
Licensed Practical Nurse At a Glance
Education Requirements
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 coursework and practical application at a hospital, vocational technical school or community college.
Standard coursework in an LPN program—in addition to supervised clinical practice in patient care—covers the following studies:
LPN Program Coursework
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.
Median Annual Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual salaries for LPNs rest at $54,620. You can find your state’s median annual pay below.
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.