How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Gayle Morris, MSN
By
Updated on June 26, 2024
Edited by
Learn what licensed practical nurses (LPN) earn and what impacts their salaries.
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LPNs talking to each other in a hospital hallwayCredit: Solskin / DigitalVision / Getty Images

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.

How Long to Become
1-2 years

Degree Required
LPN/LVN

Job Outlook
5% projected growth, slightly faster than average

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What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

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.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse

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.

  1. 1

    Earn an LPN/LVN credential

    An LPN has completed an accredited and state-approved diploma or certificate program rather than a college degree. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and vocational schools. They usually take 1-2 years to complete and include training in basic nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and medical terminology. Candidates also receive hands-on experience in healthcare workplaces.

  2. 2

    Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam to Receive LPN Licensure

    All states require LPN candidates to pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to receive their nursing license and begin their nursing career. After graduating and meeting all other eligibility requirements (these vary by state), a candidate registers for the NCLEX-PN through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Candidates take up to five hours to complete 85-150 questions.

  3. 3

    Find Employment in Nursing

    New LPNs can find employment through social media and other online sources, community or employer-specific job boards, interpersonal networking, staffing agencies, local health departments, and more. According to the BLS, the largest employers for LPNs are nursing care facilities, hospitals, home health service providers, and physician offices.

  4. 4

    Consider Becoming a Certified LPN

    While not a requirement for employment, specialized certifications can improve earning potential and position you for career advancement. LPNs can pursue certifications in several specialties through state agencies and professional associations.

    A popular LPN certification is the certified hospice and palliative licensed nurse (CHPLN) credential from the Hospice and Palliative Care Association and Certification in Long-Term Care (LPN-CTLC) for LPNs working with chronically ill patients.

Licensed Practical Nurse Education

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:

LPN/LVN Program

The education program prepares students for entry-level nursing positions through a combination of classroom and clinical learning. Full-time students often complete the curriculum in one year. After graduation, candidates pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed.

  • Admission Requirements: At least 18 years old, high school diploma or GED certificate, minimum 2.5 GPA, transcripts, drug test and criminal background check, CPR certification
  • Program Curriculum: 30-40 credits including coursework in nursing fundamentals, biology, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, human growth, development, and basic nutrition; 500-700 clinical hours
  • Time to Complete: 12-24 months
  • Skills Learned: Basic patient care, patient assessment and monitoring, record keeping, patient education, and communication

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensure and Certification

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.

Working as a Licensed Practical Nurse

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse

RNs and LPNs differ in education and scope of practice. RNs hold a two or four-year degree and must pass the NCLEX-RN. They perform complex medical procedures and can pursue various opportunities for specialization and advancement. RNs have a higher earning potential than LPNs due to their broader scope of practice. LPNs complete a shorter diploma program, which allows them to enter the workforce more quickly. LPNs can provide basic patient care, but only under the supervision of RNs and doctors.