How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) offers a quicker path to a nursing career and doesn’t require a degree. LPNs can enter the workforce after 1-2 years of training.

Learn how to become an LPN — or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), as it’s referred to in Texas and California. Explore typical work settings, career outlooks, and salary data.

LPNs work under the supervision of an RN to provide basic patient care, such as administering medication and monitoring vital signs. They work in various medical settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, physician’s offices, and private homes.

LPNs must complete a one-year, state-approved vocational program and pass the NCLEX-PN to meet licensure requirements. The median annual LPN salary reached $62,340 in April 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Several factors shape earning potential, including the specialty area, work setting, and location. LPNs do not earn the highest salaries in the healthcare profession, nor are they the most in-demand. But sought-after specialties, such as gerontology or intravenous therapy, can earn LPNs higher-than-average salaries. Work settings, including both inpatient and outpatient facilities, offer varying salaries, though government positions and home health nurses tend to earn the most.

You must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse. After gaining work experience, you can boost your earnings by obtaining a specialty certification or continuing nursing education to become an RN in an LPN-to-RN bridge program.

The journey to becoming an LPN or LVN depends on your state. No matter where you live or study, you’ll need to earn a diploma and license before pursuing employment. Here are some common LPN program and application requirements:

All states require LPNs to hold a professional license to practice, including passing the NCLEX-PN. Some states may add additional requirements. LPNs must renew their state licenses, a process that may include demonstrating competency and earning continuing education credits. Each state establishes the renewal timeline and regulations.

After gaining experience, LPNs can earn specialty certifications in a variety of fields. This helps them advance their careers and improve their earning potential. For example, LPNs can pursue certifications focused on a work setting, such as long-term care or hospice and palliative care. Other certifications focus on specific roles or patient populations, such as correctional healthcare, developmental disabilities, or nephrology.

LPNs earn a median annual wage of $62,340, according to 2025 BLS data. The lowest-paid LPNs earn less than $48,000, while the highest-paid earn over $80,510. LPNs can boost their earnings based on their experience, workplace setting, and geographical location.

The BLS projects 3% job growth for LPNs from 2023-2033, which is substantially lower than the 7% growth projected for all health technologists and technicians. This translates into 54,000 job openings for LPNs annually.

Nursing and residential care facilities employ 35% of LPNs, while 16% work in hospitals, 12% in home healthcare agencies, and 12% in physician offices, according to the BLS. LPNs can start their employment search by looking for job listings on job boards, employers’ websites, and professional organizations. Many LPN programs offer career planning and placement services.