LPN/LVN Programs By State

Public demand for quality healthcare translates into an abundance of careers for nurses. Take advantage of this demand and start a career in nursing. Find the program that's right for you, start your search by selecting a state.

Welcome to a Career in Practical Nursing in 2024

Start Planning Your Practical Nursing Career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Today

PracticalNursing.org is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about starting your career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. We offer information on all aspects of how to become and work as an LPN / LVN, including:

LPNs have rewarding, challenging, and well-paying careers that offer excellent opportunities for growth and advancement. With the resources provided by PracticalNursing.org, you can begin your journey towards earning an LPN certificate and license today in the practical nursing industry.

bigstock-Lpn-Circular-Concept-With-Colo-38329444What is a Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN?

LPN/LVNs are nurses who provide standard emergency and preventative healthcare to patients who are sick, injured, or just need routine health checkups. LPNs are supervised by registered nurses and doctors and perform their work alongside a team of healthcare providers.

To obtain state certification, LPNs must complete accredited LPN programs, which generally take around one year to complete. LPN programs are offered at many community colleges, technical schools, and even hospitals throughout the United States and Canada.

After LPN students complete their coursework, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-PN. If they pass, they can pursue specialized certificates in certain areas of healthcare, including gerontology, IV therapy, long-term care, pharmacology, and more. LPNs aren't just supposed to work at nursing homes.

What's the Difference Between an LPN and LVN?

The simple answer to this commonly asked question is, well, simply the name.

For example, the licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Arizona who wishes to relocate to Texas or California, obtains his or her license in either state and is now called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). There is no difference in job duties, education, or scope of practice, as mandated by each state, and Texas and California are the only states using the title LVN.

How Do I Find an LPN Program Near Me?

One of the toughest and most important decisions you’ll make when you decide to become an LPN is where to attend school. The decision is especially daunting in states with large numbers of accredited programs, such as New York, Florida, and Ohio.

Not all LPN programs are created equal, and some may be a better fit for you than others. When you’re weighing your practical nursing options, it’s important to take a few factors into consideration:

  • What is the program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate?
  • Is the LPN program accredited by the state?
  • Does the program offer online classes?
  • How much does the program cost?
  • Where is the LPN program located?
  • How much hands-on experience do you get?
  • Do you feel comfortable with the instructors and students?

The answers to these questions will help you decide which LPN program to attend. If a highly-regarded program isn't available in your area, it may be worthwhile to move closer to one that has the best NCLEX-PN pass rates and reputation. The more you learn about nursing while completing your LPN classes, the better prepared you’ll be for your examination and your future career as a licensed practical nurse. We ranked this year's top LPN programs in nearly every state where pass rate data has been available. We will continue to update these over the years as well.

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We are nurses helping future nurses. PracticalNursing.org was built to guide those interested in pursuing the exciting career in healthcare. Licensed practical nurses (LPN) are the stepping stone into a successful nursing career. Our trusted nursing experts are informed educators, experienced in their crafts, and advocates for healthcare professionals.

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