Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is one of the fastest paths into healthcare. Most LPN programs take about 12 months to complete, and the career pays a median salary of $62,340 per year. Here’s what the process looks like from start to finish.
What LPNs Actually Do
LPNs provide direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. Day-to-day tasks typically include taking vital signs, administering medications, changing wound dressings, inserting catheters, collecting lab samples, and documenting patient information. LPNs work in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and physician offices.
The key distinction between an LPN and a registered nurse (RN) is the level of independence. LPNs generally work under the direction of an RN or physician and are expected to consult with an RN when a patient becomes unstable or requires more complex care. RNs can practice independently in most clinical settings, while LPNs function as part of a care team. The exact tasks you’re allowed to perform vary by state, so it’s worth checking your state board of nursing’s scope of practice rules.
Education: A 12-Month Program
LPN training programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools. They typically run about 12 months and result in a certificate or diploma, not a full degree. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and nursing fundamentals. You’ll also complete supervised clinical hours in healthcare settings, where you practice skills on real patients. Some states set minimum clinical hour requirements (Delaware, for example, requires at least 200 clinical hours for LPN programs), and your program will build those hours into the curriculum.
When choosing a program, look for one approved by your state board of nursing. National accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) is a bonus. Programs with national accreditation may be linked to federal financial aid eligibility, which matters if you plan to use grants or student loans.
Admission Requirements and Entrance Exams
Most LPN programs require a high school diploma or GED as a baseline. Beyond that, admission is competitive, and many schools use entrance exam scores to rank applicants. The two most common exams are the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and the HESI A2.
The TEAS covers reading, math, science, and English and language usage. Programs typically require a minimum composite score of around 60%, though more competitive schools set higher cutoffs. You can take the TEAS up to three times in a calendar year, with attempts spaced at least 30 days apart. The first attempt costs about $40, with retakes running around $65. Scores remain valid for five years. In tiebreaker situations, some schools look at your anatomy and physiology subscore to determine ranking.
Some programs also require prerequisite coursework or completion of a nursing essentials course before you can apply. Others accept prior allied health credentials in place of those prerequisites. Check the specific requirements of the programs you’re interested in, because they vary significantly from school to school.
Passing the NCLEX-PN Exam
After graduating from your program, you need to pass the NCLEX-PN, the national licensing exam for practical nurses. This is a computerized adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of each question adjusts based on how you answered the previous one. It covers safe patient care, pharmacology, health promotion, and clinical decision-making.
You’ll register for the exam through your state board of nursing and through Pearson VUE, the testing company that administers it. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake it after a waiting period set by your state, typically 45 to 90 days.
Getting Your State License
Passing the NCLEX-PN doesn’t automatically make you licensed. You still need to apply through your state board of nursing. The process varies by state, but Pennsylvania’s requirements are a good example of what to expect.
You’ll create an account on your state’s licensing portal, submit your application, and upload required documents including proof of program completion. All new applicants must complete a fingerprint-based FBI background check. In Pennsylvania, you pre-register for fingerprinting through a service called IdentoGO using a code provided during your application. If you’re applying for a multistate license (which lets you practice in other states that participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact), you’ll also need a state-level criminal history check from the state where you reside.
Some states have additional requirements. Pennsylvania, for instance, requires three hours of approved continuing education on child abuse recognition and reporting before you can receive your license. The education provider sends your completion confirmation directly to the board. Plan to pay an application fee as well, which typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending on the state.
Salary and Job Outlook
LPNs earned a median annual salary of $62,340 in May 2024, which works out to about $29.97 per hour. The lowest 10% earned under $47,960, while the highest 10% earned more than $80,510. Pay varies based on your location, employer type, and experience level. LPNs in metropolitan areas and in certain settings like hospitals or specialty clinics tend to earn more than those in rural areas or long-term care facilities.
Demand for LPNs remains steady. An aging population and the ongoing need for nursing care in long-term care facilities keep the job market active, and openings are consistent across most parts of the country.
Advancing From LPN to RN
Many LPNs eventually pursue an RN license to expand their scope of practice and increase their earning potential. LPN-to-RN bridge programs are designed specifically for this transition and give you credit for the training you’ve already completed, shortening the path to either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After completing a bridge program, you take the NCLEX-RN exam to earn your registered nurse license.
Bridge programs vary in length depending on whether you’re pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, but the ASN route typically takes one to two additional years. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or scheduling flexibility for LPNs enrolled in bridge programs, so it’s worth asking about those benefits when you start your LPN career.