LVN vs. CNA: What’s the Difference?
If you’re curious about comparing LVN vs. CNA roles, you’ve come to the right place. These two clinicians have some overlap in responsibilities, but they have very different schooling, scopes of practice, and salary ranges. Learn more about CNA vs. LVN career paths.
Both certified nursing assistants and licensed vocational nurses work amongst a team of clinicians, and everyone’s role is essential for helping patients achieve the best outcomes. In either of these roles, you’re likely to work alongside the following professionals:
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Physician assistants (PAs)
- Physicians
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Respiratory technicians and technologists
- Case managers
What are CNAs and LVNs?
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are unlicensed professionals who provide basic care. They’re commonly supervised by RNs and complete tasks such as hygiene and basic comfort that are essential but don’t require nurse training.
Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are nursing professionals who work under the supervision and direction of RNs and physicians. If you’re wondering about the difference between LVN vs. LPN, it all comes down to the state: Outside of California and Texas, the same professionals are referred to as licensed practical nurses, or LPNs. Their primary focus is on basic bedside care and nursing tasks, and they may supervise or work alongside CNAs. Learn about comparing LPNs vs. CNAs.
Comparing Responsibilities
Common CNA duties include:
- Giving bed baths and maintaining patients’ hygiene
- Lifting and turning patients
- Collecting vital signs
- Ambulating patients
- Stocking supplies
- Feeding patients
- Providing emotional support
- Answering calls and emails
- Completing documentation
Common LVN responsibilities include CNA duties, as well as:
- Providing wound care
- Administering medication
- Assisting with tests and procedures
- Performing regular assessments
- Updating patients and families
- Coordinating with RNs, NPs, PAs, physicians, and support staff
LVN vs. CNA Requirements
CNAs go through a training program, which typically takes a few months. In most states, CNAs need to be certified or get on the CNA registry before being able to work, and this requires a background check. Depending on the areas, CNA requirements may be managed by the state nursing board, public health board, or another entity.
LVNs go through diploma programs, which typically take a year or more. During training, they complete didactic courses, skills check-offs, and clinical rotations. After that, LVNs must pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for LPNs/LVNs and become licensed with the state board of nursing.
Work Settings
CNAs can work in many settings, including:
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Acute care hospitals
- Assisted living facilities
- Post-acute care
- Home health
Here’s a breakdown of where LVNs work:
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Acute care hospitals
- Home health
- Outpatient offices
CNA vs. LVN Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for CNAs is $41,270 per year, or $19.84 per hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the demand for CNAs will grow by 2% in the next several years.
In contrast, LPNs and LVNs earn an average of $64,150 per year, which is about $30.84 per hour. Jobs for this role are expected to grow by 3%, which aligns with the average for all occupations.
LVN vs. CNA Cheat Sheet
| Item | LVN | CNA |
|---|---|---|
| Education/training requirements |
|
|
| Responsibilities | Nursing tasks with supervision, including medication administration, catheter care, wound care, bed turns, as well as some CNA responsibilities | Basic care tasks, including feeding, bed changes, bathing, ambulation and mobility, room cleaning, vital signs and blood glucose collections, and more |
| Work settings |
Primarily in assisted living and skilled nursing, home health, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings
|
Similar to LVNs, plus opportunities in acute care settings, including emergency departments, med-surg, cardiac care, and more |
| Average salary nationwide | $64,150 per year | $41,270 per year |
| Potential benefits | Broader scope of practice, with no degree requirement to enter | Lower barrier to entry; training is short and relatively inexpensive |
| Potential drawbacks | Without going back to school, LVNs may have few avenues for advancement | Limited career or income advancement opportunities |
Which Role Is Right for You?
As you’re weighing these career options, here are a few themes to keep in mind:
- Initial time and cost: Do you want to start a role in healthcare relatively quickly? Pursuing a CNA role might be the best fit because the training is faster, and you can always pursue an LVN diploma later. On the other hand, if you have a longer timeframe in mind, investing in a vocational nursing career can offer more long-term growth opportunities and a higher salary.
- Work opportunities: In some areas, LVNs are less common in acute care. If your goal is to get basic experience before choosing a career path, becoming a CNA may mean that you can pursue work in more varied settings. Look up LVN jobs and CNA jobs in your area to learn more about where these professionals are employed.
- Ways to advance: CNA advancement can include certifications, but they generally have more limited opportunities than vocational nurses, who can choose LVN-to-RN bridge programs. If you’re interested in ascending into management, leadership, education, or another nursing area, becoming an LVN may be a faster way to get started.
Another Option: Comparing RN vs. LVN vs. CNA
Let’s throw another career option into consideration: Becoming a registered nurse (RN). RNs create and manage nursing care plans, administer a broad array of medications and treatments, delegate care to LVNs and CNAs, and much more. Learn more about what registered nurses do.
What does it take to become licensed as an RN? First, you’ll need to complete a prelicensure program (either an ADN or BSN), which takes between two and four years. Then you’ll have to pass the NCLEX-RN and register for licensure with your state nursing board. It takes longer to complete these requirements, and RN education is more expensive than CNA or LVN training.
The upshot is that RNs can work in all of the same areas as LVNs and CNAs, with the addition of consulting, academia, research, sales, community health, and much more. They also earn significantly higher salaries: RNs average $98,430 per year. Plus, the projected job growth for RNs caps the other two options at 5% — faster than average for all occupations.
Advancement opportunities for RNs are also strong. Down the line, you might want to pursue a nurse manager role or become a nurse educator. RNs can obtain advanced degrees to become nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, or certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). While the initial requirements are higher, becoming an RN is a potentially very rewarding path.
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