LPN Career Path: What’s Next?
Written by:
Wilson College Online
• Jul 15, 2026
Nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce. They practice in many types of settings, provide a broad spectrum of care, and work at levels that range from licensed practical nurse (LPN) to nurse practitioner (NP).
According to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA), about 16% of registered nurses (RN) started off as LPNs, reflecting that the LPN career path is a meaningful route into professional nursing.
LPNs exploring what comes next can choose from several paths to advance in their careers. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is one of the most effective ways for LPNs to broaden their clinical expertise and gain access to new professional opportunities in areas that range from specialty practice to leadership.
How to Start a Career in Nursing
Launching a career in nursing generally begins with completing formal education and/or training, the length and scope of which depend on the type of role an individual wants to pursue, and obtaining the appropriate license or certification.
The following are the main entry-level roles in the nursing profession:
- Nursing assistant: Sometimes called nursing aides, certified nursing assistants (CNA) provide patients with basic care, which includes ensuring they are comfortable, reporting their health concerns to nurses and physicians, and measuring their vital signs. CNAs are generally considered to hold the most junior-level role in nursing.
- LPN: LPNs also provide basic medical care, but they have more responsibility than CNAs. LPNs may handle routine wound care, administer medication, and maintain patients’ health records.
- RN: Registered nurses make up the largest portion of the nursing workforce. They have a broader scope of practice than CNAs and LPNs, performing many of the same duties while also taking on additional responsibilities, such as conducting patient assessments, developing patient treatment plans, and providing patients with education about their health issues. Becoming an RN is often the most logical next step for LPNs looking to advance in their careers.
Career Paths for LPNs
LPNs who are ready to take their careers to the next level can pursue any of a few different paths, depending on their goals and the time and resources they’re able to commit to the process. Regardless of an LPN’s specific ambitions, the first step is furthering their education.
Associate Degree in Nursing
Completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program can qualify LPNs to become registered nurses. Typically taking two years to complete, ADN programs are designed to enable students to gain foundational medical knowledge and clinical skills, including the ability to conduct patient assessments and contribute to patient care planning.
ADN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a necessary step to qualify for licensure as an RN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A BSN is the most common degree among nurses, particularly for RNs, with more than 45% of RNs entering the workforce with a BSN, according to the NCHWA. BSN programs provide a more comprehensive nursing education than ADN programs, with expanded coursework in leadership, research, and community health; greater exposure to specialty practice areas; and more in-depth clinical training.
While earning an ADN can qualify LPNs to become RNs , a BSN is generally considered a more valuable credential, as BSN programs provide knowledge and skills beyond what associate degree programs provide. Additionally, many employers prefer or even require RN candidates to hold a BSN. A 2022 survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that more than 70% of employers strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses and nearly 28% require new nurses to have a BSN.
LPN to BSN bridge programs provide a fast, direct alternative to earning an ADN, allowing nurses to expedite their professional advancement.
What Can You Do With a BSN?
Compared to other nursing education options, such as earning an ADN or a diploma, earning a BSN expands LPNs’ career path to a wider range of professional opportunities. The following are just a few of the routes BSN-trained nurses can take.
Become an RN
BSN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, a prerequisite for RN licensure. While other requirements vary by state, all RNs need to be licensed to practice.
The advantages of becoming an RN are numerous for LPNs. RNs have a higher level of clinical expertise, have access to more specialized and leadership opportunities, and are in greater overall demand.
RN jobs are projected to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034, creating more than 166,000 new jobs nationwide, with approximately 189,000 job openings expected to be available each year during that period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). By contrast, employment of LPNs and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) is only projected to grow by 3%, resulting in about 17,000 new jobs.
Enter Specialty Practice or Leadership
Many BSN programs include coursework that explores specialized practice areas, including medical-surgical, maternity, and mental health nursing. Building expertise in these areas can enhance nurses’ competitiveness in the job market, unlocking new opportunities for them across a variety of settings.
BSN programs also emphasize leadership development, strengthening nurses’ ability to communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve within interdisciplinary teams. Employers are more likely to hire BSN-prepared nurses than LPN-prepared nurses for roles such as charge nurse or nurse manager. These positions carry greater responsibilities and often command higher salaries. Payscale reports that nurse managers had a median salary of approximately $101,000 as of December 2025.
Earn a Graduate Degree
A BSN is typically a prerequisite for pursuing a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Earning an MSN can lead to more advanced roles in which nurses can have an even greater impact, including positions such as nurse educator and nurse practitioner (NP).
NPs have a higher level of clinical authority than RNs and can often practice with greater autonomy. Depending on the state where they practice, some NPs may be able to operate their own private practice. The demand for NPs is substantial , with the BLS projecting 40% employment growth for these professionals between 2024 and 2034, translating to about 128,000 new jobs.
Looking Ahead in Your Nursing Journey
The career path of an LPN can follow many different directions, from expanding their clinical responsibilities to stepping into a leadership or specialty practice role. By furthering their education, LPNs can broaden their scope of practice and position themselves for long-term success in an evolving, growing field.
The LPN to BSN program at Wilson College Online allows you to apply your existing credits toward a bachelor’s degree, enabling you to earn your BSN more efficiently and move forward in your career sooner. The program’s flexible online format lets you continue working while you earn your degree—and even apply the skills you learn in the program to your current role.
Learn how Wilson College Online can prepare you to take the next step on your nursing journey.
Recommended Readings
How to Balance Nursing School and Work
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet
American Nurses Association, “ADN vs BSN: Which Is Right for You?”
Indeed, “7 Types of Nursing Degrees: A Guide for Employers”
Payscale, Average Nursing Manager Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies
