Choosing Your Path
RN vs LVN/LPN — Which Is Right for You?
Both paths lead to a licensed nursing career. The right choice depends on your goals, timeline, and the type of work you want to do. Calby sponsors tuition-free training for both, available anywhere in the US.
Side by side
RN vs LVN/LPN compared.
RN
Registered Nurse
- Broader scope of practice — can independently assess, plan, and implement patient care
- Higher average salary nationwide
- Qualifies for more settings: ICU, ER, labor & delivery, surgical units
- Sits for the NCLEX-RN after completing the program
- Common entry point for career advancement into nurse practitioner or management roles
LVN
Licensed Vocational / Practical Nurse
- Works under the supervision of an RN or physician
- Strong demand in long-term care, clinics, home health, and physician offices
- Great entry point into nursing — many LVNs/LPNs later bridge to RN
- Sits for the NCLEX-PN after completing the program
- Steady, reliable career with consistent hiring across the country
Not sure which to pick?
Both programs are tuition-free through Calby.
If you're unsure, the LVN/LPN path is a strong starting point — it's faster to licensure and many go on to complete an LVN-to-RN bridge program. If you want a broader scope of practice from day one, start with the RN track. Either way, the $20 application fee is the same.