The undergraduate certificate required to practice as a licensed practical nurse means LPNs receive substantially lower wages than a registered nurse. While there are LPN to RN bridge programs and advanced placement options for licensed practical nurses to complete an Associate of Science in Nursing degree in 12 to 18 months, fewer than 25% percent of practical nurses take this career advancement step. LPN to RN programs are intensive and full-time, requiring a reduction in work hours. Some practical nurses … Read the rest