LPN programs prepare you to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in about 12 to 18 months, with tuition from roughly $4,000 at community colleges to $20,000 at private schools. Compare LPN programs by state, see what each state's Board of Nursing requires, and check what LPNs earn before you enroll. Hybrid LPN programs put lectures online and keep clinicals local.
What Is an LPN?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — called a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California and Texas — provides essential patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. LPNs take vital signs, administer medications, dress wounds, insert catheters, monitor patient progress, and communicate with families about care plans.
LPNs work across nearly every healthcare setting: nursing homes and long-term care facilities (the largest employer), hospitals, home health agencies, physician offices, outpatient clinics, schools, and correctional facilities. It's a hands-on clinical role with direct patient contact every shift.
The LPN vs RN distinction comes down to education and scope. LPNs complete a 12- to 18-month certificate program and pass the NCLEX-PN. Registered Nurses complete a 2- to 4-year degree (ADN or BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN. RNs can develop care plans, administer all medications, and supervise LPNs. Many LPNs use their license as a stepping stone to LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
The national median salary for LPNs is $64,400 per year ($30.96/hour), according to the BLS May 2025 wage estimates; in the top-paying state, Washington, the median is $83,150. See the full breakdown on our LPN salary by state page.
What Is an LPN Program?
An LPN program — practical nursing, or vocational nursing in California and Texas — is the training you need for an LPN/LVN license. The federal classification of instructional programs defines it as a program that “prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist,” including instruction in taking vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assisting with examinations and treatment (NCES, CIP 2020 code 51.3901).
- Where: certificate and diploma programs are commonly offered by community colleges and technical schools, including some high schools.
- How long: a state-approved program typically takes about 1 year.
- What you study: nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology — and every program includes supervised clinical experience.
- What comes after: graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to be licensed by their state board of nursing.
Source for the list: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — How to Become One.
Some schools teach the classroom part online; the clinical hours are always in person. See hybrid LPN programs for how that works.
Why Become an LPN?
Practical nursing is one of the fastest ways into a healthcare career with strong pay and real job security. Here's why thousands of people are enrolling in LPN programs each year:
Strong earning potential
The median LPN salary is $64,400/year (BLS, May 2025), and a state-approved program typically takes about a year. In Washington, Alaska and Oregon, the median is over $80,000.
Growing job market
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% growth in LPN employment from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with about 51,800 openings each year on average.
Fast entry — 12 to 18 months
Unlike BSN programs (4 years) or ADN programs (2 years), LPN certificate programs get you licensed and working in 12 to 18 months. Bridge programs for CNAs and medical assistants can cut that to 6 to 12 months.
Clear advancement pathway
An LPN license isn't a dead end — it's a launchpad. LPN-to-RN programs let you become a registered nurse while working. Many LPNs advance to RN within 2 to 3 years of starting their career.
Flexible work settings and schedules
LPNs choose from day, evening, night, and weekend shifts across dozens of healthcare settings. Home health and outpatient clinic roles offer particularly predictable hours compared to hospital floor nursing.
How to Become an LPN
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse follows a straightforward path. Here's the process from start to finish:
Meet Basic Prerequisites
You need a high school diploma or GED, a clean background check, current immunizations, and CPR/BLS certification. Most programs also require a passing score on the TEAS or HESI entrance exam. No prior healthcare experience is required, though it helps.
Choose an Accredited LPN Program
Enroll in a state-approved LPN program at a community college, vocational school, or technical institute. Check its accreditation and its NCLEX-PN pass rate — how to compare programs is below.
Complete Coursework and Clinicals
LPN programs cover anatomy, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, and mental health. You'll complete supervised clinical rotations in real healthcare settings. Full-time programs take 12 to 18 months; part-time and hybrid options are available.
Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
After graduating, register with your state Board of Nursing and take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). This computer-adaptive test is the final gate to licensure. NCLEX prep courses from UWorld or Kaplan are worth the investment.
Get Licensed and Start Working
Apply for your state LPN license (processing takes 2 to 6 weeks). LPN positions are widely available in nursing homes, home health agencies, hospitals, physician offices, and clinics. Many employers hire pending license verification.
Advance Your Career
Once you're working as an LPN, consider advancing through LPN-to-RN programs or LPN-to-BSN programs. Specialization in IV therapy, wound care, or gerontology can also increase your salary and job options.
Already have healthcare experience? You may qualify for an accelerated pathway. Medical assistants and CNAs can often enter bridge programs that shorten the timeline to 6 to 12 months.
How to Choose an LPN Program
Five things decide whether a program gets you licensed and working. Here is what to check for each, and where to check it.
1. State approval
You need a state-approved program to sit for the NCLEX-PN and get licensed (BLS). Your state board of nursing keeps the list of approved programs: each state in the directory below links its board, and NCSBN keeps a directory of every board of nursing. If you may move, check the rules in the state where you want to work.
2. Accreditation
Accreditation is a separate, independent review of the program. Two nursing accreditors cover practical nursing: ACEN, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, which the U.S. Department of Education recognizes for all types of nursing programs (filter its search by “Practical”), and the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), which accredits practical/vocational programs. Ask the school which applies and confirm it in the accreditor's own directory. If you plan to go on to an RN degree, ask those RN programs what they require of your PN program.
3. NCLEX-PN pass rate
The first-time pass rate is the share of a program's graduates who pass the NCLEX-PN on their first try. Nationally, 86.6% of first-time, U.S.-educated candidates passed in 2025 (47,470 of 54,818; NCSBN, 2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics). Many state boards publish rates by program — we collected them in NCLEX-PN pass rates by program. Compare a school with the national and state figures, and look at more than one year.
4. Clinical placements
Every program includes supervised clinical experience (BLS). Ask where the clinical sites are, whether the school arranges your placement, which shifts (days, evenings, weekends) you'll work, and how far you'll travel. In hybrid programs, the clinicals are still in person.
5. Cost
Compare the total cost — tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and licensing and exam fees — and the net price after aid. College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education) shows tuition, fees and net price for schools that report to the federal IPEDS survey, and the FAFSA tells you what federal aid you qualify for.
Find LPN Programs Near You
LPN Programs by State
Every state (and DC) in one table: what the license is called, the board of nursing that approves programs, the median LPN salary, and the state's first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate. Each state guide lists schools, licensing requirements and local pay.
Sources: median salary — BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 29-2061; pass rate — NCSBN, 2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics, Table 14: first-time, U.S.-educated NCLEX-PN candidates, Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2025, by the jurisdiction they tested for (number of candidates in brackets). State totals cover all programs; small numbers swing from year to year.
View the full state-by-state directory
LPN Career Pathways
An LPN license opens multiple career directions. Whether you're entering nursing for the first time or looking to advance, there's a clear path for you:
MA to LPN
Medical assistants earn $17K+ more as LPNs. Bridge programs take 6–12 months.
CNA to LPN
CNAs can fast-track to LPN through bridge programs and advanced standing.
LPN to RN
Advance to Registered Nurse and boost your salary to $86K+ median.
LPN to BSN
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the widest range of career options.
LVN vs LPN
Same role, different name. Learn why California and Texas say LVN.
Continuing Education
CE requirements for LPN license renewal — state-by-state guide.
LPN Salary: Top 10 Highest-Paying States
LPN pay varies widely by state. Here are the 10 states where LPNs earn the most, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 data:
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $83,150 |
| 2 | Alaska | $80,800 |
| 3 | Oregon | $80,470 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $80,220 |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $80,090 |
| 6 | California | $79,750 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $77,110 |
| 8 | Arizona | $77,070 |
| 9 | Nevada | $76,160 |
| 10 | District of Columbia | $75,740 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 29-2061.
See the complete LPN salary guide for all 50 states, metro-area breakdowns, salary by work setting, and tips for increasing your pay.
From the LPN Blog
Expert advice to help you navigate your LPN career, from choosing a program to landing your first job.
What Do LPNs Do? Daily Duties Explained
LPN vs RN Salary Comparison
How Long Is LPN School?
LPN vs CNA: Key Differences
NCLEX-PN Study Tips That Work
LPN Specialties & Certifications
Is LPN a Good Career?
LPN Financial Aid Guide
LPN Resume Tips
Can LPNs Work in Hospitals?
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs
How long does it take to become an LPN?
Most LPN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete. If you have prior healthcare experience as a CNA or medical assistant, bridge programs can shorten that to 6 to 12 months. After completing your program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to earn your license.
Can you become an LPN online?
You can complete the classroom portion of many LPN programs online, including courses in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing theory. However, clinical rotations must be done in person at an approved healthcare facility. Hybrid programs that combine online lectures with local clinicals offer the best flexibility.
How much do LPN programs cost?
LPN program tuition ranges from $4,000 to $20,000 depending on the school and state. Community colleges are typically the most affordable at $4,000 to $10,000. Private vocational schools may cost $10,000 to $20,000. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce costs significantly.
What's the difference between LPN and RN?
LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) complete a 12- to 18-month certificate program, while RNs (Registered Nurses) earn an associate's or bachelor's degree (2 to 4 years). RNs have a broader scope of practice, including developing care plans and administering all medications. LPNs work under RN or physician supervision. The median RN salary is $97,550 compared to $64,400 for LPNs (BLS, May 2025).
Do LPNs work in hospitals?
Yes, though the largest employers of LPNs are nursing and residential care facilities (37% of LPN jobs in 2025), followed by hospitals (16%), home healthcare services (12%), and offices of physicians (11%), according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
What is the LPN salary in my state?
LPN salaries vary significantly by state. The national median is $64,400 per year (BLS, May 2025). The top-paying states are Washington ($83,150), Alaska ($80,800), Oregon ($80,470). See our complete LPN salary guide for all 50 states with metro-area breakdowns.
Start Your LPN Career Today
Compare accredited LPN programs in your area. Find the right school, schedule, and price — and take the first step toward becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.