The levels of nursing start with the certified nursing. assistant position, which is an entry-level job. The next level is the licensed practical nurse, followed by the registered nurse. The highest nurse title is the advanced practice registered nurse.
Are you thinking of pursuing a career in nursing? It’s a diverse field with many roles to which you can aspire. For example, you could begin with an entry-level position as a nursing assistant, and your career might eventually take you to advanced positions in nursing leadership.
Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program values the growth of our students. We offer a comprehensive hybrid curriculum combining online coursework with in-person skills labs and clinical rotations. With the right education, you can set yourself up for continuous advancement in your career.
Let’s learn more about the levels of nursing and what different nurse titles mean in practical terms.
What Are the Levels of Nursing?
So, what are the levels of nursing, and which level is ideal for you? The different levels refer to a hierarchy within the nursing field, with low-barrier-to-entry careers at the bottom and careers with more requirements at the top.
Although it can be helpful to picture the different nursing ranks this way, it’s important to note that every nursing professional plays an integral role in patient care. Patients will always need entry-level nursing assistants, just as they’ll always need higher-level, well-credentialed nurses.
What is an ABSN program, and is it right for you? Learn more about what an ABSN can do for your career.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
The first “rung” on the ladder of levels of nurses is the certified nursing assistant (CNA). A CNA provides primary nursing care to patients and serves as a support staff member to the nurses. It’s important to note that while a CNA works in the nursing field, they are a nursing assistant rather than a nurse.
What Does a CNA Do?
CNAs assist patients with the activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include bathing, dressing, toileting, repositioning and eating. CNAs can also record basic health information by noting concerns and symptoms and relaying that information to a nurse. Additionally, they can measure and record vital signs, including blood pressure.
Education & Certification Requirements
Different states have varying requirements for becoming a CNA. Usually, aspiring nursing assistants must complete a state-approved education program and pass a certification exam. The education program includes a blend of coursework and supervised experience. Upon landing a job, a CNA may undergo on-the-job training.
Salary and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing assistants earned a median annual salary of $38,130 as of May 2023. The estimated job growth rate from 2022 through 2032 is 4%, about as fast as average, indicating that healthcare employers expect to hire about 58,400 professionals at this nursing level during this period.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Depending on the state, a licensed practical nurse is sometimes called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). On the different levels of nursing, an LPN is a step above a CNA. LPNs work in hospitals and physicians’ offices, residential care facilities, and home health agencies.
What Does an LPN Do?
Professionals with the nurse title LPN or LVN can provide basic care, such as assisting patients with ADLs, recording vital signs, providing wound care, documenting patient care and relaying concerns to registered nurses and other providers. LPNs can also collect samples for lab testing. In some states, LPNs who have specific training may start IV drips or administer medications.
Education & Licensure Requirements
Like CNAs, LPNs must complete a state-approved training program. However, this training program tends to be longer and more comprehensive than CNAs — typically lasting about a year. Instead of taking a certification exam, aspiring LPNs must pass a licensure exam, the NCLEX-PN.
LPNs interested in taking on additional responsibilities may earn optional certifications in areas such as wound care, intravenous therapy and gerontology. In addition, LPNs are expected to hold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support certifications.
Salary and Career Outlook
The BLS notes that LPNs and LVNs made a median annual salary of $59,730 as of May 2023. The job growth rate is expected to be 5% from 2022 through 2032, faster than average. At this rate of job growth, healthcare employers may hire about 34,900 LPN professionals during that period.
Registered Nurse (RN)
With more demanding education, training and licensure requirements than other professionals in the nursing ranks, RNs also take on more significant responsibilities. They are charged with coordinating and delivering patient care, patient education and patient support. RNs can work across various healthcare settings, from hospitals and outpatient clinics to schools and emergency medical evacuation flights.
Interested in how to become a nurse fast? Check out the accelerated pathway here.
What Does an RN Do?
A registered nurse’s daily tasks will vary depending on their nursing specialty (e.g., pediatrics, dialysis or oncology). In general, however, they may do the following:
- Assess patients
- Document patient health information
- Develop care plans
- Administer medications
- Implement treatments
- Operate medical equipment
- Conduct diagnostic tests
- Provide education
Education & Licensure Requirements
On the hierarchy of different levels of nursing, RNs follow the first career pathway that typically requires a degree. Choosing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is ideal, as this is the most comprehensive and in-depth education option for RNs.
A traditional BSN takes four years to complete. However, if you have prior non-nursing education, you may be eligible to apply for an ABSN program. For example, the ABSN program here at Madonna can be completed in as few as 16 months.
After completing a nursing degree program, aspiring RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN® to obtain their nursing license.
Salary and Career Outlook
Since RNs are a step above LPNs on the levels of nursing, it stands to reason that they have higher salary expectations. According to the BLS, RNs made a median annual salary of $86,070 as of May 2023. The BLS estimates the job growth rate for RNs to be 6% from 2022 through 2032, faster than average, indicating a possible addition of about 177,400 new RN jobs.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
RNs who pursue career advancement might consider becoming APRNs. An APRN is a nursing professional with advanced education and training, enabling them to practice with greater autonomy and serve as nurse leaders in healthcare settings. APRNs are advocates for their patients and improvements in the delivery of care.
What Does an APRN Do?
At this level of nurses, there are different types of APRNs. They are:
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
APRNs can choose to further subspecialize within their area. For instance, a nurse practitioner may focus on family care or adult-gerontology.
Because of the specializations available, an APRN’s exact duties will vary considerably according to their specialty. For instance, CNMs provide gynecologic, family planning, prenatal and postnatal care, and care during labor and delivery. In general, an APRN can do everything an RN can but with greater autonomy.
Education & Licensure Requirements
At the highest levels of nursing, APRNs have the most demanding requirements. After gaining experience as an RN, an aspiring APRN must earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The degree must focus on their chosen specialty area. They must then pass the board certification exam for their specialty and obtain an APRN license.
After completing your BSN degree with Madonna, you can pursue the MSN and DNP degrees offered through our university.
Salary and Career Outlook
APRNs have the most substantial earning potential as the highest levels of nurses. The BLS states they made a median annual salary of $129,480 as of May 2023. The BLS estimates job growth for nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives to be 38% from 2022 through 2032, much faster than average. At this rate of job growth, employers may hire about 123,600 professionals during this period.
Prepare for Your Nursing Future at Madonna
At Madonna University, you can use your prior non-nursing college education as a starting point for earning your nursing degree on an accelerated timeline. Our ABSN program allows you to graduate in as few as 16 months, if you meet the eligibility requirements and with the completion of all prerequisite courses. With three start dates per year, January, May, and August, you can begin sooner than you’d think.
Madonna nurses benefit from our values-based education. You’ll enjoy a caring, supportive learning environment that champions your progress here. Contact our admissions representatives today to take the next step toward a rewarding nursing career.