Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide essential hands-on patient care in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and home health settings.

With a median salary of $54,620 and over 54,400 job openings per year, the LPN role offers a reliable path into nursing with just 12 months of training. For those who want to start a nursing career without committing to a four-year degree, the LPN route gets you to the bedside faster than any other licensed nursing role.

What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?

LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians to provide direct patient care. Their scope of practice varies by state but generally includes basic nursing procedures, medication administration, and patient monitoring. In many long-term care settings, LPNs serve as the primary nursing staff, taking on significant responsibility for patient outcomes.

Core responsibilities include:

• Providing bedside care including bathing, dressing, feeding, and repositioning patients
• Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration, and reporting changes to the RN or physician
• Administering medications including oral, injectable, and topical medications as permitted by state regulation
• Wound care including cleaning, dressing, and monitoring surgical sites, pressure ulcers, and other wounds
• Collecting specimens such as blood, urine, and sputum samples for laboratory testing
• Inserting and managing catheters and performing other basic nursing procedures
• Documenting care in the patient’s medical record, including assessments, interventions, and outcomes
• Educating patients and families about medications, care instructions, and disease management
• Supervising certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in some settings, assigning tasks and reviewing their work
• Performing IV therapy in states that permit LPNs to start and manage IV lines (approximately 35 states allow this with additional training)

In nursing homes and long-term care facilities, LPNs often manage an entire unit of 20 to 40 residents, coordinating care, administering medications, and serving as the primary point of contact between patients and physicians.

A Day in the Life of a Licensed Practical Nurse

A typical day for an LPN in a skilled nursing facility starts with shift report, where the outgoing nurse briefs the incoming nurse on each resident’s condition, any changes overnight, and pending orders. For a day-shift LPN starting at 7:00 a.m., this means arriving early enough to review charts and prioritize the morning’s tasks.

The first major task is the medication pass. An LPN managing 30 residents might spend 90 minutes to 2 hours administering morning medications, checking each patient’s identity, verifying the medication against the order, and documenting administration in the electronic medical record. Between medications, the LPN checks on residents who need wound care, catheter management, or blood sugar monitoring.

Mid-morning brings assessments. The LPN checks vital signs on new admissions and any residents flagged for monitoring. If a resident’s blood pressure is elevated or a wound shows signs of infection, the LPN notifies the physician, documents the finding, and implements any new orders.

After lunch, the afternoon might include admitting a new resident (which involves a full assessment, medication reconciliation, and care plan initiation), performing skin assessments, and updating care plans. The LPN also fields calls from family members, coordinates with physical therapy and dietary staff, and supervises CNAs.

In a physician’s office or outpatient clinic, the pace is different. LPNs room patients, take vital signs, prepare patients for exams, assist with procedures, administer injections, and handle phone triage calls from patients.

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

National Salary Overview

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 data.

Top 5 Highest-Paying States for LPNs

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Salary by Experience Level

• New graduate LPN (0-1 year): $35,000 - $42,000. New LPNs typically start in long-term care or clinic settings where they can build skills under supervision.
• Mid-career LPN (2-5 years): $45,000 - $58,000. Experienced LPNs qualify for hospital positions, charge nurse roles, and specialty clinics.
• Experienced LPN (5+ years): $58,000 - $82,000. Charge nurses, LPN supervisors, and those in high-cost states or union-represented positions earn at the top of the range.

Salary Boosters

LPNs can increase their earnings through:

• Shift differentials: Evening and night shifts typically add $2-$5 per hour
• Weekend differentials: Working weekends often adds $1-$3 per hour
• IV certification: LPNs with IV therapy certification qualify for higher-paying hospital and infusion center roles
• Specialty certifications: Wound care, gerontology, and IV therapy certifications command premium pay

How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse

Step 1: Complete an Approved LPN Program – 10 to 14 Months

LPN programs are offered through community colleges, vocational-technical schools, and some hospitals. Programs combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience.

• Community college programs: $5,000 - $15,000 for in-state students. Often 12-14 months and may include transferable college credits.
• Vocational/technical school programs: $10,000 - $25,000. Programs are typically 10-12 months and focused exclusively on nursing preparation.
• Hospital-based programs: Limited availability but often include tuition assistance or employment commitments.

Curriculum covers anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal/child nursing, mental health nursing, nutrition, and clinical skills. Clinical rotations take place in nursing homes, hospitals, and outpatient settings.

Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED. Some programs require prerequisite courses in biology or math, a minimum GPA, and a criminal background check. Many programs also require passing the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) entrance exam.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam – Within 6 Months of Graduation

After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The exam is computerized and adaptive, meaning it adjusts difficulty based on your responses. It ranges from 85 to 205 questions and takes up to 5 hours.

• Registration fee: $200
• State licensing fee: $75-$200 (varies by state)
• Pass rate: First-time pass rates for graduates of accredited programs typically range from 80% to 90%

Step 3: Apply for State Licensure

Each state’s board of nursing issues LPN licenses. Requirements include passing the NCLEX-PN, completing an approved program, passing a background check, and paying the state licensing fee. LPN licenses must be renewed every 1-2 years with continuing education hours (typically 20-30 hours per renewal period).

Total timeline from enrollment to working: 12 to 18 months

Licensing and Certification

Required: NCLEX-PN and State License

Every state requires LPNs to pass the NCLEX-PN and hold a state license. The license must be renewed periodically, and continuing education is required in most states. LPNs who move to a new state must apply for licensure in that state, though the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows LPNs to practice in multiple compact states with a single license.

Nurse Licensure Compact: As of 2024, 41 states participate in the NLC, allowing LPNs with a multistate license to practice in any compact state without obtaining an additional license.

Valuable Voluntary Certifications

Which Certifications Pay the Most?

IV therapy certification is the single most valuable add-on for LPNs. It opens doors to hospital positions, infusion therapy centers, and home health IV therapy roles that typically pay $3,000 to $8,000 more annually than standard LPN positions.

Skills and Tools

Technical Skills

• Patient assessment and vital signs monitoring
• Medication administration (oral, injection, topical)
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Catheter insertion and management
• Blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration
• Specimen collection (blood, urine, sputum)
• IV therapy (in states that permit)
• Tracheostomy care and suctioning
• Basic cardiac monitoring interpretation

Soft Skills

• Compassion and patience with elderly and chronically ill patients
• Clear communication with physicians, RNs, families, and CNAs
• Time management when juggling multiple patients
• Emotional resilience for dealing with patient decline and death
• Attention to detail in medication administration and documentation
• Ability to stay calm during emergencies
• Teamwork and delegation skills

Software and Equipment

• Electronic Health Records: PointClickCare (dominant in long-term care), Epic, Cerner, MatrixCare
• Medication dispensing systems: Omnicell, Pyxis
• Vital signs monitors, pulse oximeters, glucometers
• Wound care supplies (VAC therapy systems, specialized dressings)
• Infusion pumps (for IV-certified LPNs)

Work Environment

Where LPNs Work

• Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities (29% of LPNs – the largest employer)
• Hospitals (15%) – medical-surgical floors, rehabilitation units, emergency departments
• Physicians’ offices and outpatient clinics (13%)
• Home health services (12%) – visiting patients in their homes
• Government agencies (6%) – VA hospitals, public health departments, correctional facilities
• Staffing agencies – travel LPN assignments and per diem work

Schedule

LPN schedules vary widely by setting. Nursing homes and hospitals require 24/7 coverage, so LPNs often work 8-hour or 12-hour shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Physician office positions typically follow standard business hours. Home health LPNs may have more flexible schedules but must travel between patient homes.

Physical Demands

The job is physically demanding. LPNs spend most of their shift on their feet, bending, lifting, and repositioning patients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that LPNs have one of the higher rates of work-related injuries and illnesses, particularly back injuries from patient handling. Proper body mechanics and use of lifting equipment are essential.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fast entry into nursing (12-month programs)
• Strong job security with 54,400 annual openings
• Direct patient care for those who find bedside nursing rewarding
• Stepping stone to RN with LPN-to-RN bridge programs
• Variety of work settings from nursing homes to clinics to home health
• Shift differentials and overtime opportunities can boost income

Cons:

• Lower salary than RNs for work that is equally demanding physically
• Limited scope of practice compared to RNs (cannot perform full assessments, create care plans in some states, or administer certain medications)
• Physically demanding with high injury rates
• Emotional toll of working with elderly, chronically ill, and dying patients
• Nursing homes can be short-staffed, leading to heavy workloads
• Career ceiling without further education (most advancement requires becoming an RN)

Career Advancement

Typical Career Progression

The LPN-to-RN Bridge

The most common advancement path for LPNs is completing an LPN-to-RN bridge program. These programs grant credit for your LPN education and clinical experience, shortening the path to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) by 6 to 12 months compared to starting from scratch.

• LPN-to-ADN programs: 1 to 2 semesters, $5,000 - $15,000
• LPN-to-BSN programs: 2 to 3 years, $15,000 - $40,000

After earning your RN, the median salary jumps to $86,070, with pathways to nurse practitioner, nurse manager, and other advanced roles.

Related Careers

• Registered Nurse – $86,070 median salary (the most common next step)
• Nurse Practitioner – $126,260 median salary (requires MSN/DNP after RN)
• Medical Assistant – $38,270 median salary (similar work, less clinical scope)
• Phlebotomy Technician – $40,580 median salary (shorter training, narrower scope)

Browse all Healthcare & Medical Careers.

Professional Associations and Resources

• National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) – Offers LPN certification, continuing education, and professional development.
• National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) – Advocates for LPN practice and provides networking and education resources.
• National League for Nursing (NLN) – Supports nursing education at all levels, including LPN programs.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) – Administers the NCLEX-PN and manages the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• State boards of nursing – Each state’s board provides licensure requirements, renewal information, and practice regulations specific to LPNs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an LPN?

LPN programs typically take 10 to 14 months to complete. After graduation, allow 6 to 8 weeks for NCLEX-PN scheduling, testing, and license processing. Most LPNs are working within 12 to 18 months of starting their program.

What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

LPNs complete shorter training programs (12 months vs. 2-4 years for RNs) and work under the supervision of RNs or physicians. RNs have a broader scope of practice including performing comprehensive patient assessments, developing care plans, administering a wider range of medications, and supervising LPNs. RNs earn a median salary of $86,070 compared to $54,620 for LPNs.

What is the difference between an LPN and an LVN?

There is no clinical difference. Texas and California use the title Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), while all other states use Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The education, licensing exam (NCLEX-PN), scope of practice, and salary are the same.

Is it worth becoming an LPN or should I go straight to RN?

Both paths have merit. The LPN route gets you working in healthcare in about 12 months and earning a salary while you decide whether to pursue further education. Many LPNs complete LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which are shorter than starting an RN program from scratch. If you can commit to 2 to 4 years of full-time education upfront, going directly for your RN will result in higher starting pay and a broader scope of practice.

Can LPNs start IVs?

In approximately 35 states, LPNs can start and manage IV therapy after completing additional IV certification training. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state board of nursing for specific regulations.

What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate?

First-time pass rates for graduates of accredited LPN programs typically range from 80% to 90%. Graduates of programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) tend to have higher pass rates. Your program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate is a key quality indicator when choosing a school.

Are LPN jobs going away?

No. While some hospitals have reduced LPN hiring in favor of RNs, demand remains strong in nursing homes, home health, physician offices, and outpatient clinics. With 54,400 annual openings and 5% projected growth, the LPN role is not disappearing. The aging baby boomer population is driving continued demand for LPNs in long-term care settings.

Compare LPN programs near you. Program length, cost, clinical hours, NCLEX-PN pass rates, and scheduling options vary by school and state. Contact programs directly to confirm details.

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