Are you interested in joining the nursing profession? You may have encountered a range of acronyms like “CNA,” “LPN,” and “RN” as you searched for more information on nursing roles. In this article, we’ll clarify these roles and explain how nursing students qualify for each.
Certified nursing assistant
A certified nursing assistant (CNA), often known as a “nurse’s aide,” helps patients with essential life tasks like eating, dressing, and maintaining proper hygiene. To gain licensure in Ohio, a CNA must complete a short course and pass the state certification exams. Nursing assistants report a median annual salary of $24,190 in Columbus, Ohio.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) carry out a range of healthcare procedures including recording vital signs, monitoring medical equipment, and dressing wounds. LPNs must complete a 12- to 18-month certificate program and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure exam. LPNs in Columbus earn a median annual salary of $40,930.
Registered nurse
A registered nurse (RN) often provides direct bedside care to patients, but RNs can also enter healthcare-related fields like health insurance, school nursing, or nursing administration. Ohio’s RNs may pursue one of four prelicensure pathways: hospital diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or direct-entry master’s degree. All candidates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam before practicing. Columbus RNs earn a median annual salary of $61,510.
Newly minted nurses can seek employment with major healthcare providers in Columbus, including the Marden Companies, Ohio State University Medical Center, and Aetna. To help aspiring nurses pursue this path, we’ve profiled below the major nursing schools and programs throughout the Columbus metropolitan area.