The different levels of nursing begin with certified nursing assistants or CNAs and licensed practical nurses or LPNs. More advanced nurse titles include registered nurses or RNs and advanced practice registered nurses or APRNs.
A career in nursing offers an incredible array of choices. There is a diverse range of nurse titles to pursue, along with different workplace settings and various practice areas. So, what are the levels of nursing? The different levels of nursing can be defined by varying education and licensure requirements for different practice areas, as well as roles and responsibilities.
In general, the greater the responsibility, the more education is required and the higher the salary expectations are. Let’s take a closer look at how a nursing career can span many levels, from certified nursing assistant to advanced practitioner.
First Nursing Levels: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A certified nursing assistant (CNA), also known as a nursing aide, provides basic care to patients. They usually cannot administer medical treatments, but they can help patients with the activities of daily living (ADLs).
CNAs often work in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, as well as at hospitals and home health agencies.
Overview
While working under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN), a CNA can take vital signs, record health information, and turn, reposition, and transfer patients. They can also assist patients with ADLs, which include feeding, bathing, toileting, grooming, and dressing.
Education and Licensure Requirements
The requirements to become a CNA vary by state. However, this is the most accessible of the nursing levels, so there is a low barrier to entry. Generally, aspiring CNAs must have a high school diploma and complete a state-approved CNA training program. Often, the training program concludes with a certification exam. Some states require continuing education and a criminal background check.
Salary Expectations
Because CNAs are subordinate to registered nurses in the nursing ranks, salary expectations are lower. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CNAs had a median annual salary of $38,130 as of May 2023.
Career Outlook
The CNA career path is enjoying positive job growth. The aging population of the U.S. is one factor in driving the field’s development; in particular, home health agencies are expected to continue to hire CNAs at a robust pace. The U.S. BLS estimates that the job growth rate for CNAs from 2022 to 2032 will be 4%. This indicates a likely gain of 58,400 jobs in the field during this period.
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Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
In the hierarchy of the different levels of nursing, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is the next step up from a CNA. An LPN is the same professional as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN); the terminology differs from state to state, but the role remains the same.
Overview
LPNs are trained to deliver basic medical care to patients. While, like CNAs, they also assist with ADLs, LPNs are trained to deliver a broader range of health services. They can:
- Take and record vital signs
- Assist with wound care
- Discuss and record patients’ symptoms
- Report patients’ concerns and medical status to supervising nursing staff
- Collect samples for lab tests
In some states, LPNs may be trained to administer medications and set up intravenous (IV) drips.
Education and Licensure Requirements
The requirements to achieve the LPN or LVN nurse titles vary by state. In general, however, aspiring LPNs are expected to have a high school diploma and to complete a state-approved certificate or diploma program. This training program is more extensive than the CNA training program. It generally takes a year to complete.
After completing the training program, future LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Employers often expect or require LPNs to have basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications. In addition, they may add to their credentials by obtaining voluntary certifications in areas such as wound care, gerontology, and IV therapy.
Salary Expectations
Higher levels of nurses generally have higher salary expectations. According to the U.S. BLS, the median annual wage for LPNs as of May 2023 was $59,730.
Career Outlook
Strong demand for LPNs is projected for the foreseeable future. The U.S. BLS estimates job growth for LPNs/LVNs to be 5% from 2022 through 2032, faster than average. This indicates that new job openings will total about 34,900.
Registered Nurse (RN)
What nursing levels are available to you with a nursing degree or diploma rather than a training program? The first level is that of the registered nurse or RN. The RN is typically the role most people would think of when they hear the word “nurse.”
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Overview
With their higher level of education and training, an RN can provide basic and advanced nursing care to patients. They are responsible for developing, coordinating, and administering treatment plans, delivering patient and family caregiver education, and providing emotional support to patients facing difficult health issues.
Some of the tasks an RN typically performs include:
- Taking medical histories and recording symptoms
- Administering medications and treatments
- Collaborating with doctors and other health care providers
- Performing diagnostic tests
- Operating medical equipment
- Providing discharge instructions
Education and Licensure Requirements
Becoming an RN with just a nursing diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is possible. However, there is a strong employer preference for RNs to have a bachelor’s degree at minimum. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are shown to contribute to better patient outcomes and are better prepared to handle clinical care situations.
In addition to a nursing degree, aspiring RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. They must also meet any other licensure requirements established by their state and obtain a state license. In addition, RN positions typically require CPR and BLS certifications, and nurses may choose to earn additional voluntary certifications in a specialty area.
Salary Expectations
According to the U.S. BLS, the median annual salary for RNs as of May 2023 was $86,070. Salaries can vary by employer, nursing specialty, years of experience, and geographic location.
Career Outlook
There is a considerable demand for RNs for the foreseeable future. The U.S. BLS estimates job growth for RNs to be 6% from 2022 through 2032, faster than average. This indicates employers will hire about 177,400 new nurses during this time.
Advanced Levels of Nurses: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
There are several options for advancement for an RN who has a BSN. One option is to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Overview
APRNs can perform all the tasks that RNs can, but with greater autonomy given their advanced training. They may work independently, or they may collaborate with physicians. Some APRNs specialize in conducting research, while others may provide primary care. Some may focus on improving the delivery of patient care within a health system by shaping policies and procedures.
There are four main types of APRNs, with subspecialties available.
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
Education and Licensure Requirements
After meeting all the requirements for an RN, an aspiring APRN must acquire clinical experience before pursuing a graduate-level nursing degree in their chosen specialty, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). They must then achieve board certification in their specialty and obtain an APRN license in their state.
Salary Expectations
The advanced training and education requirements, as well as the advanced responsibilities required of these levels of nurses, translate to higher salary expectations. According to the U.S. BLS, CRNAs, CNMs and NPs earned a median annual salary of $129,480 as of May 2023.
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Career Outlook
The job growth for APRNs is expected to be very robust in the coming years. The U.S. BLS estimates growth for CRNAs, CNMs, and NPs to be 38% from 2022 through 2032, much faster than average. This indicates that health care employers expect to hire about 123,600 new APRNs during this period.
Begin Your Journey Through the Nursing Ranks at NDMU
If you aspire to become an RN and perhaps an APRN, you can get your start at Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU). Our Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN (ABSN) program allows you to graduate with your nursing degree in as few as 15 months if you already have a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Plus, you can choose between onsite and online coursework to suit your needs.
Begin working toward a rewarding career in nursing today and contact our dedicated admissions advisors to learn about the next steps in the admissions process.