What does an LPN do?
Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses, doctors and other providers. In many nursing homes, LPNs are the main nurses on the floor, handling medications and care for a group of residents.
Common tasks include checking vital signs, giving medications, changing wound dressings, inserting and caring for catheters, collecting samples and watching for changes in a patient’s condition. LPNs also update patient records, talk with families and help keep patients comfortable.
Exactly what an LPN may do depends on state law and the employer. In some states, LPNs can start IVs or give IV medications after extra training. In others, those tasks are limited to RNs. Supervision rules also vary.
Tools of the job include medication carts, blood pressure cuffs, glucose meters, wound care supplies, feeding pumps and electronic health records.
LPNs work in:
- Nursing homes and long-term care
- Home health agencies
- Doctors’ offices and clinics
- Hospitals and rehab centers
- Correctional facilities and schools
A typical day
- Get a report from the outgoing nurse
- Pass morning medications and check vital signs
- Do wound care, treatments and blood sugar checks
- Update charts and report changes to the RN or provider
- Supervise CNAs and answer family questions
LPN pay and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn a median of $64,400 a year, or $30.96 an hour. Pay is often higher for night shifts, weekends and travel or agency work.
The BLS counts about 666,900 LPN and LVN jobs. Employment is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, with about 51,800 openings each year. Many openings come from LPNs who retire or go on to become RNs.
Pros
- You can become a licensed nurse in about a year.
- Pay is solid for a one-year program.
- Demand is steady, especially in long-term care and home health.
- LPN-to-RN bridge programs make it easier to keep moving up.
Cons
- Your scope of practice is narrower than an RN’s.
- Fewer hospitals hire LPNs than in the past.
- The work is physically and emotionally demanding.
- Nights, weekends and holidays are common.
Training options: school is the path
There is no apprenticeship route to becoming an LPN. Every state requires you to graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program before you can take the NCLEX-PN.
Practical nursing program. Most programs lead to a certificate or diploma, and some community colleges offer an associate degree. Full-time programs usually take about 12 months, while part-time and evening programs take longer. Costs typically range from about $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the school and state. Programs include classroom learning, skills lab practice and clinical rotations in nursing homes, hospitals or clinics.
Many programs are competitive. You may need an entrance exam, certain prerequisite classes or a CNA certification to apply.
Starting as a CNA. Working as a CNA first is not required everywhere, but it gives you patient care experience and can help your application. Some employers help pay for LPN school.
Certification and licensing by state
Every state requires LPNs and LVNs to be licensed by its board of nursing. The basic steps are the same everywhere: graduate from an approved program, apply to the board, pass a background check and pass the NCLEX-PN.
The NCLEX-PN is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It uses computerized adaptive testing, which means each question is chosen based on how you answered the ones before it.
Scope of practice varies by state. IV therapy, supervision of other staff and which assessments an LPN may do are all set by state law. Renewal schedules and continuing education requirements also vary.
Many states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If your primary residence is in a compact state, you can hold one multistate license and practice in other compact states. If you live in a non-compact state, you will need a separate license for each state where you work.
Specializations and where they lead
- Long-term care nurse. The largest employer of LPNs. Experienced LPNs often become charge nurses or unit leaders.
- Home health nurse. Visit patients at home to give medications, wound care and monitoring.
- Clinic or physician office nurse. Regular hours, often with no nights or weekends.
- IV therapy, wound care or pediatrics. Extra training and certifications can open specialized roles, where state rules allow.
- Registered nurse. LPN-to-RN bridge programs give credit for your LPN training, so you can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree faster.
How to choose an LPN school
The right school gets you through the NCLEX-PN and ready for real nursing work. Ask these questions:
- Is the program approved by my state board of nursing? You cannot take the NCLEX-PN without graduating from an approved program.
- Is the school accredited? Accreditation affects financial aid (FAFSA) and whether your credits transfer to an RN program later.
- What is your NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate? Compare it with the state average. Many state boards publish these numbers.
- Where do clinical rotations take place? Ask about the types of settings and how far you will travel.
- What are the admission requirements? Ask about entrance exams, prerequisites and waitlists.
- What is the total cost? Include books, uniforms, equipment, exam fees and licensing fees.
- Do you offer an LPN-to-RN bridge or transfer agreements? This matters if you plan to keep going.
