How to Become a High-Paying Licensed Practical Nurse?
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can be the start of a fulfilling career in nursing. These compassionate professionals complete a state-approved LPN program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). They work in various settings, including doctor's offices, schools, and nursing homes.
While duties may vary slightly depending on your employer, LPNs and LVNs are essentially the same thing—the difference is the name and the state where you work. “Licensed vocational nurse” is the title used in Texas and California, while “licensed practical nurse” is used in the rest of the United States.
The job doesn’t require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, but rather completion of a formal training program. If you’re interested in finishing your education relatively quickly and like working with people, an entry-level nursing role such as an LPN/LVN may be what you’re looking for.If you've already decided to become an LPN, explore the paths you can take to get the training you need to start your career.
The nursing job market
For LPNs, the job market looks promising over the next decade. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3 percent growth for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses for the next several years, estimating an average of 54,000 job openings added annually through 2033. This represents average job growth for this profession, with the growth due to an aging population, medical advances and technologies in health care, and growing rates of chronic conditions. The nursing job market offers a lot of mobility as you can add specializations or move into higher-paid positions by earning certifications or degrees.
How much can I make as a licensed practical nurse?
You can earn a median salary of $59,730 annually, or $28.72 per hour, as a licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse in the US. Of all LPNs working in the US, the top 10 percent earned $77,870 a year or more, and the lowest 10 percent earned $45,670 or less a year.
The top-paying industries for LPNs are government organizations, home health care, and nursing homes or residential care facilities. If you’re interested in location, a few top-paying states for LPNs include Hawaii, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.
What are the daily tasks of a licensed practical nurse?
The daily tasks of an LPN will vary based on the needs of their patients and where they are working. On any given day, a licensed practical nurse may:
Assist in conducting procedures administered by a doctor or RN
Perform basic lab tests or assist in testing
Provide routine care for someone who is ill or healing from an injury or surgery
Monitor a patient's health
Report patient progress to doctor or RN
Follow health care plans as laid out by a doctor or RN
Provide personal hygiene care
What are the types and specialists in nursing?
Nurses work in various environments; you'll find different types and specialties, from nursing assistants to nurse practitioners and pediatrics to oncology. One way to group types of nurses is by education: diploma, degree, or advanced degree. Licensed practical nurses fall into the diploma and degree categories, depending on the nursing program they attended.
As an LPN, you may specialize in an area such as hospice, gerontology, or home health. LPNs also work in doctor's offices, schools, theme parks, mental health centers, and insurance companies. In some of these roles, you may work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. Your specific role may be more of an assistant than primary care, especially if you work in a hospital or doctor's office.
Where do licensed practical nurses work?
Licensed practical nurses work in various health care settings, from hospitals to home care. A few typical work environments for licensed practical nurse jobs include nursing homes/residential facilities, physicians’ offices, hospitals, rehab centers, and patients’ homes providing home health care services. A considerable number of LPNs work in nursing facilities and residential care homes.
How do I begin a career as a licensed practical nurse?
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) requires completing a structured educational program and obtaining the necessary certifications. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in the LPN educational pathway:
1. High School Diploma or GED
The first requirement for becoming an LPN is to have a high school diploma or GED. High school courses in biology, chemistry, and health can be beneficial and may provide a foundation for nursing coursework.
2. Completion of an LPN/LVN Program
Aspiring LPNs must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, typically offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutions. These programs usually last around 7 to 12 months and combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Key subjects include:
Anatomy and physiology
Pharmacology
Nursing fundamentals
Patient care and safety
Medical-surgical nursing
Pediatrics and geriatrics
3. Clinical Experience
As part of the LPN program, students are required to complete clinical hours in a healthcare setting. This hands-on training is essential for applying classroom knowledge to real-world patient care, preparing students for the responsibilities of an LPN.
4. Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
After completing an LPN program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed. The NCLEX-PN tests knowledge in areas such as patient safety, infection control, health promotion, and basic nursing procedures. Passing this exam is a critical step to practicing as an LPN.
5. State Licensing
Each state requires LPNs to be licensed, and licensing requirements may vary slightly depending on the state. Typically, after passing the NCLEX-PN, candidates apply for licensure through their state’s nursing board. Maintaining licensure often requires fulfilling continuing education requirements over time.
6. Optional Certifications
While not mandatory, LPNs can pursue additional certifications to specialize in certain areas of nursing and enhance their career prospects. Some popular certifications include:
IV Therapy Certification: Allows LPNs to administer IV medications and fluids, expanding their scope of practice.
Wound Care Certification: Specializes in managing and treating complex wounds, a valuable skill in nursing homes and rehabilitation settings.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): Prepares LPNs to provide care for critically ill infants and children in emergencies.
Long-Term Care Certification: Focuses on providing care for the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions, ideal for LPNs working in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.