Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor vital signs, and assist with daily living activities under RN or physician supervision.
| Median Salary | $62,340 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +3%Good |
| Education | Postsecondary Certificate |
| Time to Start | 1-2 years |
Work Settings
- •Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
- •Hospitals
- •Home healthcare agencies
- •Physician offices and clinics
- •Long-term care facilities
- •Residential care facilities
- •Correctional facilities
Primary Duties
- •Monitor patient vital signs including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rate
- •Administer prescribed medications following state regulations and facility protocols
- •Perform wound care including changing bandages and dressings
- •Assist patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
- •Insert catheters and collect samples for laboratory testing
- •Document patient care, observations, and treatments in electronic health record systems
- •Communicate with patients and families about care plans and procedures
- •Report patient status changes and concerns to supervising RNs or physicians
How to Become Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Complete prerequisite courses
Complete required courses like Anatomy & Physiology, English, and Math. Full-time students finish in 4-8 months; part-time students may take 8-16 months.
Duration: 16 months
Apply to LPN/LVN programs
Submit applications, take entrance exams (HESI A2 or TEAS), complete background checks, and wait for acceptance. Some competitive programs have waitlists.
Duration: 12 months
Complete LPN/LVN program
Full-time programs typically take 12-18 months. Includes 500-700 hours of supervised clinical experience in healthcare settings.
Duration: 24 months
Pass NCLEX-PN exam
Apply for Authorization to Test (ATT), schedule and take the NCLEX-PN exam. The exam costs $200 and has an 85% first-time pass rate.
Duration: 3 months
Obtain state licensure
Submit licensure application, complete fingerprinting and background check, and pay state fees ($75-$200). Processing time varies by state.
Duration: 24 months
Job search and onboarding
Search for positions, complete interviews, and go through employer onboarding including orientation and preceptorship.
Duration: 3 months
Continuing Education
Most states require LPNs/LVNs to complete continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal, though specific requirements vary by state. Many nurses pursue specialty certifications in areas like wound care, IV therapy, gerontology, or hospice care to enhance their skills and earning potential. License renewal cycles and fees are determined by each state's Board of Nursing, so you'll need to check your specific state's requirements for CE hours, renewal intervals, and any competency assessments.
Certifications & Licenses
- •NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) - Required
- •State LPN/LVN License - Required
- •CPR/BLS Certification - Required
- •Wound Care Certified (WCC) - Optional specialty
- •Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) - Optional specialty
- •Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN) - Optional specialty
- •IV Therapy Certification - Optional specialty (state-dependent)
- •Long-Term Care Certification - Optional specialty
- •Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) - Optional specialty
Citations
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses ↗
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - NCLEX-PN Examination ↗
- National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) ↗
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ↗
- National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) ↗
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) - Nursys ↗
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