Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
1. OVERVIEW
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. Their responsibilities vary by setting and state laws, but commonly include monitoring patient health, administering basic treatments, and offering personal care. Titles vary by state, but duties are generally the same.
2024 Median Pay: $62,340/year ($29.97/hour)
Job Growth (2023–2033): +3% (As fast as average)
Typical Education: Postsecondary nondegree award (certificate or diploma)
2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL
ENTRY LEVEL
Job Titles: Licensed Practical Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Home Health LPN
Education: State-approved certificate/diploma in Practical Nursing
Experience: Clinical experience through training program
Certifications (Required):
NCLEX-PN (Licensure Exam)
CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS)
Core Duties:
Measure vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, etc.)
Provide basic patient care (bathing, dressing wounds, feeding assistance)
Administer medication under supervision (in some states)
Document patient care and health status
Communicate concerns to RNs or physicians
Salary Range: $48,000–$62,000
MID LEVEL
Job Titles: IV-Certified LPN, Shift Lead LPN, Pediatric LPN, Travel LPN
Education: Practical Nursing Certificate + Advanced Certifications
Experience: 3–5 years in clinical care settings
Certifications (Recommended):
IV Therapy Certification
Gerontology, Wound Care, or Pharmacology Certifications
Core Duties:
Start and manage IV drips (where permitted)
Administer medications and monitor for side effects
Provide specialized care for chronic or aging patients
Serve as team lead or mentor to junior LPNs
Update care plans and coordinate with care teams
Salary Range: $62,000–$75,000
SENIOR LEVEL
Job Titles: Charge Nurse (LPN), LPN Supervisor, Senior Home Health Nurse
Education: Certificate + 6–10+ years of experience or pathway to RN
Certifications (Preferred):
Advanced IV Certification
Supervisory or Leadership training
Core Duties:
Supervise LPNs, CNAs, or other support staff
Ensure documentation and care compliance
Provide input to care planning and patient discharge
Liaise with physicians and administrators
Train, evaluate, and support nursing team members
Salary Range: $75,000–$85,000+
3. HOW TO BECOME ONE
Education:
Completion of a state-approved Practical Nursing Program (1 year, typically from community colleges or technical schools)
Training:
Classroom and supervised clinical experience in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals
Licensing:
Pass the NCLEX-PN (administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing)
Certifications:
CPR/BLS (required)
Optional certifications in IV therapy, wound care, or gerontology
Career Path:
LPN → Lead LPN → RN (via bridge program) or LPN Supervisor
4. SKILLS & TOOLS
Core Skills
Compassion & empathy
Communication & listening
Attention to detail
Physical stamina
Multitasking & time management
Tools & Technology
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) like Epic, Cerner
Vital sign monitoring tools
Blood pressure cuffs, IV kits, syringes
Basic medical software
Infection control and sterilization tools
5. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Industries: Nursing/residential care, hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare, government
Settings: Full-time; nights, weekends, and holidays often required
Physical Demands: Standing for long periods, lifting patients, exposure to infectious diseases and biohazards
Challenges:
High stress, physical demands, shift work, exposure to illness
Injury Risks:
One of the highest rates of workplace injuries in healthcare
6. JOB OUTLOOK
Growth Rate (2023–2033): +3% (as fast as average)
Annual Openings: ~54,000
Growth Drivers:
Aging population requiring long-term care
Demand for home healthcare and outpatient services
Increased chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity)
Challenges:
Exposure to infection, physical demands, emotional stress
7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Role: Medical Assistants | Salary: $44,200 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
Role: Nursing Assistants & Orderlies | Salary: $39,430 | Education Level: High School Diploma / Certifications
Role: Occupational Therapy Assistants | Salary: $66,050 | Education Level: Associate’s Degree
Role: Physical Therapist Assistants | Salary: $60,050 | Education Level: Associate’s Degree
Role: Psychiatric Technicians & Aides | Salary: $42,200 | Education Level: High School + on-the-job training
Role: Registered Nurses | Salary: $93,600 | Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Role: Surgical Technologists | Salary: $62,480 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT
Courses & Certifications
NCLEX-PN Prep: Kaplan, Hurst Review, ATI Testing
Certifications:
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES)
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN)
Online Platforms:
Coursera: Anatomy, Pharmacology, Patient Safety
edX: Nursing Fundamentals
Medline University (free healthcare CEUs)
Books
“LPN Notes: Nurse's Clinical Pocket Guide” by Ehren Myers
“Practical Nursing: A Textbook for LPNs” by Mary Ann Hogan
“NCLEX-PN Practice Questions Exam Cram” by Wilda Rinehart
Videos & Communities
YouTube: RegisteredNurseRN, SimpleNursing, LPN Academy
Podcasts: Real Talk Nursing, Straight A Nursing
Reddit: r/nursing, r/LPN
Facebook Groups: LPNs Unite, Practical Nursing Study Group
9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
Top-Paying Industries (2024):
Industry: Government | Salary: $66,370
Industry: Nursing & Residential Facilities | Salary: $64,170
Industry: Home Healthcare | Salary: $61,300
Industry: Hospitals | Salary: $59,200
Industry: Physicians’ Offices | Salary: $57,660
Top States for Employment:
California, Texas, Florida, New York, Ohio
Trends:
Rise in home-based and travel nursing roles
Emphasis on LPNs for chronic care and long-term facilities
Expansion of IV-certification programs in more states
Tech use increasing in patient monitoring and documentation
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (ncsbn.org)
National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (nalpn.org)
Coursera, edX, Kaplan NCLEX Prep, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn Learning
