time managing and supervising.