Practical Nurse vs Registered Nurse: A Calgary Perspective

If you’re considering a career in nursing, one of your first questions might be: Should I become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN)? Both roles are essential in Alberta’s healthcare system, each offering unique opportunities, responsibilities, and pathways. 

 

Let’s break down the key differences so you can make the choice that fits your goals. 

 

Education and Training Pathways 

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) complete a diploma-level program, such as Columbia College Calgary’s 20-month accelerated Practical Nurse Diploma. This program provides hands-on clinical training that prepares students to enter the workforce quickly. 

Registered Nurses (RNs) require a four-year Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree. Their training includes broader studies in leadership, research, and healthcare management. 

If you’re looking to enter the healthcare field sooner and gain direct patient care experience, the LPN route might be ideal. 

 

Roles and Responsibilities 

While both LPNs and RNs care for patients, their responsibilities differ slightly: 

• LPNs focus on bedside care: monitoring patient progress, administering treatments, supporting the healthcare team in direct-care settings. They often collaborate with RNs and physicians, focusing on hands-on care and routine assessments. 

• RNs have a broader scope: they perform comprehensive assessments, develop and adjust care plans, may supervise other nursing staff, engage in leadership or teaching, and often work in more complex care settings. 

For LPNs, the career possibilities extend beyond typical hospital work. According to this article on 11 Rewarding Careers for Alberta LPNs, PNs can work in a variety of areas such as: 

• acute care 

• long-term care 

• home care, community health  

• mental health/addiction services  

• pediatrics/maternity 

• corrections 

• occupational health 

• education/mentorship 

• aesthetics 

• LPNs looking to advance their careers can enroll in bridging programs to become Registered Nurses or Nurse Practitioners, expanding their scope of practice and leadership opportunities. 

This variety highlights that the LPN role is flexible and can lead to diverse career paths, reinforcing why choosing the right program is important. 

 

Work Settings and Opportunities 

Licensed Practical Nurses in Calgary find employment in a variety of environments: hospitals, long-term care, home health, clinics, and specialized units. 

The demand for LPNs in Alberta continues to grow, with strong job prospects across the province. Many LPNs also choose to pursue additional certifications or bridge into RN programs later in their careers. 

 

Salary and Job Outlook 

• According to current Alberta data, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) earn an average of $31.91/hour, or approximately $51,000 to $62,000 per year, depending on experience and region. 

• The wage range varies across the province: entry-level LPNs may earn around $26/hour, while experienced nurses can earn up to $36/hour in higher-demand areas. In Calgary, wages tend to be slightly higher than in other zones due to regional demand. 

• Registered Nurses (RNs) in Alberta earn an average of $47.38/hour, or approximately $73,000 per year, RNs earn more overall but take longer to reach the workforce but these numbers which highlight the strong long-term career potential of those who may later bridge from LPN to RN programs. 

Graduates from Practical Nurse programs in Alberta can quickly earn a strong income, often recouping their tuition costs within a few years of working full-time. Both career paths offer excellent stability, growth, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

 

Which Nursing Path Is Right for You? 

If you’re eager to start working in healthcare sooner and value hands-on patient interaction, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse may be your best path forward. 

Columbia College’s Practical NursingN Diploma offers small class sizes, clinical placements, and an accelerated pathway to employment right here in Calgary. 

 

Take the next step toward your nursing career today.
Explore the Practical Nurse Diploma Program 

 

 

Sources 

• Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) – Licensed Practical Nurse Profile 

• Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) – Registered Nurse Profile 

• Government of Canada Job Bank – Licensed Practical Nurse (NOC 32101) Wages in Alberta 

• Government of Canada Job Bank – Registered Nurse (NOC 31301) Wages in Alberta 

• Columbia College – 11 Rewarding Careers for Alberta LPNs 

• Columbia College – Practical Nurse Diploma Program 

 

Data last accessed October 2025. Wage and job-outlook information sourced from Government of Alberta and Government of Canada databases.