How to Become an LPN: Education, Requirements & Licensure Steps

Nursing is a rewarding career option with significant growth potential and ever-increasing job demand. If you are considering joining the field, choosing the right career path can significantly affect your future outlook and outcomes.

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) generally involves completing a practical nursing program that meets your state's licensure requirements, applying for licensure, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Practical nursing programs commonly take about one year, although the exact timeline and admission requirements vary by school and state.

In this article, you will learn how to become an LPN, from your future role and scope of practice to the academic route you should follow and your options for continuing your education.

 

Key Takeaways

• Becoming an LPN generally requires completing a qualifying practical nursing program, passing the NCLEX-PN, and obtaining state licensure.
• Practical nursing programs commonly take about one year. Nightingale College's PN Diploma Program is designed to be completed in three academic semesters, or about 12 months.
• Some PN coursework can be completed online, but prelicensure nursing education also includes required supervised in-person field experiences.
• A state nursing regulatory body licenses an LPN/LVN. A PN diploma is the educational credential; optional specialty certifications are separate from initial licensure.

What Is an LPN?

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a licensed nursing professional who provides direct nursing care in settings such as residential care facilities, home healthcare, hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices. Depending on state law and the care setting, duties may include monitoring vital signs, providing basic nursing care, administering medications, documenting client status, assisting with activities of daily living, and communicating changes to the broader healthcare team.

Practical nursing is one of the shorter nursing education pathways. It generally requires less time in school than the educational routes used to prepare registered nurses, while still leading to licensed nursing practice.

• LPN Job Outlook

  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPN and LVN employment is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, with about 51,800 openings each year on average. Many of those openings are expected to result from workers changing occupations or leaving the labor force, in addition to employment growth.

  Learn more about LPN jobs and careers.

• LPN Salary

  The most recent median annual salary estimate for LPNs/LVNs was $64,400. Pay varies substantially by location, industry, experience, schedule, and employer.

  Read more about LPN salaries by state or explore the more comprehensive nurse salaries by state report.

• LPNs vs. LVNs: Is There a Difference?
  LPN and LVN refer to the same general level of nursing licensure. California and Texas use the title licensed vocational nurse (LVN), while most other U.S. jurisdictions use licensed practical nurse (LPN). The relevant state nursing regulatory body governs education and licensing requirements so that scope-of-practice rules can differ by jurisdiction.
• What Does an LPN Do? Main Duties and Responsibilities

  Licensed practical nurses provide direct nursing care as part of a broader healthcare team. Typical responsibilities may include checking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, providing basic nursing care and comfort, documenting client information, administering medications when permitted, and communicating changes in a client's condition to other members of the care team.

  The exact LPN scope of practice varies by state and can also depend on training, employer policy, and care setting. For a fuller breakdown of common duties, work settings, and state-level differences, read our LPN role guide.

What Is the Difference Between LPNs and Other Nursing Levels?

Although all nursing personnel work together in a healthcare setting, critical differences exist between the roles you may occupy. Here is how an LPN compares with two other related nursing positions:

Read our LPN vs. RN comparison for an in-depth analysis of the two roles. 

What Are the Requirements to Become an LPN?

Requirements vary by state and nursing school, but the path generally includes completing the required secondary education, graduating from a practical nursing program that satisfies the educational requirements for licensure, meeting your nursing regulatory body's application requirements, and passing the NCLEX-PN.

Nursing-school admission requirements are separate from state licensure requirements. Individual PN programs may use entrance testing, prerequisite or general education coursework, transcript review, background checks, health requirements, or other criteria.

 

For a broader overview of admission criteria, prerequisite courses, and transfer credit, see Nightingale College's Nursing School Requirements and Prerequisites guide.

LPN Certification vs. Licensure: What's the Difference?

People often search for an “LPN certification,” but becoming an LPN actually requires state licensure. Your practical nursing diploma or certificate is the educational credential you earn from your school; your LPN/LVN license is the legal authorization issued by a nursing regulatory body that allows you to practice.

After completing an eligible practical nursing program, you apply to the appropriate nursing regulatory body, meet its licensing requirements, and take the NCLEX-PN. Optional specialty certifications may be available later, but they are different from your initial LPN license.

Steps to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse: LPN Education Requirements

We will provide a step-by-step process for earning your practical nursing diploma and pursuing LPN/LVN licensure. Here is how to become an LPN:

1. Get Your High School Diploma or GED

Most practical nursing programs require a high school diploma, GED, or another accepted equivalent. Other admission requirements vary by school and may include entrance testing, transcripts, prerequisite or general education coursework, health or background requirements, and other criteria.

At Nightingale College, PN Diploma applicants must submit proof of high school completion or an accepted equivalent, pass the Prelicensure Nursing Entrance Exam, complete the SmarterMeasure online-readiness assessment, meet with a Learner Funding Advisor, and meet the College's other current admission requirements. Applicants requesting transfer credit must submit official college transcripts. The current PN admissions criteria do not list a blanket 2.5 GPA requirement.

Here are more details on the admissions requirements at Nightingale College:

• Previous education

  High school diploma or an accepted equivalent.

• Entrance assessment

  Prelicensure Nursing Entrance Exam (ACCUPLACER Diagnostic Test).

• Transfer credit
  Official college transcripts are required when requesting transfer credit.
• Online readiness
  SmarterMeasure assessment.
• General Education
  14 GE credits are required by graduation and may be completed according to the program progression requirements.
• Funding process
  Applicants meet with a Learner Funding Advisor as part of the admission/matriculation process.
• Financial standing
  Learners must be in good financial standing with the College.

See the current PN Diploma Program requirements in the College Catalog for full admissions criteria and entrance-exam thresholds.

2. Graduate from a PN Diploma Program

To become eligible for practical nursing licensure, you must graduate from a practical nursing program that satisfies the educational requirements of the state where you plan to become licensed. These programs help you gain basic nursing skills and knowledge through a combination of coursework and supervised experiential learning. You can enroll in this educational path at vocational schools and colleges, including programs that deliver didactic coursework online.

Coursework typically includes:

• Human Anatomy
• Foundations of Practical Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Health Promotion
• Pathophysiology
• General Education Courses

At Nightingale College, to get your PN diploma, you must attend and complete all learning activities specified in the course syllabus and meet the current grading and progression requirements for the PN Diploma Program.

Nightingale College’s PN Diploma Program combines online didactic instruction with supervised on-ground field experiences (SOFEs). You need 28 semester credits for nursing core courses and 14 for general education, for a total of 42 semester credits.

3. Take the NCLEX-PN Exam to Receive Your LPN Licensure

To get an LPN/LVN license, you must meet your state nursing regulatory body's requirements and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. For candidates seeking U.S. licensure, the NCLEX registration fee is currently $200; state licensure fees are separate.

The exam will assess your knowledge in nursing fields, such as:

• Coordinated care
• Safety and infection control
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Psychosocial integrity
• Basic care and comfort
• Pharmacological therapies
• Reduction of risk potential
• Physiological adaptation

Under the 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan, the computerized adaptive exam contains 85 to 150 items and allows up to five hours, including breaks. The exam evaluates whether a candidate has the knowledge, skills, clinical judgment, and abilities needed for safe entry-level practical nursing practice.

4. Begin Your Career as an LPN

After you pass the NCLEX-PN and meet all other requirements set by your nursing regulatory body, you can receive your LPN/LVN license and begin seeking employment in practical nursing roles.

License renewal requirements vary by state. Depending on the jurisdiction, renewal may involve fees, continuing education, competency requirements, or other documentation, so check the rules published by the nursing regulatory body where you are licensed.

One Path to Becoming an LPN: Nightingale's PN Diploma

Nightingale College’s Practical Nursing Diploma Program can prepare you for practical nursing licensure through online didactic coursework, simulations, and supervised in-person field experiences.

Check PN availability in your State→

See how your previous credits may transfer→

Can You Become an LPN Online?

You can complete some practical nursing education online, but you can't normally complete an LPN program entirely from home. Programs preparing learners for practical nursing licensure also include hands-on clinical or experiential learning, and you must meet the applicable state licensure requirements and pass the NCLEX-PN.

At Nightingale College, didactic instruction is delivered online, while learners complete required supervised on-ground field experiences in person with healthcare partners. Nightingale also uses virtual simulations and at-home lab activities to supplement the curriculum before learners apply their skills in supervised healthcare settings.

Find the SOFE Area closest to you→

How Long Does It Take to Become an LPN?

A practical nursing program typically takes about one year to complete. Your total time to licensure may be longer because you also need to meet admission requirements, complete the program, apply to your state nursing regulatory body, obtain authorization to test, take the NCLEX-PN, and complete any remaining state licensing steps.

At Nightingale College, the PN Diploma Program is designed to be completed in three academic semesters or 45 academic weeks - approximately 12 months. Learners complete 28 nursing-core credits and 14 General Education credits for a total of 42 semester credits.

For a broader comparison of nursing education timelines, read our article on how long nursing school is.

What Are the Costs of Practical Nursing Programs?

Practical nursing program costs vary by institution, program length, fees, location, transfer credit, and financial aid. When comparing programs, look at current tuition, required fees, experiential-learning expenses, and other costs rather than relying on a single national estimate.

At Nightingale College, PN Diploma tuition is currently $495 per semester credit. The standard program requires 42 semester credits, and the current College Catalog estimates the total program cost at $24,590 for a learner who transfers no college-level General Education credits. Additional expenses can include transportation or lodging associated with required SOFEs.

For more context on tuition, fees, living expenses, and other costs, read our nursing school cost guide. Alternatively, visit the Tuition & Aid hub for more information on costs of attendance, and the Scholarships page to learn how you can finance your learning. 

Where Can You Work as a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Once you pass the NCLEX and receive your license, you can practice as a licensed practical nurse in various work environments, subject to state scope-of-practice rules.

Whether providing direct patient care or handling administrative tasks, you will have many options to use your skills and knowledge as an LPN. You can find work in:

• Nursing homes - where you care for elderly patients with significant medical needs that go beyond home care but do not require hospitalization.
• Hospital settings
• Physician's office
• Rehabilitation facility
• Outpatient surgery center
• Immunization clinic
• Medical call center
• School environment
• Home healthcare - where LPNs may provide nursing care in clients' homes within the scope permitted by state law and employer policy.
• Insurance companies - where you may handle claims and develop administrative skills.

Why Choose to Become an LPN?

Now that you know how to become an LPN, you may ask yourself: is it worth choosing this career path? There are several reasons to become a nurse and an LPN in particular. Ultimately, the answer depends on your career plan and expectations.

Becoming a licensed practical nurse can be rewarding, especially if you value hands-on experience and want to start working as soon as possible. PN diploma programs can also take less time than many RN-preparation pathways.

Most importantly, starting as an LPN can let you explore the nursing field before committing to a longer, more expensive degree to become an RN. The licensed practical nursing position retains considerable career flexibility, allowing you to get familiar with the work environment while practicing within the LPN/LVN scope defined by state law and employer policy.

Enroll in our PN Diploma Program and start your new career in the practical nursing field→

Career Advancement Opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed practical nurses have various options for advancing their careers, depending on their professional goals.

Pursue Specialized Certification

One way to advance your career as an LPN is to earn certifications in fields of interest. While entirely voluntary, they can demonstrate additional knowledge and may support access to job opportunities; they are separate from LPN/LVN licensure and do not guarantee a particular role or salary.

Here are some typical LPN certifications:

• IV therapy
• Pharmacology
• Organ transplant coordination
• Developmental disabilities care
• Correctional health

If you want to advance beyond practical nursing, you can pursue additional nursing education.

Become an RN

Another common next step up the career ladder is becoming an RN to work within a broader nursing scope, access new job opportunities, and improve your salary prospects.

Learn how much RNs make a year in our guide on nurse salaries by state.

Multiple educational routes can help you advance your education and become an RN. Each route brings its own prospects and challenges.

• Get an Associate Degree in Nursing: LPN-to-RN bridge programs build on practical nursing education. Program length varies by school, transfer credit, and progression requirements. At Nightingale College, the LPN-to-ASN Program is designed to be completed in four academic semesters. Graduates of an eligible prelicensure program can apply for RN licensure and the NCLEX-RN, subject to state requirements.
• Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing: BSN pathways include broader general education and nursing coursework. The length depends on the program, your previous education, transfer or advanced-placement opportunities, and your progress through the curriculum. Read more about why you should get a BSN and the process of earning your bachelor's in nursing.

Make the next step in your career with Nightingale’s LPN-to-ASN Program→

Learn more about Nightingale College’s BSN Program→ 

FAQs About Becoming an LPN

• What Is the Shortest Time to Become an LPN?

  No single shortest LPN timeline applies nationally. Practical nursing programs commonly take about one year, although accelerated options may be shorter and admission or licensure steps can add time. Nightingale College’s PN Diploma Program is designed to be completed in about 12 months.

• Is LPN School Hard?

  Practical nursing school can be challenging because you learn nursing theory, medication concepts, anatomy and physiology, clinical judgment, and hands-on skills in a relatively short program. Difficulty varies by learner, but consistent study habits, time management, attendance, and use of academic support can make the workload more manageable.

  Learn more about how hard nursing school is, from common challenges to how to overcome them.

• Do You Have to Become a CNA Before Becoming an LPN?
  No. CNA certification is not a universal prerequisite for becoming an LPN. Many practical nursing programs admit applicants directly from high school or another qualifying educational background. Nightingale College’s current PN Diploma admissions requirements do not list CNA certification as a requirement.
• Is Becoming an LPN Easier Than Becoming an RN?

  LPN preparation is generally a shorter educational pathway than RN preparation, but easier remains a subjective qualifier. Practical nursing and registered nursing programs prepare learners for different scopes of practice and licensing exams, and the academic and clinical demands vary by program.

   

• Can You Become an LPN Online?

  What is generally referred to as an “online nursing program” means you can complete online didactic coursework in some practical nursing programs, but prelicensure nursing education also requires supervised, hands-on learning. As discussed above, some learning options, such as Nightingale College’s PN Diploma Program, blend online instruction with in-person clinical experiences in order to improve access to high-quality, certified nursing education.

  Find out more about our PN Diploma Program→