RNs have the authority to provide direct care to individuals, while LPNs typically assist clinicians or registered nurses and have a narrow scope of practice. Additionally, licensed practical nurses (LPN) require a diploma from a technical school or college offering an LPN nursing program. LPN programs usually take around 12-16 months, though some may take up to two years to complete. Training to become an LPN also involves clinical instruction. However, all LPN graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN upon graduation to earn their license upon graduation. On the other hand, Registered nurses follow a four-year BSN program and then have to complete the NCLEX-RN successfully.