Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Discover how you can step into the world of nursing in as little as one year. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, you’ll deliver hands-on care, support patients, and open doors to endless career growth. Learn the steps, costs, and opportunities waiting for you in this rewarding profession.

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What to Expect as an LPN

See how much LPNs earn and how quickly you can get started in this rewarding career.

1 Year

Takes a Long Time to become a LPN

​$53,078/Year

The average salary of a CNA

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): A Career Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), depending on your state, play a crucial role in healthcare. Working under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and physicians, LPNs provide essential, hands-on care to patients.

If you’re eager to help others and want an accessible entry into nursing, becoming an LPN can be an excellent path.

Average Annual Salary: $53,078 (Indeed)
Training Time: Typically around 1 year

What Does an LPN Do?

While LPNs don’t have the same wide-ranging authority as RNs, they still perform a vital mix of patient care and administrative duties. Depending on the healthcare setting, daily tasks may include:

  • Helping patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene

  • Checking and recording vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, and pulse

  • Assisting with basic medical tests and procedures

  • Administering medications prescribed by a physician

  • Collaborating with RNs to develop patient care plans

  • Cleaning and dressing wounds

  • Giving injections as required

  • Documenting patient information and updates

Your specific responsibilities can vary widely based on your workplace, whether that’s a hospital, nursing home, clinic, or another healthcare facility.

How to Become an LPN

Ready to get started? Here’s a simple roadmap to becoming an LPN:

1. Meet Basic Education Requirements

First, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. No college degree is required for entry-level training.

2. Enroll in an LPN/LVN Program

Next, apply to a state-approved LPN or LVN training program. These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and even some high schools.

Consider factors like:

  • Program accreditation (look for NLNAC approval)

  • Tuition costs

  • Class format (on-campus, online, or hybrid)

  • Program length (accelerated options may be as short as 7 months)

  • NCLEX-PN pass rates

  • Reputation among local healthcare employers

A strong program will prepare you not only for the licensing exam but also for real-life nursing work.

3. Take and Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam

After completing your program, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Steps include:

  • Applying for Authorization to Test through your state’s nursing board and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

  • Scheduling your exam date

  • Studying thoroughly, many candidates prepare for at least 4-8 weeks

Passing the NCLEX-PN is essential before you can legally practice as an LPN.

4. Get Licensed and Start Your Career

If you pass the NCLEX-PN, your state’s nursing board will issue your official license. You’ll then be ready to start applying for LPN positions and begin making an impact in the lives of patients!

If you don’t pass on the first try, don’t worry, you’re allowed to retake the exam after a waiting period (typically 45 days).

LPN to RN: Advancing Your Career

Many LPNs eventually choose to become Registered Nurses (RNs), seeking higher pay, more independence, and expanded career opportunities. According to Indeed, RNs earn a median annual salary of around $83,953, a significant jump from LPN earnings.

Here’s how to transition from LPN to RN:

Each school has slightly different prerequisites, but common requirements include:

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Current LPN license

  • Minimum GPA requirement

  • CPR/BLS certification

  • A specific number of clinical hours or work experience

  • Completed prerequisite courses in areas like anatomy or microbiology

Bridge programs are designed to help LPNs become RNs more quickly by building on their existing education and experience.

Two popular paths are:

  • LPN-to-ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing): Shorter and more affordable (1-2 years).

  • LPN-to-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing): Longer and costlier (up to 4 years), but offers greater earning potential and career flexibility.

Many programs offer flexible schedules, including part-time or online options, allowing you to continue working while you study.

Once you complete your RN program, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed. Each state has slightly different requirements for testing eligibility.

Prepare thoroughly, set aside 1-2 months for dedicated study time, and check your state board’s guidelines to ensure you’re ready to apply.

Growing Your Career Beyond LPN

An LPN license can be the beginning of a versatile and rewarding career. Here are a few ways LPNs can advance:

LPN to Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and create treatment plans. While NPs often work under physician oversight in some states, they enjoy significant autonomy and higher pay, averaging around $111,680 annually.

To become an NP:

  • Transition from LPN to RN

  • Gain 1-2 years of RN experience

  • Complete a master’s or doctoral program in a chosen NP specialty

  • Pass a national certification exam (e.g., ANCC)

While the path is challenging, it offers incredible opportunities for specialization and leadership.

Specialty Certifications for LPNs

Not every career move means becoming an RN. LPNs can also earn certifications in specialty areas, expanding job options and potential earnings. Popular certifications include:

  • Pharmacology

  • Transplant Coordination

  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

  • Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS)

  • Urology

  • Gerontology

  • Breastfeeding Specialist

  • Correctional Health

These specialized roles can open doors to new clinical experiences and more tailored career paths.

RN vs. LPN: How Do They Compare?

While both are vital to healthcare, RNs and LPNs have different training requirements, duties, and earning potential.

  • RNs typically earn either an Associate’s Degree (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree (BSN), requiring 2-4 years of study and significant tuition costs. ADN programs range from $6,000 to $40,000, while BSNs can cost $40,000-$100,000+.

  • LPNs generally complete a 1-year program costing $10,000-$15,000.

  • RNs earn a median salary of around $75,330 annually.
  • LPNs earn about $48,829 annually.
  • Both professions expect around 9% growth from 2020-2030, meaning solid job prospects.

  • RNs perform advanced clinical tasks, coordinate patient care plans, and work more independently. They typically handle fewer patients per shift due to the complexity of their duties.

  • LPNs focus on basic patient care, assisting with daily living tasks, monitoring vital signs, and supporting RNs and physicians. LPNs often care for multiple patients in one shift, especially in long-term care settings.

  • About 61% of RNs work in hospitals, with others in outpatient clinics, education, government, or traveling positions.

  • Around 38% of LPNs work in nursing or residential care facilities, while others work in hospitals, physician offices, home care, or government settings.

Bottom Line: RNs enjoy higher pay and more responsibility, but the journey takes longer and costs more. LPNs can enter the field quickly and still have excellent opportunities for growth. Your choice depends on your goals, budget, and timeline.

Paying for Your LPN Education

LPN programs, while shorter and more affordable than RN degrees, can still cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. Add in books, fees, and licensure costs, and it’s a significant investment. The good news? There are many ways to pay for your training.

  • FAFSA

Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s the primary gateway to federal grants, loans, and some state aid. You’ll need documents like your Social Security number, tax returns, and financial information. Complete FAFSA online, via their mobile app, or by paper form.

  • Loans

Loans help many nursing students cover costs. Two main types exist:

  1. Federal Student Loans: Often lower interest and more flexible repayment. Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest while you’re in school if you qualify based on financial need.

  2. Private Loans: Available through banks and credit unions but often carry higher rates. Always research terms carefully, including interest rates (fixed vs. variable), fees, and repayment options.

  • Grants

Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant is the best-known example, offering up to about $6,495 annually (as of recent figures) for students with significant financial need. Private organizations also offer grants for specific demographics or career paths.

  • Scholarships

Scholarships are another excellent option. They’re merit-based and may consider academics, athletics, community service, or other achievements. Sources include:

  1. Schools and universities

  2. Professional nursing associations

  3. Community organizations

  4. Private businesses

Check your school’s financial aid office and reputable scholarship search databases for opportunities. Be diligent about deadlines and required documents like essays or recommendation letters.

Final Thoughts:

Funding your education may seem daunting, but resources exist to help you achieve your goals. With determination and planning, becoming an LPN, and possibly continuing on to RN or beyond, is entirely within reach. Not only can this path lead to a stable career, but it also allows you to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.