Get LPN Training

Learn what it takes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

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The Basics

What you'll do: You'll provide basic bedside care for the sick, injured and convalescent, under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. You'll do such tasks as give injections, take vital signs, perform diagnostic tests, dress woulds and administer medication.

Where you'll work: Health care facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, mental health institutions, private homes, community health clinics, and public health departments

Degree you'll need: Graduation from an accredited LPN program and pass the National Council Licensure Exam.

Median annual salary: $34,260 – $47,400

Cities with highest employment level: Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Boston

Licensed Practical Nurse Training and Education

In order to become a practicing LPN, you'll need a high school diploma or GED, and then you'll need to graduate from an accredited LPN program. LPN programs generally include one year of training at a hospital, vocational technical school or community college.

Standard coursework in an LPN training program—in addition to supervised clinical practice in patient care—covers the following studies:

Biology
Chemistry
Anatomy
Psychology
Emergency medical technology
First aid
Physical education
Foods and nutrition
Child growth and development

LPN to RN

Licensed practical nurses often transition into registered nursing. You can go back to the technical school or community college for an additional year to earn an associate's degree, which will qualify you to become a Registered Nurse after taking the NCLEX exam in your state. Another way to become an RN is to enter an LPN to Baccalaureate program. Some colleges have special LPN programs which will allow you to get credit for some of your prior courses, and then go on to earn a BSN degree and RN. These are called LPN-to-BSN Programs.

LPN Licensing

To earn an LPN license, you must pass a state administered nursing examination, called the NCLEX-PN. To qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, you must first complete a LPN/LVN education program that is approved by your state's Board of Nursing.