Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are essential members of the healthcare team. Both provide direct patient care and are in high demand. As the population ages and healthcare needs evolve, the need for qualified CNAs and LPNs continues to grow.
Choosing between becoming a CNA versus an LPN is a big decision. Both can be rewarding careers with good job security, but there are some important differences. This article will compare and contrast CNAs and LPNs, exploring the differences in education requirements, scope of practice, salary expectations, and potential career paths.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal goals, how much time you’re willing to invest in education, and your financial situation. Making an informed decision is the first step toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.
What do CNAs and LPNs do?
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work closely with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, but they have different responsibilities and levels of training.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs help patients with the basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet. They’re also there to provide emotional support and companionship. As a CNA, you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN).
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs provide more advanced medical care than CNAs. They administer medications, check vital signs, help with wound care, gather patient data, and contribute to patient care plans. LPNs are licensed nurses, whereas CNAs are not. (In Texas and California, LPNs are called licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs.)
Education and Training: Pathways to Becoming a CNA or LPN
The path to becoming a CNA is shorter and less involved than the path to becoming an LPN. Here’s what to expect:
CNA Training Programs
CNA programs can often be completed in a matter of weeks or a few months. The training focuses on basic nursing skills, patient safety, and infection control, and most programs include clinical experience in a real-world healthcare setting. Specific requirements for CNA certification vary from state to state, so it’s important to check the regulations where you live.
LPN Programs
LPN programs typically last from 12 to 18 months. They provide more in-depth training in areas like anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, and pharmacology. As with CNA programs, LPN programs require clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings. To become licensed, LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). If you’re looking for flexibility, Nightingale College offers a hybrid LPN program that might suit your needs.
CNA vs. LPN Education Costs
Because of the longer duration and more comprehensive curriculum, LPN programs are significantly more expensive than CNA programs. If you’re looking for a quicker and more affordable entry point into the nursing field, becoming a CNA might be the right choice for you.
Scope of Practice: Responsibilities and Duties of CNAs and LPNs
Although both certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses work directly with patients, there are some key differences in what they’re allowed to do.
CNA Scope of Practice
CNAs primarily help patients with what are known as the “activities of daily living,” or ADLs. They help patients bathe, dress, eat, and move around. They also keep an eye on patients’ conditions, reporting any changes to the nursing staff.
Being a CNA requires not just competence, but also compassion and communication skills.
LPN Scope of Practice
LPNs have a wider range of abilities than CNAs. They perform more complex medical tasks like administering medications, changing wound dressings, and monitoring vital signs. They may also assist with inserting catheters or managing IVs.
LPNs work under the direction of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors, and they contribute to assessing and planning patient care. They’re also required to get ongoing continuing education to keep their licenses current.
Work Environments: Where CNAs and LPNs Provide Care
Both CNAs and LPNs work in healthcare settings, but the types of facilities and the degree of autonomy they have can differ.
CNA Work Environments
Certified Nursing Assistants are often employed in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. They may also work in private homes, providing home healthcare or hospice care.
In these settings, teamwork and collaboration are essential. CNAs work closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.
LPN Work Environments
Licensed Practical Nurses have a broader range of employment options. They can work in hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices, as well as clinics. You may also find LPNs in schools, correctional facilities, and home healthcare agencies.
LPNs generally have more autonomy than CNAs and can specialize in areas like geriatrics, pediatrics, or wound care.
CNA vs. LPN Salary Differences by Employer
Salary for both CNAs and LPNs can vary depending on the employer. For example, a CNA working in a hospital may earn more than one working in a nursing home. Similarly, an LPN working in a specialized clinic may earn more than one working in a general practice physician’s office.
Salary and Job Outlook: Comparing Earning Potential and Career Prospects
It’s probably no surprise that LPNs generally earn more than CNAs, but the specific numbers and job outlook are worth considering when you’re weighing these two career paths.
CNA Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for CNAs in May 2023 was $35,760, or $17.19 per hour. Of course, your salary as a CNA will vary depending on your experience, where you live, and who you work for.
These are the five highest-paying states for CNAs:
- Alaska
- District of Columbia
- California
- New York
- Oregon
And these are the five lowest-paying states for CNAs:
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
LPN Salary
LPNs earned a median salary of $54,620 per year, or $26.26 per hour, in May 2023. As with CNAs, your salary will depend on your experience, where you live, and your employer.
These are the five highest-paying states for LPNs:
- Washington
- California
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Alaska
And here are the five lowest-paying states for LPNs:
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- West Virginia
- Arkansas
- South Dakota
Job Outlook
The need for both CNAs and LPNs is expected to grow in the coming years, as the population ages and healthcare needs increase.
Employment of CNAs is projected to increase by 4% between 2022 and 2032, resulting in about 58,400 new jobs nationwide. There are expected to be around 209,400 openings each year, as people leave the profession or retire.
Employment of LPNs is projected to increase by 5% between 2022 and 2032, resulting in about 34,900 new jobs nationwide. There are expected to be around 54,400 openings each year, as people leave the profession or retire.
Career Advancement: Opportunities for Growth and Specialization
Both CNAs and LPNs have opportunities to advance in their careers, whether through specialization or further education.
CNA Career Advancement
As a CNA, you can seek certifications and specialize in areas such as geriatrics, wound care, or rehabilitation. This allows you to deepen your expertise and potentially increase your earning potential.
Many CNAs use their experience as a springboard to further education, pursuing LPN or RN credentials. The hands-on experience gained as a CNA can be invaluable as you continue your nursing education.
LPN Career Advancement
LPNs often advance their careers by pursuing further education to become Registered Nurses (RNs). An RN license opens doors to a wider range of responsibilities and higher salaries.
LPNs can also specialize in areas such as IV therapy, pharmacology, or even leadership roles within a healthcare facility. These specializations can enhance your skills and make you a more valuable asset to your employer.
Many “bridge programs” are available to help LPNs transition into RN roles, often allowing you to receive credit for your previous education and experience.
CNA or LPN: Which is right for you?
Choosing between becoming a CNA or an LPN really depends on your personal interests, skills, and career goals. Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy providing basic care and emotional support to patients? Or am I interested in performing more complex medical tasks?
- Am I okay working under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor, or do I want more independence?
You should also think about how much time and money you’re willing to invest in your education. CNA programs are typically shorter and less expensive than LPN programs. LPN programs require a bigger commitment in terms of both time and tuition.
Finally, it’s crucial to research salary expectations and job opportunities in the area where you want to work. Look at job boards, talk to people in the field, and get a realistic sense of what your career path might look like.
Conclusion
Certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses differ significantly in terms of the training they receive, the scope of their practice, their average salaries, and their potential career paths. CNAs typically complete shorter training programs and provide basic care, while LPNs undergo more extensive education and can perform a wider range of medical tasks.
Both CNAs and LPNs are vital members of the healthcare team. They offer compassionate care and make a real difference in the lives of the patients they serve.
When deciding between these two career paths, think carefully about your personal goals, how much time you can commit to education, and your financial resources. Research available educational programs, and talk with people working in both roles to make an informed decision about which career is the best fit for you.