An LPN cares for patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). In California or Texas, the term is LVN. To become an LPN/LVN, one year of study at a community college or vocational school program for LPN/LVN is required. In addition, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) must be completed to be an LPN/LVN.
Community colleges and nursing schools offer the associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree. It is a two-year course. After completion of the course, the student becomes a registered nurse. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) must be completed and passed to be an RN.
A BSN is the next highest degree in nursing. RNs with an ASN degree can take two more years and get a BSN, or a student can attend a four-year college or university to get a BSN. A BSN is more valuable than an ASN and can bring an RN to various positions as nurses, including research and teaching positions. As with an ASN degree, the NCLEX-RN must be completed and passed to be an RN.
An MSN prepares RNs for the highest levels of nursing, including family nurse practitioner and more. The degree requires 18 to 24 months of study.