Nursing Career Levels: From Assistant to Advanced Practice

Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Technician

- Usually the first step in a nursing career

- Typically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training

- Responsibilities include helping with patient care tasks such as bathing, feeding, and taking vital signs

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

- Requires a diploma or associate degree from an accredited nursing program

- Must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)

- Can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private homes

- Responsibilities include providing basic patient care, administering medications, and monitoring vital signs

Registered Nurse (RN)

- Requires a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program

- Must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

- Can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and public health agencies

- Responsibilities include providing direct patient care, administering medications, and developing patient education plans

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

- Requires a master's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program

- APRNs include nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)

- Have more autonomy and can provide a wider range of services than RNs, such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing surgeries

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

- The highest level of nursing education

- Requires a doctorate in nursing from an accredited nursing program

- DNPs are typically employed in leadership or research positions