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 one or two years of training.

Explore this guide to discover how to become an LPN (also known as a licensed vocational nurse or LVN in Texas and California), the typical work settings, and the career outlook.

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 complete a one-year, state-approved vocational program and then pass the NCLEX-PN, which are requirements for licensure to practice in all states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for an LPN is $60,790.

However, LPN salaries are influenced by several factors, including specialty area, work setting, and location. LPNs with in-demand specialty experience in areas like gerontology or intravenous therapy can earn higher-than-average salaries. LPNs working in government positions tend to earn the most.

You must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become a licensed practical nurse. After gaining work experience, you can boost your earnings by attaining 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 may vary, but there are a lot of common similarities no matter where you live or study. For example, all prospective LPNs must first earn their 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 a passing NCLEX-PN score, but there may be 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 getting experience, LPNs can earn specialty certifications in a variety of fields. This helps them advance their careers and improve their earning potential.

For example, you may choose 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 health care, developmental disabilities, or nephrology.

LPN positions may become available in response to nursing shortages and growing demand for healthcare services by an aging population. 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.

LPN salaries range $33,000-$91,000 per year, with an average annual salary of $62,140, as reported by ZipRecruiter. The BLS projects about 34,900 openings from 2022-2032. LPNs can boost their earnings depending on their experience, workplace setting, and geographical location.

Nursing and residential care facilities hire 35% of working LPNs, while hospitals, home healthcare agencies, and physician offices hire 12-15% of working LPNs, according to the BLS. While LPNs obtain the necessary training to provide care, specific skills depend on their workplace setting.