---
title: "LPN Programs: How to Become a Practical Nurse"
description: "How LPN programs work, how long they take, the NCLEX-PN exam, where LPNs work and May 2025 BLS median pay and outlook."
url: https://careerdirecting.com/careers/lpn/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: CareerDirecting
---

Healthcare · LPN

# LPN programs and becoming a practical nurse A real nursing license in about a year.

Healthcare career profile

Licensed practical nurses, called licensed vocational nurses in California and Texas, give basic nursing care under registered nurses and doctors. It is the fastest route to a nursing license and a common stepping stone to RN.

In short

LPN programs usually take about a year at a community college or technical school and combine classes with supervised clinical work. Graduates pass the NCLEX-PN exam to get licensed. LPNs earned a median of $64,400 in May 2025, per BLS, and often work in nursing homes, home health and clinics.

**Job numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** Updated October 9, 2026. Pay figures are national medians and are not a promise of what you will earn.

**On this page**

1. [ What LPNs do](#s-what-lpns-do)
2. [Getting in](#s-getting-in)
3. [After the license](#s-after-the-license)
4. [Questions people ask](#s-faq)

| Median pay | $64,400 a year, about $30.96 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Certificate |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 666,900 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 3% |
| Openings each year | About 51,800 on average, including replacements |
| Licensing exam | NCLEX-PN |
| Where they work | Nursing and residential care, home health, physician offices, hospitals |

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm). National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.

## What LPNs do

LPNs check vital signs, give certain medications, change dressings, help with personal care and report changes to the RN. In long-term care, an LPN may run a hallway of residents. What they can do varies by state.

## Getting in

Programs often require a high school diploma or GED, an entrance test and sometimes CNA experience. The schedule is demanding, with clinical rotations at set times. Some schools offer evening or part-time tracks.

## After the license

Many LPNs later take a bridge program to become registered nurses, working as LPNs while they study. Compare the two in [LPN vs RN](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/lpn-vs-rn/).

### See LPN programs near you

Tell us where you live and when you can study.

[Find schools near me](#cd-form)

## Questions people ask

### How long does it take to become an LPN?

Most programs take about a year full time.

### What is the difference between LPN and LVN?

Only the name. California and Texas use LVN.

### Is the NCLEX-PN hard?

It is a serious exam, but good programs prepare you, and you can retake it if needed.

## Sources

- [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, Table 1.2 (occupational projections and worker characteristics)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm)
- [NCSBN: NCLEX exams](https://www.nclex.com/)

## Where to go next

- [LPN vs RN](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/lpn-vs-rn/)
- [CNA vs LPN](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/cna-vs-lpn/)
- [CNA](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cna/)
- [Careers](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/)
- [Barber](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/barber/)
- [Bookkeeper](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/bookkeeper/)
- [Cardiovascular technologist](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cardiovascular-technologist/)
- [Cosmetologist](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cosmetologist/)

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