How To Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 2025

The healthcare field is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand industries in the country. Nearly 2 million jobs are expected to open every year, and many of those are roles for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

There are some classes required to become an LPN, but the time to completion for most programs is relatively short compared to most healthcare degree programs. Being an LPN is a rewarding career, and it pays well despite being an entry-level position.

Keep reading to learn more about how to become an LPN and jumpstart your healthcare career journey.

What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

A licensed practical nurse is an entry-level nurse who works under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. They are a step above clinical nursing assistants (CNAs) and provide patient care such as taking vital signs, delivering food to patients, and communicating patient information.

LPNs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home healthcare services, rehabilitation clinics, and more. The shortest time to become an LPN is approximately 12 to 18 months.

Becoming an LPN requires less schooling and time than becoming an RN or physician, but taking the proper steps is essential to earning your license. Below are the general steps on how to become an LPN online or in-person, though requirements may change based on what state you plan to practice in.

Steps To Become a Licensed Practical Nurse

These are the general steps to becoming an LPN. Be sure to check the licensure requirements for your state, in addition to the following steps.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The first step to becoming an LPN is to earn your high school diploma or GED. LPN programs typically require a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher and may have additional education requirements.

The baseline for admission to an LPN program is a high school diploma or other certification (i.e., GED).

Step 2: Meet Age and Health Requirements

LPN programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old, though there is typically no maximum age for admission.

Students should also be in good health and will likely have to submit a physical form from their doctor as proof that they are fit to work. This may include immunization records.

Step 3: Find an LPN Program in Your State

Once an LPN program candidate has met the education and health requirements, it's time to find a program in their state. Programs are typically held at community colleges, trade and vocational schools, or nursing schools.

There are some accelerated LPN programs online that blend online and on-campus coursework. The time commitment may be shorter, but accelerated programs may be more intense than traditional LPN programs.

LPN programs are designed to be full-time, with clinical experiences, coursework, and synchronous classes that take place four to five days per week. This is where students get hands-on experiences administering medication, practicing their communication skills, and learning the fundamentals of becoming an LPN.

The best accredited LPN programs will have a large emphasis on clinical placements, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while still under careful supervision. Most programs last for 12 to 18 months and prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam.

Step 4: Take the NCLEX-PN

The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is the next step toward earning your LPN license. There are four main client needs categories on the exam:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity

There is no fixed score required for the NCLEX-PN. Instead, a special algorithm determines the difficulty of the questions based on your previous answers. The exam ends when a student is determined to have passed when the computer is 95% confident that they are either above or below a passing standard.

The exam consists of a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 205. The maximum amount of time a student may spend on the exam is five hours.

Step 5: Seek Licensure in Your State

Some states may have additional requirements before you can receive your license as an LPN, even if you've passed the NCLEX-PN. These can include:

• passing a criminal background check
• providing transcripts from an approved nursing program
• demonstrating that you possess a ''good moral character'' as defined by your state

Once the state-specific licensing requirements have been met, LPNs can officially begin practice in healthcare facilities.

LPN vs. LVN: What's the Difference?

Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) have the same roles and responsibilities. They are eligible to work in the same level of care facilities and provide the same nursing care to patients.

There's one key difference between an LPN and an LVN: where they work. Almost all states in the U.S. use the term ''LPN''. Texas and California, however, use the term ''LVN''. Both LVNs and LPNs work in the same roles and have the same responsibilities, just with different titles depending on the state where they practice.

How To Choose an LVN or LPN Program

Choosing an LVN/LPN program can be difficult, and it's important to choose one that fits your lifestyle. Many are a considerable time commitment, but some are offered in a hybrid setting or on a part-time basis.

Some LPN programs may offer courses in specialties such as working in nursing homes or working with mental health patients or pediatric patients.

Finding a low-cost LPN program can help students attend full-time without having to balance school and work, which can allow them to concentrate on their studies. There are also many external scholarship programs to help students complete their nursing education.

LPN Career Outlook

There is a fairly good career outlook for licensed practical nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has determined that the average median salary for LPNs is just over $62,000 per year, or $29 per hour.

For LPNs looking to further their career, there are many LPN to RN programs available. Otherwise known as bridge programs, these programs utilize an LPN's experience to fast-track them to becoming an RN.

LPNs can also pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Many BSN programs take work experience as college credits to help students complete their degree on time.

FAQs About Licensed Practical Nursing Programs

Becoming an LPN is a big step in achieving your career goals, and it's important to choose the right certificate program for you. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about LPN programs.

How Long Does It Take To Become an LPN?

Most LPN programs take 12 to 18 months of full-time commitment. Studying part-time can delay your certification, and most programs only offer clinical placements during normal working hours.

What Will I Study in an LPN Program?

In an LPN program, you will study routine responsibilities fitting for a medical assistant. These include distributing patient information and medication, taking and reading vital signs, pharmacology, anatomy, patient assessment skills, and more.

What Are the Requirements To Enroll in an LPN Program?

The requirements to enroll in an LPN program may vary by state, but generally, most require applicants to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Some may have prerequisite GPA requirements or require applicants to pass a background check.

Explore Accredited Nursing Programs Online

While many LPN programs are in-person, online or hybrid training programs can still help you achieve your healthcare career goals. Explore accredited online nursing programs here on Learn.org.