[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurse (LPN)[/hen-ui-link] offers a quicker path to a nursing career and doesn’t require a degree. LPNs can enter the workforce after 1-2 years of training.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn how to become an LPN — or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]licensed vocational nurse (LVN)[/hen-ui-link], as it’s referred to in Texas and California. Explore typical work settings, career outlooks, and salary data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]1-2 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]LPN/LVN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Certification[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]Basic and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, IV Therapy[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]3% Growth from 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs must complete a one-year, state-approved vocational program and pass the NCLEX-PN to meet licensure requirements. The median annual LPN salary reached $62,340 in April 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several factors shape earning potential, including the specialty area, work setting, and location. LPNs do not earn the highest salaries in the healthcare profession, nor are they the most in-demand. But sought-after specialties, such as gerontology or intravenous therapy, can earn LPNs higher-than-average salaries. Work settings, including both inpatient and outpatient facilities, offer varying salaries, though government positions and home health nurses tend to earn the most.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming an LPN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must complete an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/best-lpn-nursing-programs/”]accredited practical nursing program[/hen-ui-link] and pass the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse. After gaining work experience, you can boost your earnings by obtaining a specialty certification or continuing nursing education to become an RN in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-online-lpn-to-rn-programs/”]LPN-to-RN bridge program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an LPN/LVN Credential from an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs must complete an accredited and state-approved diploma or certificate program. Community college and vocational schools typically offer these programs, which usually take 1-2 years to complete. Coursework covers basic nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and medical terminology. Candidates also receive hands-on experience in healthcare workplaces.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX-PN to Receive LPN Licensure:[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All states require LPN candidates to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]pass the NCLEX-PN[/hen-ui-link] in order to receive their nursing license and begin their nursing career. After graduating and meeting all other eligibility requirements, which vary by state, candidates register for the NCLEX-PN through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/exams.page” target=”_blank”]National Council of State Boards of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (NCSBN). Test-takers must complete 85-150 questions in roughly five hours.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Practical Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New LPNs can find employment through online sources, community or employer-specific job boards, interpersonal networking, staffing agencies, and local health departments. According to the BLS, the largest employers for LPNs are nursing care facilities, hospitals, home health service providers, and physician offices.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming Certified[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While not a requirement for employment, specialized certifications can improve earning potential and position you for career advancement. For example, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/hpcc/credentials/chpln/” target=”_blank”]Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse[/hen-ui-link] credential recognizes LPNs working with chronically ill patients. LPNs can pursue certifications in several specialties through state agencies and professional associations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]LPN/LVN Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The journey to becoming an LPN or LVN depends on your state. No matter where you live or study, you’ll need to earn a diploma and license before pursuing employment. Here are some common LPN program and application requirements:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]LPN/LVN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Practical nursing programs prepare students for entry-level practical 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 to become licensed.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] At least 18 years old, high school diploma or GED certificate, minimum 2.5 GPA, transcripts, drug test and criminal background check, CPR certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum:[/hen-ui-text] 30-40 credits, including coursework in nursing fundamentals, biology, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, human growth, development, and basic nutrition; 500-700 clinical hours[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete:[/hen-ui-text] 12-24 months[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned:[/hen-ui-text] Basic patient care, patient assessment and monitoring, record keeping, patient education, and communication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]LPN Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All states require LPNs to hold a professional license to practice, including passing the NCLEX-PN. Some states may add additional requirements. LPNs must renew their state licenses, a process that may include demonstrating competency and earning [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education credits[/hen-ui-link]. Each state establishes the renewal timeline and regulations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After gaining experience, LPNs can earn specialty certifications in a variety of fields. This helps them advance their careers and improve their earning potential. For example, LPNs can pursue certifications focused on a work setting, such as long-term care or [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/hpcc/credentials/chpln/” target=”_blank”]hospice and palliative care[/hen-ui-link]. Other certifications focus on specific roles or patient populations, such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncchc.org/professional-certification/cchp/” target=”_blank”]correctional healthcare[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://ddna.org/certification/” target=”_blank”]developmental disabilities[/hen-ui-link], or [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nncc-exam.org/certification/cd-lpncd-lvn” target=”_blank”]nephrology[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as an LPN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs earn a median annual wage of $62,340, according to 2025 BLS data. The lowest-paid LPNs earn less than $48,000, while the highest-paid earn over $80,510. LPNs can [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/best-paying-lpn-nursing-jobs/”]boost their earnings[/hen-ui-link] based on their experience, workplace setting, and geographical location.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects 3% job growth for LPNs from 2023-2033, which is substantially lower than the 7% growth projected for all health technologists and technicians. This translates into 54,000 job openings for LPNs annually.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing and residential care facilities employ 35% of LPNs, while 16% work in hospitals, 12% in home healthcare agencies, and 12% in physician offices, according to the BLS. 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an LPN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an LPN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs typically complete a 1-2-year certificate or diploma to meet educational requirements. They also need to pass the NCLEX-PN and apply for a license to practice in their state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between a CNA and an LPN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNAs and LPNs both provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. However, LPNs have a broader scope of practice, which can include administering medication, starting IV drips, and taking blood samples. LPNs also earn more than CNAs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to become an LPN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The fastest way to become an LPN is to enroll in a one-year LPN program. These programs combine patient care coursework and clinical training. Graduates earn a certificate or diploma and qualify for the NCLEX-PN and licensure as a practical nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Which LPN gets paid the most?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs who work in government facilities report the highest median wages, according to May 2024 BLS data. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]highest-paying states[/hen-ui-link] for LPNs include Washington, Rhode Island, Alaska, California, and Oregon.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]