Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) salary

Licensed practical nurses provide hands-on nursing care under the direction of RNs and physicians, most often in long-term care, clinics and home health. Training is around a year. Day to day, that means monitor vital signs and patient condition, administer prescribed medication, dress wounds and assist with treatments and support patients with daily needs.

The usual route is: (1) complete a practical nursing programme, (2) pass the NCLEX-PN and licence in your state, (3) start in long-term care or a clinic, (4) bridge to RN through an LPN-to-RN programme if you want to progress. Employers typically look for approved practical nursing programme (about 12 months), passing the NCLEX-PN examination and state LPN/LVN licence.

Yes. Working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) requires formal certification or licensing — specifically state LPN/LVN licence and CPR certification. Requirements are set at state level in most cases, so check your own state's rules before committing to a programme.

Long-term care and home health drive steady LPN demand, particularly outside major metros where RN coverage is thinner.

LPN training takes about a year versus two to four for an RN, and LPNs work under RN or physician direction with a narrower scope of practice. RNs earn more and have wider responsibilities. Many LPNs later bridge to RN, often with employer support.