Becoming a registered nurse (RN) may seem intimidating. Though RNs enjoy a higher level of job complexity, autonomy, and income, they require a higher level of education that may discourage prospective students. If you have already completed a practical nursing program, however, RN bridge programs let you reduce your coursework requirements and study while you work. With Prism Career Institute, learn more about becoming a Practical Nurse and how a PN to RN bridge program can be a good launchpad for your career.
What’s the Difference?
Practical nurses (PNs) and registered nurses (RNs) share many responsibilities. Both positions will monitor patients, administer medication, and assist patients with basic tasks. In general, however, RNs have a wider scope of practice. They perform more complex tasks and enjoy a greater degree of independence and even authority. Here is our basic breakdown of how these two positions differ:
Job Complexity
In the clinic, PNs have a dependent role. They perform supportive tasks such as assisting with a physical examination, providing emotional support to families, and administering medications according to a nursing plan. They may also collect data for review by a higher-level healthcare provider.
RNs, meanwhile, are empowered to perform more complex tasks. They may conduct examinations themselves, educate patients and families about postsurgical care, or administer more advanced treatments. Some states also allow RNs to diagnose patients and prescribe medication.
Work Autonomy
Though it varies between practice settings, PNs typically work under the direct supervision of a doctor, RN, or other healthcare provider. They are often unable to take certain actions without approval.
In contrast, RNs enjoy more professional autonomy. While still part of a team, they may oversee a group of PNs. They also have the freedom to perform a variety of actions without approval or supervision. This allows them to make decisions and problem-solve as necessary but also gives them a higher level of responsibility when complications arise.
Career Outlook
Both PNs and RNs enjoy great job flexibility and security. Because RNs perform a more complex and specialized role, however, they tend to earn a higher salary. There is often also a higher demand with greater employment growth, giving them access to a wider variety of opportunities.
How to Become a Registered Nurse
Because RNs are allowed more independence to perform more complex tasks, they also require a higher level of education and licensing. Many practical nursing programs can be completed in less than two years. To become a registered nurse, however, you must earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN), which typically takes two to three years to earn, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a full-time four-year college. Your coursework will cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and social and behavioral sciences, and will take between two to four years to complete.
After graduating and earning your degree, you must then take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Passing this exam will qualify you to work as a registered nurse. A range of specialty certifications also exist. While not always required, these are proof of your competence in certain areas and can open up new career opportunities.
How RN Bridge Programs Can Help
Though becoming an RN may be rewarding, the challenging and lengthy process may seem intimidating. Spending up to four years in education may not sound appealing. Full-time degree programs may require quitting a job, which isn’t feasible for everyone.
For PNs who want to advance their careers, many institutions offer a PN-to-RN bridge program. These programs are specifically designed for students who are already working as PNs. They count your existing education and experience against the degree requirements, allowing you to skip over unrequired curriculum. They also offer convenient scheduling to fit around a full-time workload. This means that you can keep working while earning your diploma.
An RN bridge program allows you to save time and money while continuing to earn a full-time income. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll have the qualifications to accept higher-level positions and improve your income for a stronger, more rewarding career.
Launch Your Nursing Career
If you aspire to become a registered nurse, completing a practical nursing program is a great way to get started on the path to eventually becoming an RN. Prism Career Institute provides Practical Nursing training at campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Our outstanding instructors offer hands-on education to prepare students for success. We’re also near several institutions that offer RN bridge programs, including:
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Pennsylvania State University – College of Nursing
- Camden County College
- Rowan College of South Jersey
- Jersey College, a more
Interested candidates should contact the listed institutions, as well as others, to learn more about the specific admissions requirements for their bridge programs. Our proximity to these institutions makes it easy to earn your PN license and complete a bridge program without leaving the region. If you’re interested, contact us to learn more about our admissions requirements and financial aid for students who qualify. Apply online to launch your career today.