LVN vs LPN: What's the Difference?

If you are interested in working as a nurse, you are likely wondering about the different roles and their functions. A career as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) can be rewarding, but it's important to first understand these roles. The terms ''LVN'' and ''LPN'' refer to similar nursing positions, with location determining which term is used.

Below, we'll discuss the differences between being an LVN and an LPN so you can familiarize yourself with the nursing profession and enroll in the best accredited LPN programs without worry.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) vs. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Licensed practical nurses, who are commonly referred to as LPNs and licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, perform similar job duties within the healthcare field. In fact, many individuals use these terms interchangeably when referring to nurses who help to perform basic patient care and monitoring duties under the supervision of registered nurses (RN).

The main difference between LPNs and LVNs is the location where these individuals work. California and Texas are the only states that use the term ''licensed vocational nurse'', while every other state uses ''licensed practical nurse'' to describe this position. This means that if you work in this specific field of nursing within California or Texas, you will be called an LVN — and if you work in the same field outside of these two states, you will be considered an LPN.

What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do?

A licensed practical nurse provides basic nursing care services to patients. This may include checking vital signs such as blood pressure, updating and notating patient medical records, changing bandages, and monitoring catheters. Typically, LPNs work under more experienced and higher-level nurses, such as registered nurses.

LPNs are healthcare professionals — they work may work in nursing homes, mental health facilities, hospitals, and other long-term care facilities. An LPN may also be a home health aide.

What Does a Licensed Vocational Nurse Do?

Similar to the LPN role, a licensed vocational nurse will record details about patient health, monitor vital signs, and provide basic wound care duties. The scope of an LVN's job duties may change depending on the exact healthcare setting they are working in, though you can expect that LVNs and LPNs will perform the same set of tasks for their patients.

Like LPNs, LVNs work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.

LPN Program and Licensure

LPN programs generally provide a faster way for someone to enter into the nursing profession. These programs can be taught in person at nursing school or through a nursing program with online or hybrid options. LPN programs teach students how to do the following in preparation for their nursing career:

• collecting and noting information about a patient's medical history
• monitoring vital signs (e.g., weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature)
• assisting patients at their bedside as needed
• noting any adverse reactions to drugs or medical treatment
• bathing and dressing patients
• assisting with basic care (e.g., bandage changes and catheter changes)
• cleaning and maintaining medical equipment as needed

To legally practice as an LPN, students must meet all LPN course requirements, graduate for their LPN program, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam for licensure. Students may also have to meet specific state licensing requirements.

LVN Program and Licensure

LVN programs work in the same way that LPN programs work. They teach students the basics of patient care, how to gather data and record information about a patient's medical history, and how to create care plans for patients — this is in addition to information about pharmacology (the study of drugs in the medical field) and essential medical terminology.

Students must graduate from their LVN program and take the NCLEX-PN exam. They must also meet any additional state requirements, as applicable, to obtain their nursing license and start practicing as an LVN.

How LPN/LVN Roles Compare To Registered Nurses

LPN and LVN roles are distinct from registered nurse (RN) roles. RN positions typically require a higher level of education and a higher level of responsibility on the job. While you can receive your LPN certificate within six months to a year and complete the NCLEX-PN, an RN must have an associate degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before passing the NCLEX-RN.

LPNs and LVNs provide basic patient care and are usually overseen by RNs. On the other hand, RNs report to doctors or other high-level medical professionals, and they are typically responsible for the following job duties:

• recording observations about a patient's medical status
• starting intravenous therapy (IV) for patients
• distributing oral medication and IV medication
• collecting blood samples as needed
• conducting diagnostic tests and performing physicals
• educating patients and their families about diagnoses and home care
• communicating/consulting with doctors about care plans

In general, RNs earn more annually than LPNs or LVNs due to the higher level of care they provide and the more extensive education needed for licensing.

FAQs About LPN and LVN Programs and Roles

If you want to become an LPN or LVN, you might want to understand these roles clearly. Below, we'll answer frequently asked questions to provide the clarification you may need.

Why Do California and Texas Use the Licensed Vocational Nurse Titles?

California and Texas use the title ''licensed vocational nurse'' for this entry-level nursing role. The use of this title, as opposed to the title of licensed practical nurse, is due to two reasons.

First, both California and Texas had their own state-specific licensing exams for LVNs to pass until recently. To become an LVN in either of these states, students would need to pass the NCLEX-PN and the state board exam.

Additionally, both of these states have legislation that cements the use of the term ''vocational''. Texas has the Vocational Nurse Act and California has the Vocational Nurse Practice Act.

Both acts have been in place since the 50s to define the requirements for working as an LVN. These states standardized the LVN process and dropped the state licensing board exam in favor of the NCLEX-PN exam, but the LVN term still sticks and is predominately used in these two states.

How Long Does It Take To Become an LVN or LPN?

On average, it can take students a year to become an LVN or LPN. Some programs may be longer, lasting a year and a half or up to two years, while others can be much faster, letting you graduate within six to nine months.

The fastest way to become an LPN is to take a fast-track online or hybrid LPN program. In most states, you can complete this program within six months before passing your NCLEX-PN exam and enter the workforce shortly after meeting these requirements.

Learn more:

Accelerated LVN Programs in California

Accelerated LVN Programs in Texas

What Are the Main Differences Between LVN and LPN Programs?

The only difference between LVN and LPN programs is the name, which is based on location. LVN is used for nurses in Texas and California, while LPN is used for all other states. Nurses in these roles perform the same duties and receive the same type of nursing education.

Explore LVN and LPN Programs Today

If you are interested in working as an LVN or LPN, you will need to start this process by obtaining a suitable education. Check out Learn.org to find out more about which colleges offer LPN or LVN programs that suit your needs, such as fast-track programs or programs with hybrid offerings.