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NURSING QUALIFICATIONS

          In the U.S.A, there are three types of nurses,  Licensed Practical or Vocational  Nurses (LPNs or LVNs), Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs). Therefore,  you should set your personal and professional goals and choose the educational path that helps you meet those goals.

Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse (LPN or LVN)

          LPN and LVN are basically the same license. LPN is the term used on the East coast and LVN is the term used on the West coast. The LPN or LVN programs involve 12 months of training at a state approved vocational/technical school or community college. After you complete the program, you must pass the State Board Examination to become a licensed nurse. LPNs or LVNs usually provide  basic bedside care under the supervision of Medical Doctors (MDs) and Registered Nurses(RNs).

Registered Nurse (RN)

          To be an RN, there are three types of training programs, such as diploma, Associated Degree of Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science degree of Nursing (BSN). Currently, there are only a few diploma programs in the U.S.A. Most institutions prefer that RNs have a bachelor’s degree rather than a diploma. Most students have to complete about 70 semester units of general education in community college and transfer to an ADN or BSN program that requires another two or three years to complete. After completing the ADN or BSN program, you must pass the State Board Examination to become an RN. You can obtain more information on the “Nursing Education” page of this web site.

Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)

          If you go to graduate school and complete a master’s program in nursing, you will be qualified to become an Advanced Practical Nurse (APN). There are five types of APNs, including the Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), Certified Public Health Nurse (CPHN), and Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNA). You can obatin more information on the “Nursing Education” page of this web site.