Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Program Overview
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Credit: Monkey Business Images / ShutterstockHow Long to Become
1 year
Credits Required
45-50 credits
Average Salary
$47,480 (BLS)
Opportunities with a LPN/LVN
Quicker Entry
The LPN/LVN route can be a quicker and less expensive path to employment in the nursing field.
Path to Advancement
Many LPNs and LVNs work in their field for one or two years, and then eventually return to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Explore the Nursing Field
Becoming an LPN/LVN allows you to get experience and see if nursing is a good fit for you before committing to a longer program.
Skills Learned
Patient care, teamwork, and communication and organizational skills.
How Much Will I Make With an LPN/LVN Certificate or Diploma?
$23.32
Mean Hourly Salary
$4,042
Mean Monthly Salary
$48,500
Mean Annual Salary
Source: BLS
How to Become an LPN/LVN
- 1
Find an Accredited Practical or Vocational Nursing Program
State-approved LPN and LVN programs are typically offered through technical schools and community colleges, though some hospitals and high schools also offer training.
- 2
Apply to LPN/LVN Programs
Applicants are usually required to have either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some programs may require that applicants take the TEAS exam.
- 3
Attend LPN/LVN Classes
LPN and LVN programs feature academic, lab, and clinical components. Coursework covers the fundamentals of nursing and human anatomy, and clinical requirements can be completed at healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes.
- 4
Graduate from an LPN/LVN Program
Students can finish an LPN/LVN program within a year to 16 months.
- 5
Register for NCLEX-PN Exam
This exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and is used to assess a candidate’s readiness to work as a practical or vocational nurse.
- 6
Pass NCLEX-PN Exam
Candidates typically wait around six weeks to receive their score. Upon passing, they are eligible to apply for licensure and begin working.
Entry-Level Nursing Programs
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Admission Requirements for an LPN/LVN Program
Aspiring LPNs and LVNs can pursue programs in community colleges, technical schools, hospitals, and high schools. Students should note that requirements vary by institution. However, schools typically require each applicant to hold a high school diploma or GED certificate and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
While programs do not require prerequisite coursework beyond standard high school courses, a solid background in math and science helps students excel in these programs. A vocational nursing applicant may also need to provide letters of recommendation and a resume.
Core Concepts in an LPN/LVN Program
LPN/LVN education prepares graduates to apply nursing processes in healthcare settings to promote healing. Schools also focus on creating ethically driven professionals who work within the legal boundaries of LPN/LVN professional practice. LPN and LVN programs examine nursing competencies and theories, including the following:
- Fundamentals of nursing
- Anatomy of the human body
- Medications
- Processes of disease
Students also learn to provide high quality care and examine the best strategies for developing care plans for specific populations. The following are typical courses focused on specialized care giving:
- Mental health nursing
- Maternal and pediatric nursing
- Geriatric nursing
LPN and LVN nurses also need hands-on experience before entering the field. Therefore, the LPN/LVN curriculum includes multiple practicum experiences that amount to over 1,500 hours.
Clinical and Lab Components in an LPN/LVN Program
LPN and LVN requirements include clinical hours and lab components. Students should note that the amount of hours varies by state. Mandatory field experience hours usually range from 500-750 hours. However, the best programs often include practical experience to fully prepare graduates for the field.
What To Expect From an Online LPN/LVN Program
Interested students considering careers as LPNs or LVNs can earn their degrees online. Courses may follow an asynchronous format, allowing enrollees to complete coursework at any time to meet their deadline dates. Assignments may include exams, essays, and projects. Students engage with instructors and peers through online discussion boards and email.
Other online courses may use a synchronous format, which requires live attendance through students’ webcam. Synchronous learning still requires degree seekers to submit assignments digitally. While students can complete courses online, programs require in-person attendance for clinicals and other field experiences.
Is an LPN/LVN Program Right for Me?
The nursing field offers professional opportunities at multiple levels, allowing students to begin working without an extensive time commitment to their education. Aspiring professionals who need to begin working quickly often choose to complete LVN or LPN requirements, which comprise a year of education before entering the field.
Professionals who earn LPN or LVN credentials before entering RN programs gain more experience, which creates a competitive edge when applying to ADN or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. However, an LPN certificate comes with limitations in the field. For instance, LPNs do not qualify for leadership opportunities and cannot work in as many settings as RNs. LPNs must work under licensed professionals at all times and do not earn as much as RNs.
Questions About LPN and LVN Programs
BLS projections indicate that employment for LPNs/LVNs will grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029, demonstrating ample opportunities in the profession. Demand for nurses, as a whole, continues to increase. The job can be stressful, nurses spend a good part of their workday on their feet, for instance, but it is also highly rewarding.
Related Pages
Top LPN Programs and Schools in the Country
An LPN program is a promising path into a healthcare career. LPNs are in demand and can advance their education to earn higher wages as RNs.
The Best Online LPN-to-BSN Programs
Are you an LPN ready to move up in your career? Explore our rankings of the best online LPN-to-BSN programs to find the best fit for your professional goals.