Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), called a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California and Texas, provides fundamental medical and nursing care to patients who are ill, injured, or disabled. Working under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and physicians, LPNs serve as essential members of the healthcare team, delivering hands-on patient care in a variety of settings.
| Median Salary | $47,960-$80,510 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +3%Good |
| Education | Certificate or Diploma |
| Time to Start | 12-18 months |
Work Settings
- •Nursing homes and long-term care facilities (37% of LPNs)
- •Hospitals
- •Physician offices and clinics
- •Home healthcare services
- •Hospice centers
- •Schools and correctional facilities
Primary Duties
- •Monitor patient health by taking and recording vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration)
- •Assist patients with activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting
- •Administer oral, topical, and injectable medications as permitted by state law
- •Perform wound care, change dressings, and assist with catheter care
- •Document all patient care, observations, and interventions in Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
- •Collect samples for laboratory testing and prepare patients for examinations
- •Provide emotional support to patients and families and communicate care plan information
- •Follow strict infection control protocols and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriately
How to Become Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
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Duration: 6 months
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Duration: 18 months
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Duration: 24 months
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Duration: 24 months
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Duration: 24 months
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Duration: 24 months
Certifications & Licenses
- •NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) - Required
- •State LPN/LVN License - Required
- •Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Certification - Required
- •IV Therapy/Infusion Therapy Certification - Optional but highly valuable
- •Wound Care Certification (CWS, CWCN) - Optional specialty
- •Gerontology Certification - Optional specialty
- •Pharmacology Certification - Optional specialty
- •Long-Term Care (LTC) Certification - Optional specialty
Similar Careers
Registered Nurse (RN) →
The most common advancement path for LPNs. Through LPN-to-RN bridge programs (ADN or BSN), you can expand your scope of practice, increase earning potential by approximately 50% (median RN salary: $93,600), and access leadership roles and acute care positions. Many LPNs work while completing bridge programs, which typically take 12-18 months for ADN or 2-3 years for BSN.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) →
A common stepping stone into the LPN role. CNAs complete shorter training (4-12 weeks) and earn a median salary of $39,430. Many CNAs work while attending LPN school, and some institutions offer CNA-to-LPN bridge programs. The hands-on patient care experience as a CNA provides excellent preparation for LPN education.
Medical Assistant →
Medical assistants work primarily in outpatient settings like physician offices and clinics, performing both clinical and administrative duties. While the scope is different from LPNs (more administrative tasks, less direct nursing care), the clinical skills overlap. Some medical assistants transition to LPN roles for expanded clinical responsibilities and higher pay.
Home Health Aide →
Home health aides provide personal care services in patients' homes with less medical training than LPNs. This can be an entry-level position before pursuing LPN education. Conversely, experienced LPNs often work in home healthcare settings, providing more advanced skilled nursing care that home health aides cannot perform.
Nurse Practitioner →
A long-term advancement goal requiring first becoming an RN, then earning a Master's or Doctoral degree. LPNs who complete an LPN-to-BSN bridge program can continue to graduate school to become Nurse Practitioners, significantly expanding their scope of practice to include diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient care independently.
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