A Guide to Help you Distinguish the Different Paths to Becoming a Nurse
You might think all nurses are the same. But the truth is, there are many different types of nurses with various education, certification, and specialties.
At the first level of nursing practice, there are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). These nursing positions typically require a certificate or diploma from an approved educational program. The responsibilities of LPNs/LVNs include basic patient care, routine procedures, and supporting doctors and other nurses. LPNs/LVNs can also specialize in various areas of medical practice.
Stepping up to the next level of nursing expertise, there are Registered Nurses or RNs. Registered Nurses are qualified to provide and coordinate a higher level of patient care than LPN/LVNs. They also advise and support patients and their families, and educate the public about health conditions and promote preventive healthcare. RNs can also focus on a variety of medical specialties. Even among RNs, however, there are different levels of qualification and competency. This includes:
RN-ADN: The first level of Registered Nurse is the RN-ADN which indicates an RN who has earned an Associate Degree in Nursing or ADN.
RN-BSN: The next level of Registered Nurse is the RN-BSN which designates an RN who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN.
APRN: The highest level of Registered Nurse is the APRN or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. These are RNs who have completed post-graduate education such as a master
Share this entry.
While this blog may occasionally contain information that relates to Unitek College's programs or courses, the majority of information provided within this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to represent the specific details of any educational offerings or opinions of Unitek College. *Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees' years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program. (accessed on 09/21/2026)
