[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses are trained healthcare professionals who provide basic medical care, typically under the supervision of a registered nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What is an LPN? Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide patient care in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. An LPN/LVN works under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. Working as an LPN or LVN serves as an entry-level nursing position for individuals who want to help others while exploring the healthcare profession. Responsibilities, tasks, and salaries reflect the amount of education and experience associated with each role.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an LPN or LVN?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some states refer to LPNs as LVNs. These nurses provide basic medical care for patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and doctors’ offices. They check blood pressure, monitor vital signs, offer basic patient care like changing bandages, and help patients with daily tasks, including bathing and dressing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They also communicate with patients about their concerns and report back to RNs and doctors. They must keep accurate patient records and provide high-quality patient care.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specific LPN/LVN duties vary depending on the state and work setting. In some states, they can collect medical samples and conduct routine laboratory tests. Some states also let them administer medication and start IV drips. LPNs and LVNs work closely with RNs and physicians and can provide certain care under RN supervision in most states.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Alternate Job Titles[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]LPN vs. LVN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs and LVNs must earn certificates or diplomas and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to earn state licensure. These nurses share the same responsibilities, with the only notable difference relating to location. While California and Texas use the title licensed vocational nurse, other states use the title licensed practical nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]LPN vs. RN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When making LPN vs. RN comparisons, prospective professionals should recognize that [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm/”]RNs must complete additional training[/hen-ui-link], pass a different exam, and hold a different license. While an LPN/LVN only needs a one-year certificate or diploma, an RN needs at least an associate degree and an RN license to practice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm/”]RNs coordinate with physicians[/hen-ui-link] to provide patient care, such as recording medical symptoms, observing patients, and administering treatments. RNs also supervise LPNs/LVNs. Due to increased training and responsibilities, RNs typically make more than LPNs/LVNs. RNs earned a median salary of $75,330 as of May 2020, while LPNs and LVNs took home a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm/”]median salary[/hen-ui-link] of $48,850 in the same period.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]LPN vs. CNA[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs/LVNs hold either certificates or diplomas in nursing from vocational schools or community colleges. These programs include coursework and clinical experience to prepare LPNs and LVNs to work with patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) participate in training programs offered through educational institutions, professional organizations, or government bodies. These similarly include classes and clinical components but span a shorter amount of time.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs/LVNs and CNAs work under the supervision of fellow nurses and physicians, but an LPN/LVN often oversees the duties of a CNA, too. LPNs/LVNs and CNAs interact with patients, but CNAs cannot administer medical care. CNAs often focus on administering basic care, such as bathing, feeding, and transporting patients. LVNs and LPNs perform medical tasks such as taking vitals, drawing blood, or assisting physicians during procedures. LPNs and LVNs earn higher annual salaries than CNAs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”where-work”]Where Do LPNs/LVNs Work?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most LPN and LVNs find work in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and hospitals. In these 24-hour facilities, LPNs and LVNs often work outside of typical business hours. Some LPNs and LVNs provide care in patients’ homes, which may also require irregular hours. LPNs/LVNs who work in doctors’ offices may work regular business hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become an LPN/LVN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes 1-2 years to become an LPN or LVN, depending on the program. An aspiring LPN/LVN can complete foundational coursework and clinical training ahead of earning their certification by earning a certificate or diploma. Prospective LPN/LVNs must pass the NCLEX-PN to receive licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Complete a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should make sure they complete nursing programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This ensures the certificate of diploma adheres to educational and practical standards in nursing. Courses in biology, English, and psychology accompany classes in nursing for professional nursing, introduction to pharmacology, and physical assessment in nursing. Students also participate in practical nursing labs and clinical requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs/LVNs do not need an associate [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link], making certificates and diplomas less time consuming and demanding than other [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-pre-nursing/”]nursing programs[/hen-ui-link]. LPN and LVN diplomas and certificates, offered through vocational and community colleges, may include optional specializations. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/best-nursing-careers-specialties/”]Areas of emphasis[/hen-ui-link] include basic life support, wound care, and hospice and palliative care.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam and earn your nursing license[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN/LVN programs prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. This test assesses knowledge and understanding of effective care, health promotion and maintenance, and psychosocial and physiological integrity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exam contains as many as 200 questions. Once a student passes, the individual can apply for licensure. Failing the exam results in a performance report, which candidates can use as a study guide to retake the test.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Optional – Earn additional certifications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once licensed, an LPN/LVN can earn additional certifications through bodies such as the National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES). NAPNES offers certifications in:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]IV therapy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Long-term care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other bodies, like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nncc-exam.org/certification/”]Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nawccb.org/wound-care-certification/”]National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy[/hen-ui-link], offer certifications for LPNs, as well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Earn continuing education credits[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs/LVNs must complete a certain amount of continuing education every two years. Each state maintains different requirements for continuing education, which [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]includes coursework[/hen-ui-link], clinical hours, and online options. Continuing education requirements also open opportunities to explore pursuing [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]a degree[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nurse-practitioner/”]specialization in nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]LPN/LVN Salary Overview[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median salary for LPNs and LVNs in 2020 fell just shy of $50,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS,. The BLS estimates above-average growth in employment for LPNs/LVNs from 2019-2029, with top-paying positions in government and healthcare settings. The projected growth bodes well for aspiring and current LPN/LVNs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About LPNs/LVNs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Take to Become an LPN or LVN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It can take just 12 months to become an LPN or an LVN. Some programs may last two years, depending on coursework and clinical requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Training Do You Need to Become an LPN or LVN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs and LVNs need to earn diplomas or certificates and pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to be eligible to work. This process includes required clinical training hours, which vary by state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Can I Earn More as an LPN/LVN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing additional certifications and developing more experience in the field helps practicing LPN/LVNs earn higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Can I Earn More as an LPN/LVN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing additional certifications and developing more experience in the field helps practicing LPN/LVNs earn higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Melissa Sartore” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618860719/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/author-no-image.jpg” img-alt=”Melissa Sartore” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Melissa Sartore[/hen-ui-link] holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her BA and MA in history are from Western Illinois University. A medievalist by training, she has published on outlawry in medieval England with additional publications on outlaws in popular culture and across geographic and historical boundaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Reviewed by: Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1617058506/experts/Brandy_Gleason.jpg” img-alt=”Reviewed by: Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]As an assistant professor of nursing and entrepreneur with nearly twenty years of varied nursing experience, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.shiftyourvision.org/”]Brandy Gleason[/hen-ui-link] offers a unique perspective. She currently teaches within a prelicensure nursing program and coaches masters students through their culminating projects. Brandy brings additional expertise as a bedside nurse and a nurse leader, having held past roles at the supervisory, managerial, and senior leadership levels. Her passion and area of research centers around coaching nurses and nursing students to build resilience and avoid burnout. Brandy is also an avid change agent when it comes to creating environments and systems that contribute to the wellbeing of students and healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”257,346,9783″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]