Certified nurse's aides, or CNAs, assist nurses in providing basic patient care such as feeding, dressing and bathing. CNAs primarily work in hospitals and residential care settings, such as nursing homes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reports that the federal government requires CNAs to complete 75 hours of state-approved training, which is offered through many nursing facilities, vocational programs and community colleges.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic care including administering medication, recording vital signs, and assisting patients with eating, dressing and bathing. LPNs work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses (RNs) and may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, doctor's offices and home health care. Certificate programs for LPNs or LVNs are usually offered by community colleges or vocational schools and take approximately one year to complete, including classroom and clinical training. LPNs must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to achieve a license to practice and complete regular continuing education credits to maintain it.
Registered nurses, or RNs, can complete their training and get either an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). These programs, offered by community colleges and universities, take between two and four years to complete and include both classroom and clinical training. To become licensed RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and regularly complete continuing education credits afterwards to maintain it. RNs work in doctor's offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health and private care. BLS also notes that experienced RNs may take administrative or teaching positions or start their own businesses in areas such as providing home health care services.
Advanced practice nurses are those who have completed specialized education and training. Most advanced practice nurses can prescribe medications and treat patients within the limits of their scope of practice, according to CollegeBoard.com. As of 2011 the BLS recognizes four types of advanced practice nurses: clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners. Each of these advanced positions requires a master's degree and specialized clinical training, and each state defines requirements regarding scope of practice for advanced practice nurses.