How long does it take to become an LVN?

LVN programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete, including classroom instruction and clinical practice.

Do LVNs need to pass an exam?

Yes. You must pass the NCLEX-PN exam after completing your LVN program to receive your state license.

What’s the average salary for LVNs?

The median annual salary for LVNs is about $58,130, with higher earnings in California and Texas.

How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Updated October 21, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Want to join the nursing field quickly and make a real impact every day?
Becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is one of the fastest, most reliable ways to start a healthcare career in states like California and Texas.

LVNs (called Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, in most states) provide essential bedside care and support for patients across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. You’ll work under registered nurses (RNs) and physicians to deliver compassionate, hands-on care.

What Licensed Vocational Nurses Actually Do

LVNs play a vital role in patient care by providing clinical support, comfort, and communication between patients and medical teams.

Common Responsibilities

Taking vital signs and recording patient data
Administering medications and injections
Assisting patients with daily activities (eating, bathing, dressing)
Performing wound care and changing dressings
Collecting samples for lab tests
Monitoring and reporting changes in patient condition

LVNs are the backbone of nursing care — bringing both medical skill and compassion to every shift.

Salary & Job Outlook

Quick Facts	Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
2024 Median Pay	$62,340 per year / $29.97 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Postsecondary nondegree award
Work Experience Required	None
Training Time	12–18 months
Job Outlook (2024–33)	3% (As fast as average)
Employment Change (2024–33)	+17,100 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses

In states like California and Texas, LVNs earn above-average pay due to strong demand and healthcare staffing shortages.

How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (5 Steps)

Becoming an LVN can take just over a year — offering one of the fastest paths into professional nursing.

Earn a High School Diploma or GED
A strong foundation in science and math helps prepare you for nursing coursework.
Complete an Accredited LVN Program
Enroll in a state-approved vocational nursing program, typically at a trade school or community college.
Coursework includes:
- Nursing fundamentals and pharmacology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Patient care procedures
- Clinical rotations in hospitals or long-term care facilities
Apply for the NCLEX-PN Exam
After completing your program, you’ll apply to your state’s nursing board for authorization to test.
Pass the NCLEX-PN
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) ensures you meet national nursing competency standards.
Get Licensed and Start Your Career
Once you pass the NCLEX-PN and complete state requirements, you’ll officially be licensed as an LVN — ready to work in hospitals, clinics, or private care.

steps-to-become-an-lvn

Licensing & Certification

All LVNs must be licensed by their state’s nursing board. Most states require:

Graduation from an accredited program
Passing the NCLEX-PN
Submitting fingerprints and background checks

Optional certifications can enhance your skills and income:

IV Therapy
Wound Care
Pediatric or Geriatric Nursing
Pharmacology and Medication Administration

Continuing education keeps you current with evolving healthcare standards and helps you move up the nursing ladder.

Skills That Make You Great at This

Compassion and strong interpersonal skills
Attention to detail and recordkeeping
Problem-solving and decision-making
Emotional strength and professionalism
Teamwork and patient communication

LVNs bridge the gap between patients and providers — offering both empathy and efficiency in care.

Where You’ll Work (and Grow)

LVNs are employed in a wide range of healthcare settings:

Hospitals and urgent care centers
Physician offices and clinics
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Home health care and hospice services
Military and correctional facilities

Career Growth Paths

Charge Nurse or Team Leader
Registered Nurse (via LVN-to-RN bridge program)
Specialized Care Nurse (pediatrics, geriatrics, etc.)
Clinical or Administrative Coordinator

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Fast entry into the nursing field
Strong demand and job stability
Rewarding and meaningful work
Opportunities for specialization and advancement

Cons:

Physically demanding and emotionally challenging
Long or overnight shifts
Requires continuing education for license renewal

Start Your LVN Nursing Journey

If you’re ready to join a high-demand, high-impact field, becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse is a smart and rewarding move.

Begin your nursing career today — and start making a difference tomorrow.

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.