Licensed practical nurses, also known as licensed vocational nurses, are responsible for providing basic health care services in medical facilities of all kinds. For those who want to enter the nursing field quickly, an LVN or LPN school can have you ready for a new job in as little as a year. If you're wondering what does a licensed practical nurse do, the answer is all of the following:
- Measuring patient vital signs.
- Providing basic patient care such as changing bandages.
- Assisting with bathing and dressing.
- Gathering information on patient concerns.
- Maintaining records on patient care.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
As medical professionals, LPNs need to go through several steps before they are ready to work. Here's how to become a licensed practical nurse:
- Graduate from high school.
- Enroll in a LPN nursing school. These schools offer licensed practical nurse programs that result in a diploma, certificate or associate degree.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination.
- Earn a professional certification. This step is voluntary, but employers may prefer job applicants who can demonstrate expertise in a specific area.
As part of their preparation to work in the field, LPN students can expect to learn about the following:
- Biology
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Care
LPN Degree Programs
Licensed practical nurse programs can result in either a degree or a non-degree award. Here's the difference:
- Diploma/Certificate: Licensed practical nurse certificate programs can often be completed in one year or less. They are highly focused programs that teach just basic nursing skills. Some schools award a diploma, and these are comparable to a certificate.
- Associate Degree: An associate degree in nursing can be earned in 18-24 months at many LPN schools. These programs may include general education classes in topics such as psychology and communication along with nursing instruction. An associate degree may be best for those who think they'd like to eventually become a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse.
LPN Nursing Schools
You'll find licensed practical nurse programs at community colleges and technical schools as well as at some four-year institutions. However, you won't find online LPN schools. Since nursing is a hands-on profession, students need to be taught in person. Still, if you're earning an associate degree, you may be able to take your general education classes online while attending nursing courses on-campus.
Licensure and Certification for Licensed Practical Nurses
It's not enough to simply graduate from a LPN training school. You'll also need to be licensed by your state before you can begin working.
While each state oversees its own licensing policies, applicants generally must graduate from a state-approved LPN school and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Other state requirements may include passing a background check or paying a licensing fee.
Beyond state licensure, LPNs have the option to become certified. While certification isn't required to work as a licensed practical nurse, some employers prefer to hire those who demonstrate expertise in a specific area. Available LPN certifications include the following:
- IV Therapy Certification from the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
- Long-Term Care Certification from the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
- Pharmacology Certification from the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
- IV Certification from The National Association of Licensed Professional Nurses
- Gerontology Certification from The National Association of Licensed Professional Nurses
Career Advancement for LPNs
Once LPNs have gained experience, they may be promoted to supervisory roles. Others advance their career by becoming registered nurses. Some schools offer online LPN-to-RN bridge programs that can be completed without ever setting foot on campus.
Best LPN Schools for 2020
Many schools offer training for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses, but some schools are more affordable and more flexible than others. We analyzed data from LPN schools across the county to find those that offer great programs that support student success. Based on information from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, we think these schools offer a quality education at a price that won't break the bank.
As a newer school within the Technical College System of Georgia, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College was formed with the merger of two schools in 2010. It enrolls nearly 5,500 students annually. In addition to its four campuses, the school offers classes on Moody Air Force Base and at seven different locations.
LPN programs at WGTC: The practical nursing program at WGTC is offered on the Valdosta, Ben Hill Irwin and Coffee campuses. It requires 57 credits and results in a diploma. In addition to classroom instruction, students take part in clinical experiences to give them hands-on practice. Graduates should have the skills and knowledge needed to work in entry-level nursing positions. This program qualifies for the Georgia's HOPE Career Grant.
Students in northwest Georgia can find quality academic options at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. The school is part of the Technical College System of Georgia and was formed in 2009 when Coosa Valley Technical College and Northwestern Technical College merged. It has six campuses and online degree programs.
LPN programs at GNTC: Unlike some schools that use waitlists for popular programs, GNTC has a competitive application process for its practical nursing diploma. Students accepted into the program can take classes on either the Floyd County or Walker County campus. In 2019, the school noted that graduates of the program had a 97% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
Established in 2014 with the merger of Altamaha Technical College and Okefenokee Technical College, this school offers programs that culminate in degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit to students in southeastern Georgia. Coastal Pines Technical College offers classes at seven locations as well as online.
LPN programs at CPTC: Students may earn a practical nursing diploma from CPTC in five semesters. The program is offered at five of the college's locations, and night, weekend and online courses are available for the general education core requirements. Upon graduation, students can expect to be prepared to take the LPN licensure exam and work in entry-level positions. Tuition costs can be covered for CPTC practical nursing students who are eligible for the HOPE Grant and the HOPE Career Grant.
As part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, West Kentucky Community and Technical College is an affordable option for degree, diploma and certificate programs. The school offers flexible learning options, including 8-week and 12-week courses. It also offers more than a dozen fully online programs.
LPN programs at WKCTC: A practical nursing diploma from WKCTC can be earned in three semesters. Admission to the program is based upon a points system that takes into account standardized test scores, GPA and GED scores. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for state licensure and employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, home health care and schools. The WKCTC practical nursing program is eligible for the state's Work Ready Scholarship Program., meaning that students' tuition costs may be covered.
South Georgia Technical College is one of only two technical colleges in its state to offer campus housing. However, convenient living is only one reason students choose this institution, which is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. The school offers hands-on training, a low student-faculty ratio and vibrant campus life.
LPN programs at SGTC: Offered on both the main campus in Americus and the Crisp County Center, the SGTC practical nursing program includes both classroom and clinical instruction. A background check and physical examination are required before beginning clinical rotations though. Graduates earn a diploma and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Once licensed, SGTC graduates can be ready to begin employment in a variety of healthcare settings.
While this school's full name is George C. Wallace State Community College, you're most likely to hear it called Wallace State Community College, Wallace State or WSCC. The college offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs and primarily serves students from north central Alabama.
LPN programs at Wallace State: The practical nursing curriculum at Wallace State requires 46 credit hours and 1,050 contact hours. It's a three-semester program that results in a certificate. The school says it offers quality education from top-notch faculty. Wallace State also has a record of strong licensure and job placement rates. The college's nursing program has been designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
Offering both on-campus and online degree programs, Central Georgia Technical College works to meet the needs of diverse students. Its more than 200 education options include those that result in associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. The college has roots going back to 1962 and is a part of the Technical College System of Georgia.
LPN programs at CGTC: Within its nursing program, CGTC offers a practical nursing diploma opportunity. It aims to prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, and the curriculum includes both classroom and clinical instruction. Students can take classes on the Macon, Milledgeville and Warner Robins campuses. The program has a competitive admissions process and offers start dates in the spring and fall semesters. Upon graduation, students should be prepared to fill entry-level positions in the field.
Olney Community College is one of four schools within the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges District. With an enrollment of a little more than 1,000 students, OCC features the opportunity for personalized instruction. The college offers dozens of degree and certificate options, and approximately 200 courses are available online.
LPN programs at OCC: At OCC, the goal is to educate future nurses with the skills, knowledge and attitudes they'll need to be successful in this dynamic career. There is a shortage of nurses in local communities, according to OCC, and the school says its graduates are highly sought after to fill vacant positions. For LPNs, the school has a practical nursing certificate program that requires 44 credits and can be completed with three semesters of study.
Like other schools within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Hopkinsville Community College is known for providing practical education at an affordable price. Its degree, diploma and certificate programs aim to prepare students to work in high-demand fields. Thanks to the Work Ready Kentucky Program, tuition for some of these programs may even be covered for eligible students.
LPN programs at HCC: A practical nursing diploma can be earned in 11 months from HCC. The program requires a minimum of 53 credits and runs from fall through the following summer semester. Students can expect to learn about nursing basics and gain hands-on experience in a practicum. Upon graduation, students should be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. The HCC practical nursing program is eligible for tuition support through Work Ready Kentucky.
Madisonville Community College boasts of some of the lowest tuition rates in Kentucky. Its three campus locations support students who want to earn a degree, diploma or certificate in dozens of fields of study. Its MCC Accelerate Program lets busy adults finish their education by meeting one night a week and taking only one class at a time.
LPN programs at MCC: The practical nursing curriculum is part of the integrated nursing program at MCC. All nursing students begin the same curriculum, but there are two exit points: one for LPNs and one for RNs. The program begins each fall and spring semester and uses a competitive process to admit students. Practical nursing graduates receive a diploma and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. The MCC program also qualifies for tuition coverage through the Work Ready Scholarship Program.
Skills and Qualities for Licensed Practical Nurses
The job of an LPN can be a good fit for anyone with the following skills and abilities.:
- Service orientation: Above all, LPNs must have a heart for helping others. Being service oriented means they are constantly looking for ways to assist patients, physicians and colleagues.
- Active listening: In order to be of service, LPNs must understand what is being requested of them. That means listening closely to patients and physicians and asking follow-up questions as needed.
- Time management: LPNs may have to juggle many responsibilities for multiple patients and must be efficient in how they use their time.
- Speech clarity: When giving instructions to patients, it's crucial for LPNs to speak in a way that is clearly understood.
- Problem sensitivity: Nurses must have the intuition to know when something might go wrong, and this ability is known as problem sensitivity.
Career Outlook and Salary Information for Licensed Practical Nurses
A common question for anyone looking into this career is: how much does a licensed practical nurse make? National figures are listed below, but actual incomes can vary. Licensed practical nurse salary expectations can depend on where workers live, how much experience they have and whether they are certified.
Job opportunities for LPNs can also depend on factors such as geographic area and experience. However, the overall expected career growth for the field is shown below.
Career | Total Employment | Average Salary | Projected Job Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 697,510 | $48,500 | 10.7% |
Professional Resources for Licensed Practical Nurses
In addition to general nursing organizations, there are several associations specifically for LPNs and LVNS. Check out the following resources, all of which can be important for students to know.
- National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service - NAPNES is the oldest organization in the country that advocates for practical nurses. They have helped develop licensing standards and offer certification programs for LPNs.
- The National Association of Licensed Professional Nurses - Almost as old as NAPNES, this group - known as NALPN - also advocates for high standards for practical nurses and offers voluntary certification options.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing - This non-profit represents the boards of nursing from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. It is responsible for creating and overseeing nursing licensure examinations.