Hello Chris,
You can look up detailed descriptions on each licensure class here:
http://www.nursefriendly.com/rn
http://www.nursefriendly.com/lpn
BSNs are strictly for Registered Nurse Licensure.
You've got Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at the bottom, unlicensed.
LPN/LVNs above them, licensed and able to many of the same things RNs can do.
RNs usually are responsible for their own work and that of LPNs.
Certain tasks like pushing IV medications, checking identification on a unit of blood and administrative duties are strictly in the RN scope of practice depending the state you're in.
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To sit for an RN license, you can go to:
a. hospital diploma program.
b. Associates degree at a community college.
c. Bachelors, BSN program at a four year college.
All three prepare you for the same RN NCLEX exam and license. Most places won't pay any more for having a bsn vs Associates or Diploma.
So good question, why spend the extra money on school.
Having a BSN does open doors if you want to go into administration, managerial types of jobs later on.
Hope that helps.
Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursinga2z.com