What are the differences between LVNs and RNs?
The primary differences between LVNs and RNs are:

Scope of practice 
Licensed Vocational Nurses require oversight by another healthcare professional, while Registered Nurses can practice independently. Additionally, LVNs only perform focused assessments while RNs can perform comprehensive patient assessments. LVNs implement the plan of care while RNs develop it.

Pay 
LVN versus RN pay is a top motivator for students exploring additional education. Staff RNs make an average of $25,000 more per year than LVNs. (Need citation) Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ (US Bureau of Labor statistics). 

Work setting
More LVNs work in long-term care settings than in any other setting. RNs have access to more opportunities in critical care, labor and delivery, emergency room, and other acute care settings.

Advancement opportunities 
While LVNs often do have opportunity to grow their careers in the long-term care setting, potential for LVNs to grow in other settings is often limited. CMS and other governing boards often require RNs in key quality and leadership roles.

Many nurses choose to pursue their RN to increase their annual earnings, improve their access to diverse and challenging roles, and open doors for advancement in their nursing career.

LVN to RN Program
The LVN to RN program at the North Houston Campus of The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) takes 80 weeks—less than a year and a half to complete. That means that if you take the first step toward advancing your career and submit your application today, you could be walking across the stage in your cap and gown in less than two years!

The LVN to RN school at CHCP is offered in a blended learning model, which means you can take some of your courses—and portions of other courses—online from the comfort of your home. This blended program makes an AAS more accessible for non-traditional students, like those who have spouses or children at home or who are working in full-time LVN roles when they go back to school.

Admission Requirements
Ready to take the first step toward earning your RN? Here is what it takes to get in:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Transcripts from your LVN program
  • A current, active, and unencumbered Texas LVN license
  • Completion of the nursing program entrance exam and LVN to RN entrance exam
  • An admissions interview as well as a panel interview
  • CPR certification through the American Heart Association
  • Drug screen, background screen, physical examination, and proof of vaccinations

Once you have everything together, you can apply online in just two easy steps here. Every step is one step closer to your dream of becoming an RN!

Paying for Your Program
Worry about money often prevents LVNs from securing a brighter future by taking the plunge and applying for the LVN to RN program at The College for Health Care Professions, but our friendly team is here to help you find a way. Because of our blended program delivery—which allows you to take certain portions of your classes online when it makes the most sense for your schedule—you will have more time to spend with your family or doing what you love most.

Additionally, our financial aid team will help you apply for loans, grants, and scholarship to help cover the cost of your program. You might be surprised to find out how affordable the program is—especially when you consider the earnings that come with that RN title when you are done.

Getting started
Ready to learn more about becoming an RN? We are ready for you at our North Houston campus! The team at CHCP is eager to help you get started.

Have more questions? You can contact us here and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.

Ready to apply? You can do that here—and we will keep an eye out for your application!