CAREER PATHS
What Is the Difference Between an LPN and a CNA?
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EveryNurse Staff
- Last Updated: 04/19/2022
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) each play vital— but different— roles in the health care industry. LPNs have more responsibilities than CNAs, but both occupations offer opportunities to make a real difference in patients’ lives. If you’re considering an entry-level career in nursing, it’s important to understand the critical differences between these two roles.
Overview of Key Differences
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences between these two popular positions:
LPNs are licensed healthcare professionals trained to provide basic nursing care. They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. LPNs typically have less education than registered nurses (RNs) – they must complete an accredited practical nursing program, which takes about one year, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Certified nursing assistants typically work under the supervision of RNs, LPNs, and medical staff. They are trained to provide basic patient care and perform routine tasks, such as feeding and bathing patients, taking vital signs, and moving patients in and out of bed. CNAs typically have less education than LPNs – they must complete a state-approved training program, which takes about six to twelve weeks, and pass a competency exam.
LPN vs. CNA: Highlighting the Differences
It’s easy for someone unfamiliar with the health care industry to confuse the roles of LPNs and CNAs. A certified nursing assistant may perform many of the same duties as an LPN and vice versa. However, there are some important differences between these two positions. Here’s a closer look at the key ways LPNs and CNAs differ:
Education and Training
As mentioned above, LPNs must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain their license. LPN students take coursework in human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, nutrition, patient assessment, and nursing process. They also complete several hundred hours of clinical rotations in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.
In contrast, CNAs must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam to be certified. The coursework in CNA classes is, by comparison, significantly less comprehensive than that of LPN programs, which is in line with the expected scope of practice for these positions. CNA students typically study topics such as infection control, personal care, and communication.
Necessary Skills and Knowledge
Licensed practical nurses must have a broad base of knowledge and skills in order to provide safe, effective care to patients. In addition to having a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology, LPNs must also be able to effectively assess patients, develop nursing care plans, administer some forms of medication, and perform basic medical procedures, such as drawing blood.
CNAs, on the other hand, are not required to have as broad a range of skills and knowledge as LPNs. CNAs typically provide basic patient care, such as bathing and feeding patients, taking vital signs, turning and positioning patients in bed, and providing skincare. They may also perform some simple medical procedures, such as collecting urine samples. Their scope of practice is typically limited to assisting patients with the activities of daily living, rather than providing direct medical care.
Supervisory Responsibility
LPNs typically have more supervisory responsibility than CNAs. In many health care settings, LPNs are responsible for supervising CNAs and other members of the nursing team. In some cases, LPNs may also be responsible for managing patient care assignments and coordinating the work of the nursing team.
CNAs, on the other hand, typically do not have supervisory responsibility. Their primary focus is on providing support to patients and performing routine tasks, such as bathing and feeding patients, taking vital signs, and moving patients in and out of bed. Their role within a healthcare team is typically that of a subordinate, rather than a leader. This doesn’t diminish the importance of their work, however, as CNAs play a vital role in providing high-quality patient care.
Salary
As with most occupations, there is a difference in salary between LPNs and CNAs directly correlated to the level of education, training, and responsibility required for each position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for LPNs was $51,850, or $24.93 per hour, in May 2021. Practical nurses in the top 10% of all earners made $63,790 or more per year, while those in the bottom 10% earned an annual salary of $37,150 or less.
In contrast, the average annual salary for CNAs was $33,250, or $15.99 per hour, in May 2021 – almost $19,000 less than their LPN counterparts. CNAs in the top 10% of all earners made $44,240 or more per year, while those in the bottom 10% earned an annual salary of $23,880.
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Conclusion
Becoming a licensed practical nurse or certified nursing assistant is an attractive option for many aspiring nursing students because each role allows them to work directly with patients and see tangible results. Additionally, both positions require a relatively short period of education and training as compared to other nursing roles, allowing students to begin working in their chosen field relatively quickly.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the scope of practice for CNAs is significantly narrower than that of LPNs. As such, the responsibilities and salary for each position differ accordingly. If you are thinking about your long-term career goals when choosing between the two roles, it’s important to consider the impact that each role will have on your future prospects.
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