Licensed Practical Nurse FAQ

RNs complete longer education and have a broader scope, including comprehensive assessments and care planning. LPNs provide basic nursing care under RN or provider direction.

Yes. California and Texas use the title licensed vocational nurse (LVN); the role and NCLEX-PN exam are the same.

Most practical nursing programs take 12 to 18 months, followed by the NCLEX-PN exam.

The median annual wage for licensed practical nurses was $64,400 ($30.96 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,740 and the highest 10% earned more than $83,440.

Most people need about 12–18 months of training. You must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, usually a 12- to 18-month certificate or diploma from a community college or technical school, and pass the NCLEX-PN to earn a license.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.0% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 51,800 openings each year. Upsides include licensed nursing role in about a year; a common challenge is that scope of practice is narrower than an RN’s.

Key technical skills include medication administration, wound care, vital signs and patient assessment data collection, and catheter and ostomy care. Employers also value clinical judgment and prioritization, leadership of cnas, and compassionate communication.

Common credentials include NCLEX-PN license, IV therapy certification, BLS / CPR, and Specialty certificates. All states require LPNs to be licensed by the state board of nursing. Many states belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact, which lets nurses practice across member states with one multistate license.