I live in NN, VA and want to go to school for Professional Nursing.Which school is better for me to attend?

I have researched different schools in the area (Sentara School of Nursing, MCI, Riverside School of Nursing and the Thomas Nelson Professional Nursing Program) I can't figure out if one program is better than the other. Also, does anyone know the difference between an LPN and an RN? I was told that RN's do a lot more paperwork. I don't mind paperwork but Iwant to work more with the patient. The programs say that I will finish with an ociate's Degree but an LPN finishes with a Diploma. What is the difference if both Nurses have to go through the state to be licensed?