How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Pennsylvania (2026)
Pennsylvania employs about 38,260 licensed vocational nurses earning a median $63,940 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, then applying through Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board.
Compare Licensed Vocational Nurse Schools in Pennsylvania
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education | 77.6 | Contact school for pricing | $48,902 | 90% | — | 33 mi |
| 2 | Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology | 75.3 | Contact school for pricing | $47,037 | 95% | — | 54 mi |
| 3 | Carroll Community College | 72.5 | $4,308 in-state / $10,158 out-of-state | $54,507 | 39% | Yes* | 56 mi |
| 4 | Lancaster County Career and Technology Center | 64.1 | Contact school for pricing | $56,037 | 91% | — | 45 mi |
| 5 | Hagerstown Community College | 62.1 | $4,320 in-state / $8,190 out-of-state | $55,827 | 39% | Yes* | 65 mi |
| 6 | Schuylkill Technology Center | 60.6 | Contact school for pricing | $53,477 | 63% | — | 47 mi |
| 7 | Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit LPN Career | 57.3 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 59% | — | 42 mi |
| 8 | Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology | 55.8 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 62% | — | 36 mi |
| 9 | Franklin County Career and Technology Center | 54.0 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 88% | — | 48 mi |
| 10 | Reading Area Community College | 42.2 | $6,480 in-state / $12,510 out-of-state | $45,446 | 34% | Yes* | 54 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.
Pennsylvania employs approximately 38,260 licensed vocational nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $63,940 1. The state’s concentration of licensed vocational nurse jobs is 1.51x the national average, indicating strong demand. 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 Pennsylvania, 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
- Licensing authority: Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (Pennsylvania): $63,940 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Pennsylvania
How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Pennsylvania? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Apply through Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board.
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 Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board.
Do I need a license in Pennsylvania? Yes. Pennsylvania credentials this role through Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board 3. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed vocational nurses earn in Pennsylvania? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in Pennsylvania is $63,940 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $51,500 and experienced professionals can earn $77,750 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Pennsylvania
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in Pennsylvania typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in Pennsylvania. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board 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 Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board 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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania licenses practical and vocational nurses through Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board. 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. See Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board before you enroll.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Wages by Metro Area in Pennsylvania
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in Pennsylvania
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in Pennsylvania vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 15,920 | $70,710 | $70,900 | $60,620 | $79,690 |
| Pittsburgh | 5,800 | $63,060 | $64,850 | $51,780 | $74,630 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | 2,270 | $61,740 | $63,740 | $53,820 | $74,340 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | 2,230 | $64,050 | $65,370 | $56,070 | $75,360 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | 2,180 | $62,680 | $64,100 | $52,010 | $74,980 |
| Lancaster | 1,740 | $63,290 | $64,720 | $55,340 | $75,450 |
| York-Hanover | 1,070 | $63,460 | $64,730 | $50,470 | $75,230 |
| Reading | 990 | $64,950 | $66,820 | $56,540 | $76,640 |
| Erie | 940 | $60,510 | $60,320 | $48,800 | $72,270 |
| Altoona | 630 | $59,680 | $58,810 | $44,590 | $71,840 |
| Williamsport | 560 | $61,200 | $60,270 | $49,410 | $71,590 |
| Lebanon | 460 | $65,430 | $66,150 | $58,670 | $74,330 |
| State College | 440 | $61,960 | $61,190 | $49,860 | $69,530 |
| Johnstown | 370 | $57,320 | $57,340 | $47,240 | $68,970 |
| Chambersburg | 360 | $63,960 | $64,650 | $49,460 | $76,190 |
| Gettysburg | 230 | $64,310 | $65,120 | $51,300 | $75,960 |
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 Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania currently employs approximately 38,260 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 Pennsylvania with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Pennsylvania? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Pennsylvania.
How much do licensed vocational nurses earn in Pennsylvania compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in Pennsylvania is $63,940, which is $1,600 above the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Pennsylvania
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Pennsylvania
- Best HVAC Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Pennsylvania
- Best Plumbing Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Pennsylvania
Explore More Trades in Pennsylvania
- Electrician in Pennsylvania
- Plumber in Pennsylvania
- HVAC Technician in Pennsylvania
- Welder in Pennsylvania
- Carpenter in Pennsylvania
- Solar Installation Technician in Pennsylvania
- Auto Mechanic in Pennsylvania
- CNC Machinist in Pennsylvania
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Pennsylvania
- Medical Assistant in Pennsylvania
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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of State - Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs - Nursing Board - Licensing Information: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |