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How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Quick answer: how to become an LVN/LPN
Complete an approved vocational nursing program (12-18 months), pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, and apply for your state nursing license. LVNs (called LPNs in most states) provide basic nursing care under RN supervision and can begin working immediately after licensure.
What Does an LVN/LPN Do?
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide essential nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They monitor patients, administer medications, and assist with daily care activities in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.
Primary Responsibilities
Patient Care:
- Monitor and record vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)
- Administer prescribed medications and injections
- Insert and monitor urinary catheters
- Change wound dressings and provide wound care
- Collect samples for laboratory testing
- Assist patients with bathing, dressing, and personal care
- Help patients with mobility and transfers
Clinical Procedures:
- Start and monitor IV therapy (in some states)
- Perform blood glucose testing
- Administer tube feedings
- Provide tracheostomy care
- Assist with physical examinations
- Apply and monitor medical equipment
Communication and Documentation:
- Report changes in patient condition to RNs and physicians
- Document care provided and patient responses
- Communicate with patients and families
- Participate in care planning
- Provide patient education on health maintenance
Supervision Duties (with experience):
- Supervise certified nursing assistants (CNAs)
- Delegate tasks within scope of practice
- Train new staff members
- Coordinate patient care activities
Work Environment
LVNs/LPNs work in various healthcare settings:
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities (largest employer)
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Physicians’ offices and clinics
- Home healthcare agencies
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools and correctional facilities
- Hospice care
LVN vs. LPN: Understanding the Difference
The terms LVN and LPN refer to the same nursing role with identical responsibilities and scope of practice.
| Term | States Using This Title |
|---|---|
| LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) | California, Texas |
| LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) | All other states |
The training, licensing exam (NCLEX-PN), and job duties are the same regardless of title.
License requirements for LVN/LPN
NCLEX-PN Examination
Administering Organization: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Requirements:
- Graduation from approved nursing program
- Application through state Board of Nursing
- Criminal background check
Exam Details:
- Computer adaptive test (CAT)
- 85-205 questions
- Maximum 5 hours
- Covers nursing fundamentals, patient care, pharmacology
- $200 exam fee plus state application fees
- Passing standard set nationally
Results: Typically available within 48 hours
State Licensure
After passing the NCLEX-PN:
- Apply to your state Board of Nursing
- Pay licensing fees ($50-$200)
- Submit background check results
- Receive license to practice
License Renewal: Every 2 years with continuing education requirements (varies by state)
Interstate Practice: Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows practice in member states
Step-by-step path to becoming an LVN/LPN
Step 1: meet basic requirements
Education: High school diploma or GED required
Prerequisite Courses:
- Biology
- Chemistry or physical science
- Algebra or math
- English composition
Pre-Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA (often 2.5+)
- Background check clearance
- Drug screening
- CPR/BLS certification
- Health screenings and immunizations
Step 2: complete an approved nursing program
Diploma/Certificate Programs (12-18 months)
- Most common pathway
- Focus on clinical nursing skills
- Includes classroom and clinical rotations
- Offered at vocational schools, community colleges, hospitals
Core Curriculum:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Fundamentals of nursing
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Maternal and pediatric nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Geriatric nursing
- Nutrition and diet therapy
- Nursing ethics and law
Clinical Rotations:
- Hospital medical-surgical units
- Long-term care facilities
- Physician offices
- Specialty clinics
- Community health settings
Step 3: Apply for NCLEX-PN
- Graduate from nursing program
- Apply to state Board of Nursing
- Register with Pearson VUE for NCLEX-PN
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Schedule exam at testing center
Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-PN
Exam Preparation:
- NCLEX review courses (Kaplan, Hurst, ATI)
- Practice questions and simulated exams
- Study groups with classmates
- Content review of all nursing areas
Test Day:
- Arrive early with identification
- Computer adaptive format adjusts to your level
- Minimum 85 questions, maximum 205
- Results typically within 48 hours
Step 5: obtain your license and begin working
Entry-Level Positions:
- Staff LVN/LPN
- Charge LPN (with experience)
- Treatment nurse
- Medication nurse
Common First Employers:
- Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals (med-surg, telemetry)
- Home healthcare agencies
- Physician offices
Training programs and education options
Program types comparison
| Program Type | Duration | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational School Diploma | 12-14 months | $10,000-$25,000 | Fast entry to nursing |
| Community College Certificate | 12-18 months | $5,000-$15,000 | Cost-effective option |
| Hospital-Based Program | 12-18 months | $8,000-$20,000 | Clinical immersion |
| Online + Clinical Hybrid | 18-24 months | $8,000-$20,000 | Working students |
What to look for in a program
State Board Approval: Required for NCLEX-PN eligibility
Accreditation: ACEN or CNEA accreditation preferred
NCLEX Pass Rates: Look for programs with 80%+ first-time pass rates
Clinical Partnerships: Strong hospital and facility relationships
Job Placement: Employment assistance and connections
Admission Competitiveness
Many nursing programs are competitive. Strengthen your application with:
- Strong prerequisite grades
- Healthcare work experience (CNA, medical assistant)
- Volunteer experience in healthcare
- Professional references
- Entrance exam scores (TEAS, HESI)
Cost breakdown: LVN/LPN training
Tuition and Fees
| Program Type | Tuition Range | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Vocational School | $10,000-$25,000 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Community College | $5,000-$15,000 | $500-$1,500 |
| Hospital-Based | $8,000-$20,000 | $800-$1,500 |
Additional Expenses
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Scrubs and uniforms | $100-$300 |
| Stethoscope | $50-$150 |
| Nursing shoes | $50-$150 |
| Textbooks | $500-$1,000 |
| NCLEX-PN exam fee | $200 |
| State license application | $50-$200 |
| Background check | $30-$75 |
| Drug screening | $25-$50 |
| CPR/BLS certification | $50-$100 |
| NCLEX prep course | $300-$500 |
Financial aid options
- Federal Financial Aid: Pell Grants, student loans (FAFSA)
- Nursing Scholarships: HRSA, state nursing associations
- Employer Tuition Assistance: Some healthcare employers sponsor students
- Veterans Benefits: GI Bill covers approved programs
- Workforce Development: WIOA funding for healthcare training
LVN/LPN Salary and Job Outlook
National salary data
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-1 year) | $40,000-$48,000 |
| Early Career (1-3 years) | $48,000-$55,000 |
| Mid-Career (4-7 years) | $55,000-$62,000 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $62,000-$75,000 |
Salary by Work Setting
| Setting | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Government Facilities | $58,000-$68,000 |
| Hospitals | $52,000-$60,000 |
| Home Healthcare | $50,000-$58,000 |
| Nursing Care Facilities | $48,000-$55,000 |
| Physician Offices | $45,000-$52,000 |
Job Outlook
- Current Employment: 657,200 LPN/LVNs nationwide
- Projected Growth (2022-2032): 5% (about as fast as average)
- Annual Job Openings: 54,400 positions
- Growth Factors: Aging population, chronic disease management, long-term care expansion
Salary by State
Career advancement opportunities
Advancement Within LVN/LPN Role
Leadership Positions:
- Charge nurse
- Unit supervisor
- Director of nursing (in smaller facilities)
- Staff development coordinator
- MDS coordinator (long-term care)
Specialty Areas:
- IV therapy nurse
- Wound care specialist
- Dialysis technician
- Hospice nurse
- School nurse
Pathway to Registered Nurse (RN)
Many LVNs/LPNs advance to RN for higher pay and expanded scope:
| Bridge Program | Duration | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| LPN-to-ADN | 1-2 semesters | Active LPN license |
| LPN-to-BSN | 2-3 years | Active LPN license |
| LPN-to-RN Online | 1-2 years | Active LPN + clinical sites |
Advanced Certifications
| Certification | Focus | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Wound Care Nurse | Wound management | WOCN |
| Gerontological LPN | Older adult care | NNCB |
| IV Therapy Certification | Intravenous therapy | INS |
| Long-Term Care Certification | Skilled nursing | NNCB |
Career Paths
| Role | Additional Requirements | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Charge Nurse | 2-3 years experience | $55,000-$65,000 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | ADN or BSN + NCLEX-RN | $65,000-$85,000 |
| Director of Nursing (LTC) | Experience + management | $60,000-$85,000 |
| Nurse Educator | RN + experience | $70,000-$90,000 |
Pros and challenges of this career
Benefits
- Quick entry into nursing (12-18 months)
- Strong job security with 54,400 annual openings
- Meaningful patient care work
- Flexible scheduling options
- Pathway to RN advancement
- Work in diverse healthcare settings
- Skills in demand nationwide
- Good salary for education required ($54,620 median)
Challenges
- Physically demanding (lifting, standing)
- Emotionally challenging patient situations
- Shift work including nights and weekends
- Limited scope compared to RNs
- Exposure to illness and bodily fluids
- High-stress healthcare environments
- Continuing education requirements
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become an LVN/LPN?
Most vocational nursing programs take 12-18 months to complete. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam before obtaining your license. Total time from starting training to working as an LVN/LPN is typically 12-20 months.
How much does LVN/LPN training cost?
Programs range from $5,000-$25,000 depending on the school type. Community colleges are generally more affordable, while private vocational schools cost more but may offer faster completion or more flexible schedules.
Is LVN/LPN a good career choice?
LVN/LPN offers stable employment with 54,400 annual job openings and a $54,620 median salary. It’s an excellent entry point into nursing with a clear pathway to RN advancement if desired.
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate?
First-time pass rates vary by program. The national average is approximately 80-85%. Choose a program with high pass rates and invest in quality exam preparation.
Where do LVN/LPNs make the most money?
Highest-paying settings include government facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare. California, Massachusetts, and Alaska typically offer the highest salaries but also have higher costs of living.
Can LVN/LPNs give IV medications?
Scope of practice varies by state. Some states allow LVN/LPNs to administer IV medications with additional certification, while others restrict this to RNs only. Check your state’s Nurse Practice Act.
What is the difference between LVN/LPN and RN?
RNs have more education (associate or bachelor’s degree), broader scope of practice, higher pay, and can work more independently. LVN/LPNs work under RN supervision and have some practice limitations.
How do I advance from LVN to RN?
Enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program, which takes 1-3 semesters depending on the degree (ADN or BSN). After completing the program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam for RN licensure.
Can LVN/LPNs specialize?
Yes, with experience and additional certification, LVN/LPNs can specialize in wound care, IV therapy, dialysis, hospice, or gerontology. Specialization often leads to higher pay and more focused work.
What shifts do LVN/LPNs work?
Healthcare facilities operate 24/7, so LVN/LPNs may work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Some settings like physician offices offer traditional weekday hours.
Is the LVN/LPN license transferable between states?
Many states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing practice in member states. Non-compact states require endorsement (transferring your license), which involves additional applications and fees.
How often must I renew my nursing license?
Most states require renewal every 2 years with continuing education hours (typically 20-40 hours). Some states have additional requirements like practice hour documentation.
How to get started today
Ready to begin your LVN/LPN nursing career? Follow these steps:
- Research Programs: Use the search tool below to find approved nursing programs in your area
- Check Prerequisites: Verify you meet admission requirements
- Apply Early: Nursing programs are competitive - apply to multiple schools
- Prepare for Success: Complete prerequisites with strong grades
- Plan Financially: Explore financial aid and scholarship options
Additional Resources
Licensing Organizations
- NCSBN: ncsbn.org – NCLEX information and state board links
- Pearson VUE: pearsonvue.com – NCLEX registration
Professional Organizations
- NAPNES (National Association for Practical Nurse Education): napnes.org – Professional development
- NFLPN (National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses): Professional advocacy
NCLEX Preparation
- Kaplan Nursing: Comprehensive NCLEX prep
- Hurst Review: Content review and strategies
- ATI Testing: Practice exams and remediation
Continuing Education
- State Board Requirements: Varies by state
- Professional Association CE: NAPNES, specialty organizations
- Online CE Providers: Various approved providers