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Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
Are you a leader who leads by example?  Do you enjoy studying the human anatomy?  Do you genuinely love people, always exercise patience, and have a gift for comforting others?  If so and if you are great at multi-tasking and are diligent, respectful, responsible, and above all, honest, then you should become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurses (called Licensed Vocational Nurses in some states) are generalists who work in any area of healthcare, under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.  They care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices, clinics, private homes (home healthcare), and group homes.  Experienced LPNs and LVNs oversee and direct other LPNs or LVNs and unlicensed medical staff, such as Certified Nursing Assistants and Orderlies.  LPNs should be caring, emotionally stable, and observant and have a sympathetic nature and good decision-making and communication skills, since working with the injured and sick can be stressful.

The duties of a Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse include but are not limited to:  supervising Nursing Assistants and Aides; monitoring patients’ health; helping with feeding, bathing, and dressing; discussing health care with patients and listening to their concerns; reporting patients’ status to Registered Nurses and doctors; monitoring and keeping records on patients’ health (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, height, weight, and fluid intake); teaching family members how to care for a relative; helping to deliver, care for, and feed infants; collecting samples for testing and doing routine laboratory tests; changing bandages; inserting catheters; preparing and giving injections and enemas; giving alcohol rubs and massages; and dressing wounds.

High school students interested in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse benefit from taking Algebra, Biology/Anatomy, Nutrition, Physical Science, and Chemistry.  Students entering Licensed Practical Nurse programs from high school with no previous LPN training should expect a period of 1 year to complete said program.  Most community colleges and trade schools offer LPN training, where basic nursing concepts and patient care (Medical-Surgical Nursing, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Anatomy, Physiology, Obstetrics Nursing, First Aid, Nutrition, and Pharmacology) are taught and supervised clinical work is completed.  Some LPN programs are offered by high schools, which students are strongly advised to complete prior to graduating high school.  After attaining licensure, continuing education is mandated, making career-long learning a requirement for LPNs and LVNs.

Becoming an LPN should be a stepping-stone toward eventually becoming a Nurse.  Ideally, one would first complete a Certified Nursing Assistant program (one-semester course) and gain experience by working part-time as a CNA on weekends while enrolled full-time in an LPN program.  Grants and scholarships are available to pay for tuition, books, uniforms, and supplies and to supplement income while enrolled in the one-year LPN program.

In some states, LPNs and LVNs are permitted to start intravenous (IV) fluids, administer prescribed medicines, and provide care to patients on ventilators.  State regulations govern the extent to which they must be directly supervised by RNs.

A large number of LPNs and LVNs are expected to retire over the coming decade, thus making many positions available for new and experienced LPNs.  With the US population aging and with the "baby boomers" now approaching retirement age, growth in demand for LPNs and LVNs has spiked to nearly twice the overall rate for all occupations.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
​Median Salary:  $41,150

Salary Range:  ~$30,650 - $57,080+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
​The normal routes to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse have been to attain licensure by completing a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, which takes about one year to complete.  Some accelerated courses are provided that would take less time.  Students are encouraged to take and complete this course while still in high school by coordinating their course curriculum between their high school and the local community college.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs are offered at most community colleges, health care trade, vocational, and technical schools, and at select junior colleges.
Available Scholarships
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