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Where do you want to work?
Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Repetitive
Stressful
$43,170
Average Salary
Becoming a licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse (LPN or LVN) requires completing an approved educational program. LPNs and LVNs also must have a license.
EducationLPNs and LVNs must complete an approved educational program. These programs award a certificate or diploma and typically take about 1 year to complete, but may take longer. They are commonly found in technical schools and community colleges, although some programs may be available in high schools or hospitals.
Practical nursing programs combine classroom learning in subjects such as nursing, biology, and pharmacology. All programs also include supervised clinical experience.
Contact state boards of nursing for lists of approved programs.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsAfter completing a state-approved educational program, prospective LPNs and LVNs can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). In all states, they must pass the exam to get a license and work as an LPN or LVN. For more information on the NCLEX-PN examination and a list of state boards of nursing, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
LPNs and LVNs may choose to become certified through professional associations in areas such as gerontology and IV therapy. Certifications show that an LPN or LVN has an advanced level of knowledge about a specific subject.
In addition, employers may prefer to hire candidates who are trained to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Important QualitiesCompassion. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses must be empathetic and caring toward the people they serve.
Detail oriented. LPNs and LVNs need to be responsible and detail oriented, because they must make sure that patients get the correct care at the right time.
Interpersonal skills. Interacting with patients and other healthcare providers is a big part of their jobs, so LPNs and LVNs need good interpersonal skills.
Patience. Dealing with sick and injured people may be stressful. LPNs and LVNs should be patient, so they can cope with any stress that stems from providing care to these patients.
Physical stamina. LPNs and LVNs should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as bending over patients for a long time.
Speaking skills. It is important that LPNs and LVNs be able to communicate effectively. For example, they may need to relay information about a patient’s current condition to a registered nurse.
AdvancementWith experience, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses may advance to supervisory positions. Some LPNs and LVNs advance to other healthcare occupations. For example, an LPN may complete a LPN to RN education program to become a registered nurse.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Hygienist
Top Careers After Hygienist
Gender
Female
83.2%Male
13.9%Unknown
2.9%Ethnicity
White
80.3%Hispanic or Latino
10.3%Asian
6.4%Unknown
2.5%Black or African American
0.5%Languages Spoken
Spanish
25.0%Arabic
12.5%Russian
6.3%Portuguese
6.3%Chinese
6.3%German
6.3%Georgian
6.3%French
6.3%Urdu
6.3%Bengali
6.3%Mandarin
6.3%Hindi
6.3%Hygienist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
Youngstown State University
15.3%Hudson Valley Community College
7.1%Tennessee State University
5.9%Ferris State University
5.9%Cape Cod Community College
4.7%Northern Arizona University
4.7%Southern Illinois University Carbondale
4.7%University of Alabama at Birmingham
4.7%East Tennessee State University
4.7%University of Maryland - Baltimore
4.7%City College of New York of the City University of New York
4.7%Oakland Community College
4.7%State University of New York Broome Community College
3.5%Bergen Community College
3.5%Catawba Valley Community College
3.5%University of Bridgeport
3.5%Wichita State University
3.5%University of Louisville
3.5%Kellogg Community College
3.5%Coastal Bend College
3.5%Majors
Degrees
Associate
41.9%Bachelors
25.3%Other
20.0%Masters
4.9%Certificate
4.5%Doctorate
1.6%Diploma
1.1%License
0.7%Hygienist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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Dr. Castille and Castiile
Geary Estates
Balcones Family Dental
University of New England Dental Hygiene Clinic
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