How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia employs about 1,040 licensed vocational nurses earning a median $75,740 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Vocational Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
Compare Licensed Vocational Nurse Schools in District of Columbia
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carroll Community College | 72.5 | $4,308 in-state / $10,158 out-of-state | $54,507 | 39% | Yes* | 46 mi |
| 2 | Frederick Community College | 71.1 | $3,849 in-state / $10,042 out-of-state | $54,058 | 37% | Yes* | 43 mi |
| 3 | Anne Arundel Community College | 63.3 | $4,322 in-state / $11,522 out-of-state | $55,889 | 31% | Yes* | 29 mi |
| 4 | Eastern Virginia Career College | 62.3 | Contact school for pricing | $55,957 | 66% | — | 48 mi |
| 5 | Germanna Community College | 61.1 | $5,257 in-state / $11,648 out-of-state | $51,929 | 46% | Yes* | 60 mi |
| 6 | Harford Community College | 60.9 | $4,032 in-state / $8,832 out-of-state | $52,443 | 39% | Yes* | 60 mi |
| 7 | College of Southern Maryland | 53.7 | $4,200 in-state / $10,050 out-of-state | $58,851 | 33% | Yes* | 24 mi |
| 8 | Howard Community College | 51.0 | $4,080 in-state / $9,624 out-of-state | $57,920 | 24% | Yes* | 23 mi |
| 9 | Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing | 50.7 | Contact school for pricing | $84,711 | 66% | — | 8 mi |
| 10 | Prince George's Community College | 48.7 | $4,034 in-state / $8,762 out-of-state | $62,100 | 18% | Yes* | 11 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
District of Columbia employs approximately 1,040 licensed vocational nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $75,740 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in District of Columbia, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (District of Columbia): $75,740 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in District of Columbia
How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in District of Columbia? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.
Do I need a license in District of Columbia? Licensing varies. Confirm with the program and employer. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed vocational nurses earn in District of Columbia? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in District of Columbia is $75,740 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $62,880 and experienced professionals can earn $87,470 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in District of Columbia
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in District of Columbia typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and the employer.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in District of Columbia. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to the employer for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from the employer before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Vocational Nurse License Requirements in District of Columbia
District of Columbia licenses practical and vocational nurses through the employer. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to the employer for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the employer before you enroll.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in District of Columbia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 7,170 | $75,860 | $74,560 | $61,880 | $87,470 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed vocational nurses in District of Columbia? District of Columbia currently employs approximately 1,040 licensed vocational nurses 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed vocational nurse in District of Columbia with an out-of-state license? Confirm reciprocity rules with the program and employer.
What training programs are available in District of Columbia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in District of Columbia.
How much do licensed vocational nurses earn in District of Columbia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in District of Columbia is $75,740, which is $13,400 above the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
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/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |