In this Article
By: Anna Giorgi
Professional insights: Arlene Imes, LPN
A licensed practical nurse (LPN)—called a licensed vocational nurse in some states—is a trained healthcare professional who provides a link between patients and other members of their care team. Working under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or other authorized provider, LPNs deliver task-oriented patient care such as taking vital signs, administering medication and dressing wounds. This profession can be a good fit for individuals seeking a role that offers a relatively quick entry into healthcare and a strong foundation for more advanced roles in nursing.
Licensed practical nurse at a glance
What do LPNs do?
An LPN is responsible for providing basic patient care and comfort for the sick, injured and convalescent. They work in many settings that include homes, long-term facilities and hospitals. Since they are often a patient’s first point of contact, an LPN plays a key role in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare systems. By performing many essential nursing duties and enhancing patient monitoring, LPNs help health facilities operate more effectively while ensuring patients receive prompt and attentive treatment.
“The LPN role bridges the gap between nursing assistants (CNAs) and registered nurses by combining direct patient care with clinical nursing skills. While CNAs focus on basic personal care and RNs manage comprehensive assessments and care planning, LPNs support both roles by carrying out care plans, collecting patient information and promoting patient comfort, safety and continuity of care,” said Arlene Imes, LPN, Vice President of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN) and President of the North Carolina NALPN Chapter.
On a daily basis, LPNs use their knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of patients. Their responsibilities involve interacting with patients, offering comfort, tracking health changes and supporting them through illness and recovery. “Through frequent patient interaction, LPNs build trusting relationships with patients and families and play a vital role in improving patient outcomes,” Imes said.
Learn how to become an LPN in 6 steps
1. Complete a practical nursing education program
The typical educational pathway for an LPN begins with enrollment in a state-approved practical nursing program. Vocational schools, community colleges or technical institutes typically offer LPN programs. These programs require completion of a high school diploma or GED before admission. You can graduate within 12 to 24 months, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
“During an LPN program, students receive both classroom instruction and clinical training. Classroom coursework focuses on foundational nursing knowledge, while clinical experiences allow students to practice skills in real healthcare settings under supervision,” Imes said.
Common courses offered in an LPN program include:
“Compared to other nursing roles, the educational pathway for becoming an LPN is relatively short. Many practical nursing programs can be completed in approximately one year, allowing individuals to enter the healthcare workforce more quickly while still performing skilled nursing duties. This efficient pathway makes the LPN profession accessible to individuals who are eager to begin a healthcare career while gaining valuable clinical experience,” Imes said.
2. Apply for state licensure
After completing a practical nursing program approved by your state board of nursing, you’ll be ready to apply for state licensure. Contact the board of nursing in the state where you want to work for specific requirements.
While licensure criteria vary by state, typical requirements include:
In most states, LPNs must complete continuing education credits to renew their nursing licenses. These requirements ensure that LPNs maintain professional competency and remain knowledgeable about current healthcare practices.
3. Take the NCLEX-PN exam
Meeting state-specific requirements is necessary to be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), the national examination for the licensing of LPNs. The exam tests the knowledge and skills required for safe nursing practice. A passing score on the NCLEX-PN is required to work as an LPN in every U.S. state.
After your state nursing board verifies you have met their requirements to take the NCLEX-PN, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email. This authorization is necessary to schedule your NCLEX-PN exam date with the test administration service.
The NCLEX-PN includes questions organized along four major categories:
- Safe and effective care environment: includes coordinated care, ethical practice and safety/infection control
- Health promotion and maintenance: includes basic care/comfort, pharmacological therapies and reduction of risk potential
- Psychosocial integrity: includes mental and emotional support, crisis intervention and end-of-life care
- Physiological integrity: includes personal hygiene, nutrition and assistive devices
After taking the NCLEX-PN, your results are sent to your state board of nursing. A passing grade meets the criteria for state licensure. If you don’t achieve a passing grade, you can retake it 45 days after the initial exam.
4. Seek employment as an LPN
Upon completion of your education, passing the NCLEX-PN and earning state licensure, you can pursue an entry-level LPN position. LPNs can find employment in many types of healthcare environments that serve patients across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly.
“Growing and in‑demand areas include assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospice and palliative care, correctional healthcare, telehealth and remote monitoring and other specialized settings such as schools, dialysis centers, occupational health clinics and community clinics. With additional training, some LPNs may also work in critical care areas,” Imes said.
5. Join professional associations
Joining a professional association for LPNs can help you expand your professional network, connect with like-minded experts and benefit from continuing education and employment opportunities. Whether you are a student or an experienced LPN, membership in a professional association helps you remain informed, supported and connected, Imes said. “Participation in professional nursing organizations supports career growth by offering networking, mentorship, leadership opportunities and a stronger professional voice.”
Key professional associations for LPNs include:
- National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN)
- State chapters of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
- National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc. (NAPNES)
6. Pursue continuing education
Continuing education is necessary for LPNs to maintain and improve their professional skills in healthcare. Ongoing learning helps LPNs provide safe and effective patient care based on current technologies and treatment methods. It also helps LPNs meet requirements for licensure renewal and expand career opportunities through options such as professional certifications and advanced credentials.
“Specialized certifications in areas such as IV therapy, wound care, dialysis or geriatric nursing can expand an LPN’s scope of practice and increase value to employers. Experience in high‑demand settings—such as long‑term care, hospice, rehabilitation, dialysis and home health—can also improve job stability and growth opportunities. Continuing education helps LPNs stay current with healthcare practices and patient safety standards, while LPN‑to‑RN bridge programs offer pathways to advanced roles and higher earning potential,” Imes said.
An LPN-to-RN program allows you to advance your nursing career by earning credit for your LPN education and experience, thereby accelerating your path to an RN credential. Often designed for working LPNs, an LPN-to-RN program includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences and hands-on lab simulations to earn the knowledge and skills necessary for RN positions.
Salary and employment outlook for LPNs
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for LPNs is $62,340. For this profession, the median annual salary for the lowest 10% of earners is $47,960, and the highest 10% earned more than $80,510. Factors including your education, the state in which you work, the demand for qualified applicants, your employment setting and professional certifications can impact the salary you earn as an LPN.
The demand for LPNs remains steady because of the constant need for healthcare services. The BLS projects job growth for LPNs at 2.6% through 2034, consistent with the average projected growth rate for all U.S. occupations during that period.
According to the BLS, the largest employers of LPNs include:
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Hospitals
- Home healthcare services
- Physicians’ offices
- Government agencies
Day-to-day life of an LPN
The daily life of an LPN is active, hands-on and focused on patient care. While daily tasks can vary by patient needs and healthcare setting, most LPNs follow a routine that includes patient care, medical procedures and interaction with other healthcare professionals.
“LPNs perform a wide range of duties that support safe, effective and compassionate patient care. As essential members of the healthcare team, LPNs use clinical skills, observation, communication and teamwork to support daily patient care and ensure continuity of care,” Imes said.
The specific responsibilities of an LPN are also defined by employer policies and their state’s scope of practice regulations. Some of the most significant variations involve whether LPNs can administer oral medications, give injections and monitor IV fluids. In some states, LPNs can perform specific tasks with additional specialty certification.
Your responsibilities as an LPN can include the following:
Essential skills and qualities of successful LPNs
LPNs require a combination of clinical skills and professional habits necessary to help patients remain comfortable and receive proper medical care. While some of these characteristics involve personal qualities, others include the application of technical knowledge and skills.
“Individuals who are drawn to the LPN profession often share qualities such as compassion, empathy and a desire to help others during difficult times. Because LPNs work closely with patients who may be ill, elderly or vulnerable, the ability to respond to both physical and emotional needs is essential,” Imes said.
Having the following skills and qualities can help you succeed as a professional LPN:
- Strong communication skills:
- LPNs communicate with patients, families and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient information is accurately shared and care instructions are understood.
- Compassion and empathy:
- LPNs need personal compassion and empathy to provide emotional support and help build trust between patients and healthcare providers.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving:
- LPNs regularly observe patient conditions and must be able to identify potential problems so they can be communicated to supervising nurses or physicians.
- Attention to detail:
- LPNs must pay close attention to details when recording vital signs, administering medications and updating medical records to avoid serious consequences caused by errors.
- Physical stamina:
- LPNs should be capable of spending long hours on their feet, often while lifting or assisting patients, moving equipment and performing other physical tasks.
- Ability to work in a team:
- LPNs must be able to collaborate with nurses, physicians, nursing assistants and other healthcare professionals to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
- Time management and organization:
- LPNs require strong time management to balance tasks such as medication schedules, documentation and communication to ensure that no critical duties are overlooked and all patients under their care receive attention.
- Professionalism and reliability:
- LPNs must be dependable, maintain highly professional standards and arrive prepared to do their shifts to maintain trust within the healthcare team.
- Ability to thrive under pressure:
- Since healthcare settings can be unpredictable, LPNs must be able to remain focused and efficient under pressure so they are ready to handle emergencies or high-stress situations appropriately.
Rewards and challenges of working as an LPN
Working as an LPN offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives while entering the healthcare field relatively quickly. If you enjoy helping others and working in a fast-paced environment, working as an LPN can be a fulfilling and practical career choice.
“The LPN profession often provides a strong sense of purpose and personal fulfillment. Nurses frequently witness the positive outcomes of their work when patients recover, experience relief from symptoms or feel supported during difficult health situations. These experiences contribute to a sense of accomplishment and pride in the nursing profession. Many LPNs report that helping others and improving patient quality of life are among the most satisfying aspects of their careers,” Imes said.
While a career as an LPN can provide personal and professional rewards, it may not be right for you. Understanding all aspects of this profession can help you determine whether you have the qualities necessary to thrive as an LPN.
Many LPNs report that helping others and improving patient quality of life are among the most satisfying aspects of their careers.
“Although working as an LPN can be very rewarding, the role also comes with challenges that require dedication, resilience and strong professional skills,” Imed said. “The job can be physically demanding, involving long hours of standing, walking, lifting and assisting patients with mobility and personal care. LPNs may also experience emotional stress when caring for patients who are seriously ill or nearing the end of life, especially when strong relationships are formed with patients and families. High workloads and time pressure, particularly in long‑term care settings, can add to workplace stress.”
Ultimately, working as an LPN can provide rewards that make this an attractive professional choice for many. “For prospective students considering a career as a LPN, it is important to understand that nursing is more than a job—it is a profession rooted in service, compassion and responsibility,” Imes said. “People who enjoy helping others, working closely with patients, and making a meaningful difference in their communities may find the LPN role deeply rewarding.”