Dreaming of a fulfilling job in healthcare that offers room for professional development, deep interactions with patients, and minimal training requirements? Practical nursing offers fast entry into the healthcare field, with the opportunity to impact patients’ lives on a daily basis.

Whether considering healthcare as your first professional calling or looking to transition from another field, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a great stepping stone. LPNs provide essential and fundamental care for patients in need and act as a vital support system for doctors and RNs. Plus, the pathway to becoming an LPN is streamlined in comparison to many other patient-centered professions.

Got questions? You’re not alone! We’ve created this guide to help aspiring caregivers make an informed decision on their education and career path. Below, we cover the many aspects of becoming an LPN, including educational requirements, daily responsibilities, career pathways, and salary potential.

What is an LPN?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are entry-level nursing professionals who work under the direction of Registered Nurses (RNs) and doctors.

Working in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies, LPNs give the healthcare system much-needed support. Their efforts with patients ensure high-quality medical care, comfort, and support for everyday activities, which fundamentally impacts the quality of medical attention, comfort, and assistance patients receive.

What are the requirements to become an LPN?

To become an LPN, candidates must meet specific educational and regulatory requirements.

Specifically, after completing a high school diploma or GED, prospective LPNs must complete an accredited practical nursing program, which typically includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care practices.

Admission into these programs often requires a minimum GPA and satisfactory entrance exam scores. Additionally, candidates must pass a background check, provide immunization records, and obtain CPR certification in order to complete their LPN program (and eventually practice).

After graduation, there are steps one must take to become an LPN—that is, a licensed professional. To earn licensure, prospective LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). This board examination is required in every state, in order for an LPN to practice and work with patients.

Do LPNs need a license to practice?

Yes, all LPNs must obtain a state-issued license before they can practice. To earn licensure, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination, a standardized test that evaluates their competency in practical nursing. License renewal is generally required every two years, and continuing education requirements vary by state to ensure LPNs remain up to date with the latest medical practices and regulations.

How long is an LPN program?

LPN programs are shorter in length than registered nursing programs. However, the duration of an LPN program varies based on the chosen study format. Traditional full-time programs can be completed within 12 to 18 months, while part-time options may take between 18 to 24 months. These programs integrate classroom instruction, hands-on lab skills training, and clinical rotations to equip students with the necessary knowledge and experience for entry into the profession.

Become an LPN at Goodwin!

What does an LPN do and not do?

LPNs are responsible for a range of patient care duties. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, collect lab specimens, provide basic wound care, assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing and dressing, and document patient progress and responses to treatment.

However, LPNs have certain limitations in their scope of practice. For example, not all states allow LPNs to administer IV medications, develop nursing care plans independently, perform initial patient assessments, or administer blood products. Their work is task-oriented and requires close collaboration with RNs and physicians to ensure optimal patient care.

What’s the difference between an LPN and an RN?

Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses have distinct roles in healthcare, with LPNs providing basic patient care under supervision and RNs having a broader scope of practice and more autonomy stemming from their educational backgrounds, which vary significantly in duration and depth.

Education

The educational paths for LPNs and RNs differ significantly. Becoming an LPN typically takes 12 to 18 months of dedicated study that provides students with a solid grasp of fundamental patient care.

In contrast, RN programs demand a more extensive commitment of two to five years, culminating in either an associate or bachelor’s degree in Nursing, which is required to then become licensed. Through this extended training period, RNs develop enhanced patient evaluation skills, more nuanced clinical decision-making abilities, and a deeper understanding of healthcare systems and their complexities. They also spend more time in practical nursing situations, learning in clinical settings alongside other professionals before striking out on their own, positioning them for a more autonomous role in the field after graduation.

Scope of practice

LPNs focus primarily on task-based care under the supervision of RNs, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, assisting with personal care, and administering medications. When it comes to patient evaluation, care planning, and treatment coordination, Registered Nurses also have a wider range of practice and have the authority to make independent clinical decisions based on their training and expertise.

Autonomy

The level of autonomy between LPNs and RNs varies as well. LPNs must work under the direction of an RN or physician, meaning their decisions and actions are often guided by a supervisor. Plus, when it comes to directing healthcare teams, creating care plans, and making choices on patient care, RNs have more autonomy.

Salary

LPNs earn a median annual salary projected at $59,730, which can increase alongside experience and perhaps continuing your education. The more education you earn, the more your salary is likely to increase. For example, Registered Nurses, typically earn higher wages due to their expanded responsibilities and educational background. In the U.S., the median RN salary is just over $86,000 annually.

What is the LPN salary potential?

The good news is an LPN career is a financially secure and fulfilling career choice because many jobs also include perks, including paid time off, retirement plans, and healthcare coverage. The precise salary potential for LPNs varies based on geographic location, experience level, and work environment, with the median annual salary currently hovering around $60k. But that’s not to say there’s no upward mobility. Additional shifts are available, and furthering your education and qualifications is always an option down the line to keep that income climbing.

In Connecticut, LPN salaries median projected from $68,150, depending on experience, location, and work setting.

Furthermore, demand for LPN positions is on the rise, projected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 54,000 job openings annually.

How can you get started?

Ready to embark on your journey toward becoming an LPN? Consider enrolling in Goodwin University’s Practical Nursing Program, where we offer flexible scheduling options for working adults, small class sizes, and state-of-the-art simulation labs that provide hands-on training. Designed to prepare students for success on the NCLEX-PN examination, our program meets the highest standards of practical nursing.

Learn more about LPN programs at Goodwin University to see if becoming an LPN is a good career choice for you.