Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses earn a median salary of $54,620, and with 54,400 positions opening each year, the LPN role remains one of the most accessible and in-demand entry points into professional nursing.

If you want to start providing hands-on patient care in about a year without committing to a four-year degree, the LPN path gets you into clinical work faster than almost any other nursing credential. This guide covers what LPNs do, how to earn your license, what you can expect to earn by state, and how to advance into higher-paying nursing roles.

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What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?

Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. The LPN title is used in 48 states and the District of Columbia. In Texas and California, the same role is called a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – see our LVN career guide for state-specific details on working in those states.

Core responsibilities include:

• Medication administration – Giving oral medications, injections, and IV medications (in states where permitted by the nurse practice act). LPNs must verify dosages, check for allergies, and document administration times accurately.
• Vital signs and patient monitoring – Taking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation readings. Reporting changes to the supervising RN or physician.
• Wound care – Cleaning, dressing, and monitoring surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, and other injuries. Documenting wound measurements and healing progress.
• Patient hygiene and comfort – Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting. Repositioning bed-bound patients to prevent pressure sores.
• Specimen collection – Drawing blood (in some states), collecting urine samples, and preparing specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Patient education – Teaching patients and families about medication schedules, wound care, dietary restrictions, and discharge instructions.
• Documentation – Maintaining accurate patient charts, updating care plans, and recording all assessments and interventions in electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Supervision of CNAs – In many settings, LPNs supervise certified nursing assistants and delegate appropriate tasks.

The LPN scope of practice varies by state. Some states allow LPNs to start IVs, administer IV medications, and perform more advanced assessments. Others restrict LPNs to more basic care tasks. Always check your state’s nurse practice act for specifics.

A Day in the Life

An LPN working in a long-term care facility – the most common LPN employment setting – might start a 7 a.m. shift with a handoff report from the outgoing nurse. You review overnight events for your assigned group of 15-20 residents, noting any changes in condition, new orders, or medication adjustments.

By 7:30 a.m., you begin your medication pass, moving room to room with a medication cart. Each resident may take 5-15 different medications, and you verify each one against the medication administration record (MAR) before administering it. This process takes about two hours for a full group.

Between medication rounds, you perform assessments. You check a resident’s blood sugar before breakfast and administer insulin. You change the dressing on a resident’s heel wound, measuring it and documenting the healing progress. Another resident reports dizziness – you take their blood pressure, find it elevated, and notify the physician for further orders.

Late morning brings documentation time. You update care plans, enter assessment data into the EHR, and complete incident reports if any falls or adverse events occurred overnight. You might also speak with a resident’s family member who calls to ask about their parent’s condition.

After lunch, you do another medication pass. A resident refuses their blood pressure medication – you document the refusal, educate them on why the medication matters, and notify the supervising RN. You spend part of the afternoon assisting the physical therapy team during a resident’s exercise session and monitoring a new admission who arrived from the hospital.

The shift ends with a handoff report to the incoming nurse, covering everything that happened during your shift. You have been on your feet for most of 8 hours, and the work was both physically tiring and emotionally engaging.

Salary and Job Outlook

National Salary Overview

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

Top-Paying States for LPNs

LPN salaries vary substantially across states. The following states consistently pay LPNs above the national median:

States in the Southeast and Midwest tend to pay below the national median, though lower cost of living can offset the difference.

Salary by Experience Level

• New graduate (0-1 year): $33,000 - $44,000. Starting pay after passing the NCLEX-PN.
• Mid-career (2-5 years): $48,000 - $60,000. Most LPNs reach this range with a few years of experience and proficiency.
• Experienced (5-10 years): $58,000 - $70,000. Senior LPNs, charge nurses, or those with specialized skills (IV therapy, wound care).
• Highly experienced / specialty (10+ years): $70,000 - $82,000. Long-tenured LPNs in high-paying states, specialty clinics, or supervisory roles.

Shift differentials for evening, night, and weekend work typically add $2-5 per hour. Travel LPN assignments can pay $1,200-1,800 per week.

Job Outlook

Employment of LPNs is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. What makes this field particularly accessible is the sheer volume of openings – 54,400 annually – driven by a large existing workforce needing replacements as LPNs retire, advance to RN roles, or leave the profession. Long-term care facilities and home health agencies represent the strongest demand areas.

How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse

Step-by-Step Path

1. Complete prerequisite coursework. Most LPN programs require a high school diploma or GED and may ask for basic courses in biology, math, and English. Some programs have entrance exams (TEAS or HESI).

2. Enroll in a state-approved LPN program. Programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, and career training centers. Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or similar body is important for licensure eligibility.

3. Complete the program. Most LPN programs take 12-18 months and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations.

4. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam. After graduating, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses to earn your license.

5. Apply for state licensure. Submit your application and NCLEX-PN results to your state board of nursing. Background checks are standard.

Program Curriculum

LPN programs typically cover:

• Fundamentals of nursing (patient care, safety, ethics)
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology and medication administration
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Maternal and child health nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Nutrition and diet therapy
• Geriatric nursing
• Clinical practicums (400-800 supervised clinical hours)

Timeline and Costs

Additional costs include textbooks ($500-1,000), uniforms and supplies ($200-500), NCLEX-PN exam fee ($200), and state licensure application ($50-200).

Licensing and Certification

NCLEX-PN Licensure (Required)

Every LPN must pass the NCLEX-PN to practice. Key details:

• Exam format: Computer adaptive test (CAT), 85-205 questions
• Content areas: Safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, physiological integrity
• Cost: $200 registration fee plus state application fees
• Pass rate: Approximately 83-86% for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates
• Retake policy: If you fail, most states allow a retake after 45 days

State Licensure Requirements

LPN licenses are issued by state boards of nursing. Requirements vary but typically include:

• Graduation from an approved LPN program
• Passing the NCLEX-PN
• Criminal background check
• Application fee ($50-200)
• Renewal every 1-2 years with continuing education (typically 20-30 hours per renewal period)

LPN licenses are not automatically transferable between states. If you move, you must apply for licensure in the new state. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows LPNs in member states to practice in other compact states without additional licensure – currently about 40 states participate.

Voluntary Certifications

These specialty certifications can increase your pay and job opportunities:

Skills and Tools

Clinical Skills

• Medication administration (oral, injectable, topical, rectal, IV where permitted)
• Wound assessment, cleaning, and dressing changes
• Blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration
• Urinary catheter insertion and care
• Nasogastric tube feeding
• Specimen collection (blood, urine, stool)
• Sterile technique and infection control
• CPR and basic life support
• Patient fall prevention and safety protocols

Soft Skills

• Compassion and emotional resilience – you will work with patients in pain, at their most vulnerable, and sometimes at end of life
• Communication – clear handoff reports, patient education, and family updates
• Time management – managing a patient load of 15-25 residents with multiple medication passes per shift
• Critical observation – noticing subtle changes in patient condition that require escalation
• Teamwork – coordinating with RNs, physicians, CNAs, therapists, and social workers
• Adaptability – handling unexpected admissions, emergencies, and staffing changes

Software and Equipment

• EHR systems: PointClickCare (dominant in long-term care), Epic, Cerner, MatrixCare
• Medication dispensing: Pyxis, Omnicell
• Medical devices: Blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, glucometers, thermometers
• Wound care supplies: Wound VAC systems, silver dressings, compression wraps
• Documentation tools: Medication administration records (MARs), care plan templates

Work Environment

Settings

LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings:

• Nursing and residential care facilities (29%) – The largest employer of LPNs. Long-term care for elderly residents.
• Hospitals (15%) – Acute care, medical-surgical units, and specialty departments.
• Home health services (12%) – Providing care in patients’ homes, often with more autonomy.
• Physicians’ offices (12%) – Outpatient clinical support including injections, vitals, and patient intake.
• Government facilities (7%) – VA hospitals, public health departments, correctional facilities.

Schedule

Nursing is a 24/7 profession. LPNs should expect:

• Shift work: 8-hour or 12-hour shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Overtime availability: Many facilities offer overtime at 1.5x pay, especially during staffing shortages
• Full-time and part-time options: Flexible scheduling is widely available
• On-call: Some home health and hospice positions require on-call availability

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fast entry into nursing (12-18 months of training)
• Strong job security with 54,400 annual openings
• Meaningful patient care work with tangible impact
• Multiple work settings and schedule flexibility
• Clear pathway to RN advancement
• Portable credential through the Nurse Licensure Compact
• Overtime and shift differentials can boost earnings significantly

Cons:

• Physically demanding – long hours on your feet, lifting and repositioning patients
• Emotionally taxing – patient suffering, death, and family grief are regular realities
• Scope of practice limitations compared to RNs
• Lower pay than RNs ($54,620 vs. $86,070 median)
• Mandatory overtime and holiday shifts are common
• Some hospitals are reducing LPN positions in favor of RNs
• Workplace injuries (back strain, needlesticks) are an occupational risk

Career Advancement

LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

The most common advancement path for LPNs is earning an RN license through a bridge program:

Bridge programs give LPNs credit for their existing education and clinical experience, shortening the path to an RN degree.

Career Ladder

Related Careers

• Registered Nurse – $86,070 median (next step up with more autonomy)
• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – Same role, used in TX and CA
• Nurse Practitioner – $126,260 median (advanced practice)
• Medical Assistant – $42,000 median (outpatient support)
• Phlebotomy Technician – $41,810 median (lab-focused)

Browse all Healthcare & Medical Careers.

Professional Associations and Resources

• National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) – The oldest professional organization specifically for LPNs and LVNs. Offers continuing education and certification programs.
• National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) – Advocates for LPN interests, provides professional development resources, and supports LPN-to-RN advancement.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) – Develops and administers the NCLEX-PN exam. Provides information on the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• American Nurses Association (ANA) – While primarily for RNs, ANA advocates for nursing issues that affect all levels of the profession.
• State boards of nursing – Each state has a board that regulates LPN practice, issues licenses, and enforces standards. Find yours at ncsbn.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

LPNs complete a 12-18 month program and pass the NCLEX-PN. RNs complete either an associate degree (2 years) or bachelor’s degree (4 years) and pass the NCLEX-RN. RNs have a broader scope of practice, can perform more complex assessments, develop care plans independently, administer a wider range of medications, and generally earn higher salaries ($86,070 median vs. $54,620 for LPNs).

How long does it take to become an LPN?

Most LPN programs take 12-18 months to complete. Add a few weeks for NCLEX-PN preparation and exam scheduling, and you can typically be working as a licensed LPN within 14-20 months of starting your program.

Is the NCLEX-PN exam hard?

The NCLEX-PN is challenging but passable with preparation. First-time pass rates for U.S.-educated candidates typically range from 83-86%. The computer adaptive test adjusts difficulty based on your responses, with a minimum of 85 questions. Most nursing programs include NCLEX prep in their curriculum, and dedicated review courses (Kaplan, ATI, UWorld) are widely available.

Can an LPN work in a hospital?

Yes, though the trend in many hospitals is toward hiring BSN-prepared RNs. LPNs in hospitals typically work on medical-surgical floors, rehabilitation units, or in specialty clinics associated with the hospital. Long-term care facilities and home health agencies employ the most LPNs.

What is the difference between an LPN and an LVN?

Nothing substantive. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) is the title used in 48 states and Washington, D.C. LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) is the title used in Texas and California. The education, exam (NCLEX-PN), scope of practice, and salary are essentially the same. See our LVN guide for details specific to those states.

How much do LPNs make per hour?

Based on the national median salary of $54,620, LPNs earn approximately $26.26 per hour. Entry-level LPNs start around $15.76 per hour, while experienced LPNs in high-paying states can earn $39 or more per hour before shift differentials.

Can LPNs start IVs?

It depends on the state. About 30 states allow LPNs to start peripheral IVs and/or administer IV medications after completing additional training and certification. States like New York, California, and Texas have specific IV therapy certification programs for LPNs. Always verify your state’s nurse practice act for current regulations.

Is LPN a good career in 2026?

LPN is a strong career choice if you want to enter nursing quickly and affordably. The 54,400 annual job openings provide excellent employment prospects, and the LPN-to-RN bridge pathway allows you to advance your career without starting over. The main consideration is that the pay is lower than RN salaries, and some healthcare settings are shifting toward RN-only staffing models.

Compare LPN Programs Near You

Program availability, tuition, schedules, and requirements vary by school and state. Contact programs directly to confirm details and request information.

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