How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Provide hands-on bedside nursing care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care, often as the entry point to a nursing career. It typically requires a postsecondary certificate, with a median salary of $64,400 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$64,400/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
54,400
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Patient Care
- Vital Signs Monitoring
- Medication Administration
- Documentation
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- NCLEX-PN (state LPN/LVN licensure)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
null/100
Work-life balance
null/100
Stress level
null/100
Satisfaction
null/100
Related careers
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) make?
The median pay for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is $64,400 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
The usual entry point is a postsecondary certificate. Common majors are Practical Nursing, Nursing, and Health Sciences.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 54,400 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) use most?
Common skills for this role are Patient Care, Vital Signs Monitoring, Medication Administration, Documentation, and Communication.
Planning to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
Save this career to your PlanexAI path and track the majors, courses, and milestones that lead to it.
Not sure this is right for you?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.
Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.