How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
If you’re compassionate, detail-oriented, and want to make a real difference every day, training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is one of the fastest and most rewarding ways to enter the nursing field.
LPNs (also called Licensed Vocational Nurses or LVNs in some states) provide essential patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health settings. You’ll assist registered nurses and doctors, monitor patient health, and help people recover comfortably and safely.
Quick answers
What is an LPN?
An LPN (licensed practical nurse) provides hands-on patient care and supports registered nurses and doctors in healthcare settings.
Is an LPN the same as an LVN?
LPNs are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some states. Licensing is state-based, and the title can vary by location.
How long does it take to become an LPN?
Most LPN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete. Programs are offered at trade schools, community colleges, and hospitals.
What exam do you need to become an LPN?
After finishing an accredited LPN program, you’ll take the NCLEX-PN. Before testing, you apply through your state nursing board for authorization to test (ATT).
Where do LPNs typically work?
Common work settings include hospitals and clinics, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, physician offices, and home healthcare and hospice.
At a glance
- Typical training length: 12 to 18 months
- Required exam: NCLEX-PN
- Also called: LVN in some states
- Common workplaces: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare
- Basic path: training, ATT, licensure
What Licensed Practical Nurses Actually Do
LPNs play a vital hands-on role in patient care, supporting both medical teams and patients throughout treatment.
Common Responsibilities
- Taking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, etc.)
- Administering medications and injections
- Assisting with wound care and bandaging
- Helping patients with daily needs (bathing, dressing, feeding)
- Updating charts and reporting changes in patient condition
LPNs are often the first to notice when a patient’s condition changes, making their role critical to quality care.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (5 Steps)
Training to become an LPN doesn’t require a college degree, just accredited training, a license, and a desire to care for others.
Earn a High School Diploma or GED
You’ll need a diploma or equivalent to enroll in an LPN training program. Science classes like biology or chemistry are a great foundation.Complete an Accredited LPN Program
Programs are offered at trade schools, community colleges, and hospitals. Coursework includes:- Nursing fundamentals
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Patient care techniques
- Clinical practice in hospitals or long-term care facilities
Most programs take 12 to 18 months to complete.
Apply for Authorization to Test (ATT)
After graduation, you must apply through your state nursing board to take the national licensing exam.Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) measures your readiness for real-world nursing responsibilities.Apply for State Licensure and Start Working
Once you pass, you’ll be eligible for state licensure.
You can work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or home healthcare.
Licensing & Certification
LPNs must be licensed in the state where they practice. Requirements typically include:
- Graduation from an accredited program
- Passing the NCLEX-PN exam
- Submitting fingerprints and background checks
Additional certifications can increase earning potential:
- IV Therapy Certification
- Gerontology or Pediatric Nursing Certification
- Wound Care or Hospice Specialization
Many LPNs later continue their education to become Registered Nurses (RNs) through bridge programs.
Skills That Make You Great at This
- Compassion and patience
- Strong attention to detail
- Communication and teamwork
- Emotional resilience
- Critical thinking under pressure
The best LPNs combine empathy with clinical skill, providing both care and comfort.
Where You’ll Work (and Grow)
LPNs work in:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Physician offices
- Home healthcare and hospice
- Government and military facilities
Career Growth Paths
- Charge Nurse or Shift Supervisor
- Registered Nurse (via LPN-to-RN program)
- Clinical or Administrative Specialist
- Home Health Care Coordinator
Nursing Lpn Salary Snapshot
U.S.54,400 openings/yr
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Quick path to a healthcare career
- Strong job stability and benefits
- Rewarding, hands-on patient care
- Flexible work environments
Cons:
- Physically and emotionally demanding
- Long shifts or overnight work common
- Must maintain licensure and continuing education
Start Your LPN Nursing Journey
If you’re ready to start a stable and meaningful healthcare career, LPN training is one of the fastest routes to making a difference.
Wage and Employment Charts
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $49,740 |
| 25th | $59,000 |
| 50th (median) | $64,400 |
| 75th | $76,030 |
| 90th | $83,440 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 651,400 |
| 2034 projected | 668,500 |
| Percent change | +2.6% |
Workplace Safety Snapshot
BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 232.5 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (about 2.33 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a nursing LPN?
It typically takes typically 6 months to 2 years of training. The most common entry path is through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started.
How much do nursing lpns make?
The median annual salary for nursing lpns is $64,400 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Entry-level workers earn around $49,740, while those in the 90th percentile earn over $83,440. Pay varies by state, experience, and specialization.
What is the job outlook for nursing lpns?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.6% employment growth for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, which is roughly on pace with the overall economy. Approximately 54,400 job openings are expected each year due to growth, retirements, and workers leaving the field.
Do you need a college degree to become a nursing LPN?
No. A college degree is not required to work as a nursing LPN. Most people enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite.
Which states pay LPNs the most?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS), the highest-paying states for LPNs are Washington, Alaska, and Oregon. Median annual wages: Washington ($83,150); Alaska ($80,800); Oregon ($80,470).
Which states employ the most LPNs?
BLS reports the largest concentrations of LPNs in California, Texas, and Ohio. Employment levels: California (82,850 workers); Texas (57,560 workers); Ohio (39,900 workers) (May 2025).
How much do experienced LPNs earn?
The top 10% of LPNs earn more than $83,440 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Experienced workers in this band typically hold senior credentials, supervisory roles, or specialty certifications.
What is entry-level pay for LPNs?
BLS reports the bottom 10% of LPNs earn under $49,740 per year. New workers often start near this level and see pay rise as they accumulate experience and credentials.
How many LPNs work in the United States?
BLS reports approximately 648,410 LPNs employed nationwide as of May 2025.
How many job openings are expected for LPNs each year?
BLS projects approximately 54,400 openings per year for LPNs from 2024 through 2034, including new positions, retirements, and workers transitioning out. The occupation is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, classified as about as fast as average growth.
How much do LPNs make per hour?
The median hourly wage for LPNs is $30.96, according to BLS (May 2025). Hourly pay ranges from about $23.91 (bottom 10%) to $40.12 (top 10%).
How Nursing Lpn Pay Compares to Similar Trades
Side-by-side comparison of Nursing LPN/LVN and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).
| Career | Median Pay | 10-Year Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing LPN/LVN this guide | $64,400 | +2.6% | 54,400 |
| Nursing LPN/LVN | $64,400 | +2.6% | 54,400 |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $42,260 | +2.3% | 204,100 |
| Patient Care Technician | $42,260 | +2.3% | 204,100 |
| Medical Assistant | $45,690 | +12.5% | 112,300 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026)
Nursing Lpn Salary by State
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |