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Registered Nurse (RN) — ADN Pathway vs Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX)
There's no single winner — the right pick depends on you. Here's how they actually compare, by the BLS numbers, with the honest tradeoffs of each.
| Metric | Registered Nurse (RN) — ADN Pathway | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX) |
|---|---|---|
| Median wage | $97,550 | $64,400 |
| Typical pay range (10th–90th pct) | $68,940 – $137,470 | $49,740 – $83,440 |
| Training time | ~1.5–2 years | ~1–1.5 years |
| Job growth (BLS) | +6% (projected growth) | +3% (projected growth) |
| Workforce Pell | Not structurally eligible | Not structurally eligible |
| Licensure | Licensed in all 50 states + DC | Licensed in all 50 states + DC |
| Paid apprenticeship route | Yes | Yes |
| Sector | Healthcare | Healthcare |
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Full breakdown: Registered Nurse (RN) — ADN PathwayWages, training, licensure & the honest tradeoffsFull breakdown: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX)Wages, training, licensure & the honest tradeoffs
Wage figures are BLS-verified medians; individual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.