Your Guide to LPN Programs: The Path to Practical Nursing

Instructions

Introduction

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some states, provide basic medical care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. For individuals considering a career in nursing, LPN programs offer a relatively shorter path to entry compared to Registered Nurse (RN) programs.

This guide, based on publicly available data, outlines what LPNs do, the typical structure of training programs, admission requirements, costs, steps to licensure, and career outlook. This information is intended as a starting point for your own research.

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Part One: What Licensed Practical Nurses Do

LPNs provide basic medical care to patients who are sick, injured, convalescing, or have disabilities. Their duties typically include:

Monitoring patient health by checking blood pressure, temperature, and other vital signs
Providing basic patient care and comfort, including changing bandages, assisting with bathing or dressing
Discussing care with patients and listening to their concerns
Reporting patient status and concerns to registered nurses or doctors
Recording patient care information and maintaining health records

Work Environment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs work in a variety of settings. The largest employers of LPNs are:

Nursing and residential care facilities: 37%
Hospitals (state, local, and private): 16%
Home healthcare services: 12%
Physicians' offices: 12%
Government (excluding education and hospitals): 6%

LPNs working in home health travel to patients' homes. Some LPNs travel throughout the United States to help care for patients in areas with healthcare worker shortages.

Work Environment Considerations

LPNs' work may involve close contact with individuals who have infectious diseases, and they are frequently exposeds to potentially hazardous materials. LPNs must follow guidelines to guard against illness and other dangers, such as accidental needle sticks.

Registered and licensed practical nurses have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations, which can result from overexertion and contact with diseases, viruses, or hazardous materials.

Most LPNs work full time. Some work nights, weekends, and holidays because medical care is needed at all times, and they may be required to work shifts longer than eight hours.

Part Two: Structure of LPN Programs

Program Length and Type

LPN programs typically take about one year to complete. Certificate and diploma programs are commonly offered at community colleges and technical schools. For example, one career technical center offers a 10-month program that prepares graduates for the licensure examination.

Curriculum Overview

Practical nursing programs include subjects such as:

Fundamentals of nursing
Anatomy and physiology
Pharmacology
Growth and development
Nutrition
Medical-surgical nursing
Obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and psychiatric nursing

All programs include supervised clinical experience. Clinical rotations typically take place in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Program Example: Course Sequence

A typical LPN program may span multiple semesters. For example, one community college's program includes:

Pre-requisite Courses (Semester 0):

Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
English Composition I
Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training

Semester 1:

Introduction to Nursing
Introduction to Nursing Skills Lab
Nursing Clinical Practice I and II
Introduction to Pharmacology
Health Promotion and Maintenance Across the Lifespan

Semester 2:

Nutrition
Basic Health Problems
Basic Nursing Skills Lab
Nursing Clinical Practice III and IV
Issues and Trends in Practical Nursing Leadership

Grade requirements vary by course, with some requiring a C- and others requiring a B- to remain in the program.

Part Three: Admission Requirements

Basic Educational Requirements

Minimum standards for admission to LPN programs typically include:

High school diploma or GED
At least 18 years old by the start of the program
Minimum GPA requirement (often 2.0 or higher)
Acceptable scores on an entrance examination (such as the TEAS or HESI A2)

Some programs recommend that certain pre-requisite courses (like biology) be completed within five years of the application date.

Health and Background Requirements

Prior to clinical placement, students must complete:

Criminal background check
Drug screening
Physical examination
Up-to-date immunization records (including MMR, Varicella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and COVID-19 vaccination)
Current, valid Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR certification
Two-step PPD test or chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening

Important Note: Some healthcare facilities may not employ individuals with certain criminal offenses or allow such students to participate in clinical rotations. A student's eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam is determined by the state board of nursing upon receipt of the license application.

Part Four: Program Costs and Financial Considerations

Tuition and Fees

Program costs vary significantly by institution and location. Based on examples from several institutions:

Example 1: Community College (Iowa)

Total program tuition and course fees: Approximately $12,922 (based on rates for all semesters in the 2025-2026 academic year)
Additional costs: Books, supplies, uniforms, exam fees, and background checks are not included

Example 2: Community College (Kansas)

In-state tuition: $4,136
Registration fees: $1,098
Books: Approximately $900
NCLEX exam fee: $250
Uniforms and supplies: $150
Total in-state program cost: Approximately $6,534

Example 3: Career Technical Center (New Jersey)

Tuition: $12,500
Fees: Approximately $1,000
Students receive an average of about $5,000 in financial aid

Additional Costs to Consider

Students are typically responsible for costs necessary to complete the program, which may include:

Required testing fees (entrance exams)
Liability insurance
Uniforms
Stethoscope and other equipment
Nursing pin
Textbooks
Transportation to and from off-campus clinical sites

Financial Aid Options

Many programs are eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet with a financial aid officer to review their eligibility for assistance.

Part Five: Accreditation and Licensure

The NCLEX-PN Examination

After completing a state-approved educational program, aspiring LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to obtain licensure. The NCLEX-PN is a computer-adaptive test that adjusts question difficulty based on the test-taker's ability level.

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) publishes NCLEX exam statistics annually. For example, one practical nursing program reported its graduates' NCLEX-PN pass rates as follows:

2019: 87.50%
2020: 100%
2021: 70%
2022: 85.71%
2023: 93.33%

The NCSBN publishes national statistics each year, accessible through its website.

State Licensure

After passing the NCLEX-PN exam, the candidate's name is added to the state's registry of nurses, authorizing them to practice as a licensed practical nurse in that state. Licensure requirements are determined by each state's board of nursing.

Optional Certifications

After obtaining licensure, LPNs may seek optional certifications through professional associations in areas such as:

Gerontology
Wound care
Intravenous (IV) therapy

These certifications demonstrate advanced knowledge on a specific topic but are not required for entry-level practice.

Part Six: Job Outlook and Earnings

National Employment Data

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024):

Median Annual Wage: $62,340
Median Hourly Wage: $29.97
Total Employment: 651,400 LPNs

The median wage means half of workers earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,960, and the highest 10% earned more than $80,510.

Wages by Industry (May 2024)

Median annual wages for LPNs in the major industries were as follows:

Government (excluding education and hospitals): $66,370
Nursing and residential care facilities: $64,170
Home healthcare services: $61,300
Hospitals (state, local, and private): $59,200
Physicians' offices: $57,660

Job Outlook (2024-2034)

Employment of LPNs is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

On average, about 54,400 job openings for LPNs are projected each year over the decade. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force (for example, to retire).

Factors Affecting Demand

As the population ages, the overall demand for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs will be needed in residential care facilities and home health environments to care for elderly patients.

Additionally, the prevalence of some chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, has increased in recent years. LPNs will be needed to assist and care for patients with these and other conditions.

Part Seven: Advancement Opportunities

Supervisory Positions

With experience, LPNs may advance to supervisory positions. This typically requires demonstrated ability and additional years of experience.

LPN to RN Programs

Some LPNs transition to other healthcare careers. For example, LPNs may complete LPN-to-RN bridge educational programs to become registered nurses. Many community colleges and universities offer such bridge programs, which build upon the LPN's existing knowledge and clinical experience.

Educational Background of LPNs

According to 2018 BLS data, the educational requirements for LPNs varied:

33.0% required only a high school diploma
26.8% required an associate's degree
32.8% required a vocational associate's degree
4.3% required a bachelor's degree

Approximately 81.8% of LPNs had on-the-job training requirements, and 98.2% of LPNs were required to have pre-employment training leading to licensure.

Part Eight: Important Qualities for Success

According to BLS data, the following are important qualities for LPNs:

Compassion: LPNs must be empathetic and caring towards the people they serve
Communication skills: LPNs need to convey information effectively, such as reporting patient test results to registered nurses
Attention to detail: LPNs must ensure patients receive the correct care at the right time
Interpersonal skills: Building rapport with patients and other healthcare providers is essential
Multitasking abilities: LPNs often care for multiple patients with diverse health needs simultaneously
Physical stamina: LPNs should be able to perform physical tasks, such as bending over patients for extended periods

Part Nine: How to Research Programs

Finding Approved Programs

To find state-approved LPN programs:

Contact your state's board of nursing for a list of approved programs
Visit local community college and technical school websites to see the programs offered
Verify program accreditation and approval status with the state board of nursing

Questions to Ask When Researching Programs

Is this program approved by my state's board of nursing?
What are the program's NCLEX-PN pass rates for recent years?
What is the total cost, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and clinical requirements?
What are the admission requirements and deadlines?
Is financial aid available, and am I eligible?
What is the program's format (full-time, part-time, evening/weekend options)?
Where are clinical rotations held?
What support services are available for students?

Summary

LPN programs offer a pathway to practical nursing, typically taking about one year to complete. These state-approved programs combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.

LPNs provide basic medical care in a variety of settings, with nursing and residential care facilities being the largest employers. The median annual wage for LPNs was $62,340 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, with an average of about 54,400 job openings each year.

Program costs vary significantly by institution and location, ranging from approximately $6,500 to over $13,000, with additional expenses for books, uniforms, equipment, and licensure examinations.

Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED, being at least 18 years old, acceptable entrance exam scores, physical examination, immunizations, background checks, and CPR certification.

As with any educational investment, thorough research is essential. Prospective students should review program curricula, verify state approval status, understand admission requirements, and investigate the specific costs and outcomes of each program they consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to complete an LPN program?
A: LPN programs typically take about 1 year to complete, though some may be slightly shorter or longer depending on structure and scheduling.

Q: What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?
A: LPNs provide basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. RNs have more advanced education (associate's or bachelor's degree), a broader scope of practice, and generally earn higher wages. LPN programs are shorter and provide a faster entry into nursing practice.

Q: Can an LPN advance to become an RN?
A: Yes. Many LPNs become registered nurses by completing LPN-to-RN bridge programs. These programs build upon existing knowledge and clinical experience.

Q: What is the NCLEX-PN?
A: The NCLEX-PN is the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. After completing a state-approved program, candidates must pass this exam to obtain licensure and practice as an LPN.

Q: Are there online LPN programs?
A: Due to the hands-on nature of nursing education, LPN programs require in-person clinical components. Some programs may offer online portions for theoretical coursework, but clinical experience must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities.

Q: What if I have a criminal record?
A: Some healthcare facilities may not allow students with certain criminal backgrounds to participate in clinical rotations. Additionally, state boards of nursing have the authority to deny licensure to applicants with certain offenses. Applicants with criminal records should discuss these issues with program directors before applying.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Program details, costs, and requirements vary by institution and state and are subject to change at any time. All prospective students should conduct their own research and verify current information directly with educational institutions and state boards of nursing. The program examples mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement. We are not a training institution, recruiter, or employer.

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