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What is a licensed practical nurse and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Lisa Rebeschi Ph.D.,
Kim Raines
introduction image

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) works under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. They provide nursing care to patients, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with activities. LPNs also monitor patients' conditions and report to the healthcare team. They work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. LPNs complete a state-approved program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). They can provide quality patient care and improve patient outcomes.

What general advice would you give to a licensed practical nurse?

Lisa Rebeschi Ph.D.Lisa Rebeschi Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean of the School of Nursing Professor of Nursing, Quinnipiac University

One of the suggestions for new graduates is the importance of self-care. We have long known of the demanding nature of the nursing practice. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the nursing role's critical importance and the unique contributions made by nursing professionals. As the healthcare environment is extremely complex and challenging, nurses must remember to advocate for themselves and prioritize self-care.
ScoreLicensed Practical NurseUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,912

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
10.0

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.83%

Asian 6.53%

Black or African American 12.50%

Hispanic or Latino 16.13%

Unknown 4.57%

White 59.44%

Gender

female 88.71%

male 11.29%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.9

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a licensed practical nurse?

Pros

  • Shorter training period than registered nurses

  • Competitive salary and benefits

  • Opportunity for career advancement through further education and specialization

  • Flexible work schedules, including part-time and overnight shifts

  • High job demand and security

Cons

  • Limited scope of practice compared to registered nurses

  • Lower pay compared to registered nurses

  • Limited opportunities for leadership positions within healthcare organizations

  • Possibility of being subjected to workplace violence or abuse from patients or their families

  • Limited autonomy in decision-making regarding patient care.

Licensed practical nurse career paths

Key steps to become a licensed practical nurse

  1. Explore licensed practical nurse education requirements

    Most common licensed practical nurse degrees

    Associate

    33.0 %

    Diploma

    31.2 %

    Bachelor's

    15.2 %

  2. Start to develop specific licensed practical nurse skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patients22.52%
    CPR10.70%
    Home Health10.22%
    Medication Administration4.15%
    Quality Care3.88%
    Show more

  3. Complete relevant licensed practical nurse training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New licensed practical nurses learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a licensed practical nurse based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real licensed practical nurse resumes.

  4. Obtain the necessary licensing

    Becoming a licensed licensed practical nurse usually require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed licensed practical nurse in most of states. 43 states require licensed practical nurses to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    StateEducationExamLicense url
    AlabamaDegree requiredState exam requiredLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
    AlaskaDegree requiredThird-party exam requiredNurse, Licensed Practical
    ArkansasDegree requiredThird-party exam requiredLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
    CaliforniaDegree requiredThird-party exam requiredLicensed Vocational Nurse
    ColoradoDegree requiredThird-party exam requiredLicensed Practical Nurse
    Show more

  5. Gain additional licensed practical nurse certifications

    Licensed practical nurse certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific licensed practical nurse certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for licensed practical nurses include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP).

    More About Certifications

  6. Research licensed practical nurse duties and responsibilities

    • Manage all operational aspects of the organizations open heart program while also serving in the role of APN.
    • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
    • Provide nursing care for med/surg patients in the transitional phase of recovery.
    • Work up patients for the Dr, administer allergy testing, mix allergens.

  7. Prepare your licensed practical nurse resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your licensed practical nurse resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a licensed practical nurse resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable licensed practical nurse resume templates

    Build a professional licensed practical nurse resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your licensed practical nurse resume.
    Licensed Practical Nurse Resume
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    Licensed Practical Nurse Resume
    Licensed Practical Nurse Resume
    Licensed Practical Nurse Resume
    Licensed Practical Nurse Resume

  8. Apply for licensed practical nurse jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a licensed practical nurse job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first licensed practical nurse job

Donyelle Despanie

Licensed Practical Nurse

My first college major was actually psychology with a minor in English. If anyone would've ever told me that I'd be a nurse today, I would not have believed them. Blood and bodily fluids were not my thing. Then fate happened. My paternal grandmother had Alzheimer's and I stopped working to take care of her until she passed away. Then my paternal grandfather was placed on Hospice care and I was in the room with him when he took his last breath. It was that very moment that I realized my calling. So at 38 years old, I went back to school. I was a single mom of 3 and worked a full-time job. I have gained so much experience and knowledge over the last 9 years. I now work remotely as a case manager, and yes I'm an LPN. I am currently employed by ObjectWin which is an employment agency.

Average licensed practical nurse salary

The average licensed practical nurse salary in the United States is $52,912 per year or $25 per hour. Licensed practical nurse salaries range between $37,000 and $74,000 per year.

Average licensed practical nurse salary
$52,912 Yearly
$25.44 hourly
More licensed practical nurse salary info

What am I worth?

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How do licensed practical nurses rate their job?

3.33/5

Based on 3 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Licensed practical nurse reviews

profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

How employers and our patients or clients appreciate what we do for them

Cons

What is there not to like? It's such a rewarding job!

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

Caring for patients

Cons

Staffing ratios, unfairness, constant expectations. Healthcare is a business but doesn’t treat nurses like business employees

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

helping people and saving lives

Cons

the pay is not good not enough for the lifestyle I would like to live

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Licensed practical nurse FAQs

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Licensed practical nurse jobs by state

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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