LPN vs CNA – Key Differences in Duties, Education, and Salary – (2025 Guide)

Trying to decide between becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? Both roles are essential in healthcare, but they differ in education, responsibilities, certification, job advancement, and salary potential.

Choosing between a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a significant decision, particularly within the Cincinnati metro/tri-state area.

What is an LPN?

A Licensed Practical Nurse provides basic nursing care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and physicians. In the Cincinnati area, LPNs are integral to various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.​

LPN Duties:

• Monitoring vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, temperature)​
• Administering medications and injections​
• Assisting with patient hygiene and personal care​
• Collecting samples for laboratory tests​
• Providing wound care​
• Maintaining accurate patient records​

LPN Education & Certification

• Program Duration: 12-18 months​
• Licensing Exam: NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses)​
• Curriculum Includes: Anatomy, pharmacology, nursing principles​

What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant assists patients with daily living activities and operates under the supervision of LPNs and RNs. In Cincinnati, CNAs are vital in settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health environments.​

CNA Duties:

• Helping patients with bathing, dressing, and eating​
• Assisting with mobility and transportation​
• Measuring and recording vital signs​
• Supporting medical procedures as needed​

CNA Education & Certification

• Program Duration: 4-12 weeks​
• Certification Exam: State competency examination​
• Training Focus: Basic nursing skills, patient safety, emergency procedures​

Salary and Job Outlook in Cincinnati Metro Area, OH-KY-IN *

LPN Salary and Job Outlook

• Average Salary: Approximately $54,050 per year
• Hourly Wage: Approximately $25.99 per hour
• Job Growth: Positive outlook with increasing demand in healthcare​

CNA Salary and Job Outlook

• Average Salary: Approximately $34,390 per year
• Hourly Wage: Approximately $16.53 per hour
• Job Growth: Steady demand due to essential role in patient care

LPN vs. CNA: Key Differences in Cincinnati

Understanding the distinctions between LPNs and CNAs in the Cincinnati area can guide your career path:​

Factor	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Education Duration	12-18 months	4-12 weeks
Certification	NCLEX-PN	State competency exam
Supervision	Under RNs and physicians	Under LPNs and RNs
Primary Duties	Medication administration, wound care, patient monitoring	Assisting with daily living activities, basic patient care
Mean Salary	$54,050 per year in Cincinnati Metro Area* BLS Source	$34,390 per year in Cincinnati Metro Area** BLS Source
Career Advancement	Opportunities to become an RN or specialize	Pathway to become an LPN or other healthcare roles
Work Settings	Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare	Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities

 

Which Path is Right for You?

Consider the following factors when choosing between an LPN and CNA career in Cincinnati:

• Time and Financial Investment: CNA programs are shorter and less costly, allowing quicker entry into the workforce.​
• Career Goals: LPNs have more responsibilities and higher earning potential, suitable for those seeking advanced roles.​
• Work Environment: Both roles are in demand across various healthcare settings in Cincinnati.​

 

Both LPNs and CNAs are essential to Cincinnati’s healthcare system. Your choice should align with your career aspirations, desired responsibilities, and the time you can commit to education. With a positive job outlook in the Cincinnati area, both paths offer rewarding opportunities in the healthcare field.

And before you Google “LPN programs near me” or “PN programs near me” check out “What is practical nursing?”  Or check out our PN program at Beckfield College and let us answer all your questions!

 

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*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): https://www.bls.gov/oes/2022/may/oes_17140.htm#

**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): https://www.bls.gov/oes/2022/may/oes_17140.htm#

National Council of Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLPN): https://www.ncbon.com/practice-licensed-practice-nurse

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc

National League for Nursing (NLN): https://www.nln.org/

Nurse.org: https://nurse.org/resources/certified-nursing-assistant-cna/

NurseJournal: https://nursejournal.org/