Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Provide essential nursing care by monitoring patient health, administering medications, and assisting with daily living activities.
| Median Salary | $62,340 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +3%Good |
| Education | Postsecondary Certificate |
| Time to Start | 12-18 months |
Work Settings
- •Long-term care facilities and skilled nursing facilities
- •Hospitals and acute care centers
- •Home healthcare agencies
- •Physicians' offices and outpatient clinics
- •Rehabilitation centers
- •Correctional facilities
Primary Duties
- •Monitor patient health by checking vital signs including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration
- •Administer prescribed medications through oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous routes
- •Assist patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility
- •Change bandages and wound dressings while maintaining infection control protocols
- •Document patient status and maintain accurate health records using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
- •Communicate care plans and address concerns with patients and their families
- •Report patient status changes and concerns to supervising Registered Nurses or physicians
- •Set up medical equipment and prepare patients for examinations and procedures
How to Become Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Complete prerequisites and prepare application
Obtain high school diploma/GED, complete required science courses, study for entrance exams (TEAS or HESI A2), and gather application materials
Duration: 6 months
Complete LPN/LVN certificate or diploma program
Complete 700-1,500 total training hours including classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in various healthcare settings
Duration: 18 months
Apply for state licensure and register for NCLEX-PN
Submit application to state board of nursing, complete background check and fingerprinting, and register with Pearson VUE testing service
Duration: 24 months
Take and pass the NCLEX-PN examination
Receive Authorization to Test (ATT), schedule exam, and pass the computer-adaptive test (85-205 questions, 5-hour limit)
Duration: 2 months
Receive official license and begin job search
State board processes application and issues license; begin applying for LPN/LVN positions in your desired healthcare setting
Duration: 24 months
Start working as a Licensed Practical Nurse
Begin your nursing career and consider specialty certifications or LPN-to-RN bridge programs for advancement
Duration: 24 months
Continuing Education
Your LPN/LVN license must be renewed every one to two years, depending on your state's regulations. Most states require you to complete continuing education (CE) hours to qualify for renewal, with requirements varying by state. Common CE topics include Basic Life Support (BLS), infection control, pharmacology updates, and specialty areas relevant to your practice setting. States often conduct random audits to verify compliance, so you'll need to maintain documentation of all completed CE courses. Many employers offer CE opportunities and may provide paid time or tuition assistance for professional development.
Certifications & Licenses
- •NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) - Required
- •Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification - Required
- •State nursing license - Required
- •IV Therapy Certification - Optional, expands scope of practice
- •Wound Care Certification - Optional, valuable for long-term care and home health
- •Gerontology Certification - Optional, beneficial for working with elderly populations
- •Long-Term Care Certification - Optional, enhances expertise in skilled nursing facilities
- •Hospice and Palliative Care Certification - Optional, for end-of-life care specialization
Citations
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses ↗
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) ↗
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ↗
- National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN) ↗
- California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians ↗
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Information ↗
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