How to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN)

Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources

Updated June 30, 2026

Becoming an LPN, called an LVN in Texas and California, comes down to three things: finish a state-approved practical-nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and get licensed by your state. It is the fastest way into licensed nursing, usually about a year of school. Here is the full roadmap, honest pay numbers, and how the LPN-to-RN path works if you want to go further later.

The roadmap, step by step

Finish a state-approved practical-nursing program

Complete a practical-nursing (LPN/LVN) program at a community college, technical or vocational school, or hospital. Most take about one year (some run closer to 18 months) and award a diploma or certificate, not a degree. Make sure the program is approved by your state board of nursing, that is what makes you eligible to test.

Pass the NCLEX-PN

Apply to your state board for authorization to test, then take the NCLEX-PN, the national licensing exam every LPN/LVN candidate must pass. It is developed by the NCSBN (the same body behind the NCLEX-RN) but is a separate, practical-nurse exam.

Apply for your state license

Apply to your state board of nursing for licensure by examination. You submit proof of finishing an approved program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and meet your state's requirements. The exam is national, but your license is granted by the state.

Start practicing, and consider an LPN-to-RN bridge later

Once licensed you can work as an LPN or LVN. Many nurses later use an LPN-to-RN bridge (LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN) to credit their prior training and become an RN, which raises both scope and pay.

Path confirmed against the NCSBN (NCLEX) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Preparing for the NCLEX-PN?

A question bank with thorough rationale review is the highest-yield prep. Practice with a BoardVitals NCLEX-PN question bank.

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LPN vs LVN, and what the role covers

LPN and LVN are the same credential. Texas and California call it a licensed vocational nurse (LVN); every other state calls it a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Same one-year path, same NCLEX-PN, same core role.

Scope varies by state.An LPN's scope is narrower than an RN's, and the specifics, IV therapy, patient assessment, and delegation, differ from one state board to another (some require extra board-approved certification). LPNs generally work under the direction of an RN or physician. Always confirm what you can and cannot do with your own state board of nursing.

Pay and job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $62,340 for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (May 2024), with the lowest 10% under $47,960 and the highest 10% over $80,510. LPN roles are concentrated in nursing and residential care facilities and home health. For honest comparison, RNs had a median of $93,600: an LPN is a faster, lower-cost entry into licensed nursing, and the RN route pays more but takes an ADN or BSN.

Going further: LPN to RN

Becoming an LPN does not close the door on RN. LPN-to-RN bridge programs credit your practical-nursing training so you do not start over: an LPN-to-ADN typically runs about one to two years and an LPN-to-BSN about two to four years. You then sit the NCLEX-RN for an RN license. Many nurses use the LPN role to start earning and gaining experience, then bridge up. See the full how-to-become-an-RN roadmap.

General educational information, not academic or career advice. Program approval, scope of practice, eligibility, and timelines vary by state and program and change over time. Confirm current requirements with your target program and your state board of nursing.

Becoming an LPN FAQ

How long does it take to become an LPN?: Most practical-nursing programs take about one year, though some run closer to 18 months. After graduation, passing the NCLEX-PN and getting your state license adds a few weeks. End to end, plan on roughly one to one and a half years.
What is the difference between an LPN and an LVN?: None in practice. 'LVN' (licensed vocational nurse) is the title used only in Texas and California; 'LPN' (licensed practical nurse) is used in every other state. It is the same credential, the same NCLEX-PN exam, and the same core role, just a different name.
What exam do LPNs have to pass?: The NCLEX-PN. It is the national licensing exam for practical and vocational nurses, developed by the NCSBN (the same body that develops the NCLEX-RN) but a distinct exam. It is a computer-adaptive test, and every LPN/LVN candidate must pass it to be licensed.
What can an LPN do, and how is it different from an RN?: LPNs provide hands-on nursing care, usually under the direction of an RN or physician. Their scope is narrower than an RN's and varies by state: things like IV therapy, patient assessment, and delegation are handled differently from one state board to another and sometimes require extra board-approved certification. Confirm your specific scope with your own state board of nursing.
How much do LPNs make?: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $62,340 for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (May 2024), with the lowest 10% under $47,960 and the highest 10% over $80,510. For comparison, RNs had a median of $93,600. LPN is a faster, lower-cost way into licensed nursing; RNs earn more but need an ADN or BSN.
Can an LPN become an RN?: Yes. LPN-to-RN bridge programs credit your prior LPN training so you can become an RN without starting over. An LPN-to-ADN typically takes about one to two years and an LPN-to-BSN about two to four years; graduates then pass the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. It is a common, well-established path.

Keep exploring

How to become a registered nurse (RN)

Where nursing can take you: career guides

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How to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN)

Updated June 30, 2026

The roadmap, step by step

Finish a state-approved practical-nursing program

Pass the NCLEX-PN

Apply for your state license

Start practicing, and consider an LPN-to-RN bridge later

Once licensed you can work as an LPN or LVN. Many nurses later use an LPN-to-RN bridge (LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN) to credit their prior training and become an RN, which raises both scope and pay.

LPN vs LVN, and what the role covers

Pay and job outlook

Going further: LPN to RN

Becoming an LPN FAQ

How long does it take to become an LPN?

Most practical-nursing programs take about one year, though some run closer to 18 months. After graduation, passing the NCLEX-PN and getting your state license adds a few weeks. End to end, plan on roughly one to one and a half years.

What is the difference between an LPN and an LVN?

None in practice. 'LVN' (licensed vocational nurse) is the title used only in Texas and California; 'LPN' (licensed practical nurse) is used in every other state. It is the same credential, the same NCLEX-PN exam, and the same core role, just a different name.

What exam do LPNs have to pass?

The NCLEX-PN. It is the national licensing exam for practical and vocational nurses, developed by the NCSBN (the same body that develops the NCLEX-RN) but a distinct exam. It is a computer-adaptive test, and every LPN/LVN candidate must pass it to be licensed.

What can an LPN do, and how is it different from an RN?

LPNs provide hands-on nursing care, usually under the direction of an RN or physician. Their scope is narrower than an RN's and varies by state: things like IV therapy, patient assessment, and delegation are handled differently from one state board to another and sometimes require extra board-approved certification. Confirm your specific scope with your own state board of nursing.

How much do LPNs make?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $62,340 for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (May 2024), with the lowest 10% under $47,960 and the highest 10% over $80,510. For comparison, RNs had a median of $93,600. LPN is a faster, lower-cost way into licensed nursing; RNs earn more but need an ADN or BSN.

Can an LPN become an RN?

Yes. LPN-to-RN bridge programs credit your prior LPN training so you can become an RN without starting over. An LPN-to-ADN typically takes about one to two years and an LPN-to-BSN about two to four years; graduates then pass the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. It is a common, well-established path.