How to Become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
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Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide patients with fundamental nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. LPNs typically perform basic nursing responsibilities such as checking a patient’s blood pressure or changing bandages.1
What LPNs Do
Licensed practical nurses can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physicians’ practices, nursing homes, clinics, home health care and government. LPNs usually work full-time and sometimes at night, on weekends and over holidays. Also, LPN shifts may run over eight hours, and they might be on their feet for most of the shift, handling responsibilities that may require moving or lifting patients.
LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. Their responsibilities can include clerical work such as charting in records and reporting patient statuses to RNs and physicians. Their clinical responsibilities can include assessing patients, administering basic patient care, checking patient vital signs, changing wound dressings, and discussing the care they are providing with patients and listening to their concerns.1
Licensed practical nurses may be limited to doing certain tasks depending on where they reside. For instance, in some states, an LPN with proper training can administer medication or initiate intravenous (IV) access, whereas in others LPNs may not be authorized to perform these tasks. Additionally, in some states, experienced licensed practical nurses may oversee and direct other LPNs and unlicensed medical staff.1
Skills and Characteristics
LPNs need clinical skills to provide basic patient care, such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with personal care and performing certain nursing procedures. They may also help reinforce instructions from RNs about patient care.
Strong communication, attention to detail, patience and compassion can also be important. These qualities may help LPNs work effectively with patients, families, other nurses and physicians while managing the demands of patient care.
Step-by-Step Path to Becoming an LPN
Complete a State-Approved Practical Nursing Program
Licensed practical nurses must complete a state-approved educational program, typically requiring one year of study at a community or technical college. Coursework includes nursing and related topics such as biology and pharmacology. An LPN’s educational training also includes supervised clinical experience.
Completion of a state-approved practical nursing diploma or certificate program makes a licensed practical nursing student eligible to receive his or her certificate or diploma.
Pass the NCLEX-PN
After completing a practical nursing program, a nursing candidate must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) to become a practicing LPN.2
Apply for State Licensure
After completing a state-approved program and passing the NCLEX-PN, candidates must obtain licensure through their state board of nursing.
LPNs may choose to become certified through professional organizations in areas including gerontology and intravenous therapy. Certifications can show that a licensed practical nurse has an advanced knowledge of a specific specialty area. Continuing education may be a requirement for LPNs, including participating in credit-approved courses by appropriate states, so LPNs should check the requirements of the nursing board where they are licensed.
Time Required to Become an LPN
Most practical nursing programs take about one year of full-time study. Part-time programs may take longer.1
The overall process also includes time to schedule and pass the NCLEX-PN and complete the state licensure process after finishing the practical nursing program.
Online and Hybrid LPN Programs
Licensure-track LPN programs cannot be completed entirely online because practical nursing education requires in-person skills, labs and supervised clinical rotations. Some programs may offer classroom coursework online or in a hybrid format, but the hands-on portions must still be completed in person.
Prospective students should therefore be cautious of programs that advertise a fully online path to LPN licensure.
LPN and LVN Titles
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) and licensed vocational nurse (LVN) refer to the same nursing role, but the title varies by state. Most states use “licensed practical nurse,” while California and Texas use “licensed vocational nurse.”3
Both LPNs and LVNs complete similar educational programs and take the NCLEX-PN.
Advancing From LPN to RN and Beyond
LPNs may choose to continue building their nursing experience or explore additional education as part of a longer-term nursing career path, including pursuing the requirements to become a registered nurse.
Many LPNs pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge program to become a registered nurse. After becoming an RN, nurses may continue to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through an RN-to-BSN program.
Colorado Technical University (CTU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing - (RN to BSN completion) program designed to build on a student’s prior nursing education, certification and experience.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Master of Science in Nursing degree, Post Graduate APRN Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs at Colorado Technical University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Complete a state-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN and obtain licensure through your state board of nursing.1,2
Most practical nursing programs take about one year of full-time study. The licensing process adds time for the NCLEX-PN and state requirements.1,2
No. Some coursework may be online or hybrid, but licensure-track programs require in-person skills labs and supervised clinical training.
LPNs complete practical nursing training and pass the NCLEX-PN, while RNs complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or BSN and pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). RNs have a broader scope of practice.
They are the same nursing role with different titles. California and Texas use “LVN,” while most other states use “LPN.”3
Many LPNs pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge program. After becoming an RN, they may continue their education through an RN-to-BSN program.
If you’ve advanced from LPN to RN and are considering the next step in your nursing education, explore CTU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing - (RN to BSN completion) program to learn more.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm (visited October 2, 2026).
2 National Council of State Boards of Nursing. “NCLEX Fact Sheet.” https://www.ncsbn.org/exams/exam-statistics-and-publications/nclex-fact-sheet.page Accessed October 2, 2026.
3 American College Health Association. “Scope of Practice for the Licensed Practical Nurse in College Health.” https://www.acha.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ACHA_Scope_of_Practice_for_College_Health_LPNs_Feb2023.pdf Accessed October 2, 2026.
CTU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
REQ2269272 09/2026