Steps to become a licensed practical nurse
Becoming an LPN takes four steps: meet the program's admission rules, complete a state-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN and receive a license from your state board of nursing.[ooh_lpn][nclex_fee]
- Meet admission requirements. Programs usually ask for a high school diploma or equivalent, placement tests, a background check and immunizations; each school lists its own.
- Complete a state-approved practical nursing program. BLS says these certificate or diploma programs typically take about 1 year and are offered by technical schools and community colleges.[ooh_lpn]
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. The registration fee is $200 for U.S. licensure and rises to $350 on February 1, 2027.[nclex_fee]
- Apply for your license. Your state board of nursing issues the license; in a Nurse Licensure Compact state you can hold a multistate LPN license.[nlc_faq]
How long does it take to become an LPN?
It takes about one year to become an LPN through a full-time program, plus the time to schedule and pass the NCLEX-PN.[ooh_lpn] The two public programs below publish 11 to 14 months full-time; part-time tracks run about two years.[s_miracosta][s_manatee]
| Program | Length | Published cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiraCosta College (CA) | 14 months full-time (24 part-time) | $3,500 | Tuition, uniforms, books, physical and immunizations (approximate) |
| Manatee Technical College (FL) | 1,350 hours, about 11–13 months (day) | $9,196 | Estimated total including tuition, lab and fees ($7,553), books, uniforms and pre-admission costs |
Compare every route, from CNA to CRNA, on how long is nursing school, and every program price on nursing school cost.
LPN requirements: what the license lets you do
An LPN or LVN provides basic nursing care under the direction of registered nurses and doctors, and the exact scope of practice is set by each state's nurse practice act.[ooh_lpn] LPNs work most often in nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians' offices and home health. BLS reports the highest median pay for LPNs in government ($68,970) and in nursing and residential care facilities ($68,020), and lower pay in hospitals ($61,160).[ooh_lpn]
| Setting | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Government | $68,970 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | $68,020 |
| Home healthcare services | $63,580 |
| Hospitals (state, local and private) | $61,160 |
| Offices of physicians | $59,520 |
LVN in California and Texas
California and Texas license "vocational" nurses (LVN), but the education, the NCLEX-PN and the role match the LPN license elsewhere.[ooh_lpn] Texas is in the Nurse Licensure Compact and California is not, so a Texas LVN can hold a multistate license and a California LVN cannot.[nlc] LVNs earn a median of $79,750 in California (see LVN salary in California) and $62,240 in Texas.[onet_lpn]
LPN job outlook and pay
BLS projects LPN employment to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 51,800 openings a year.[ooh_lpn] LPNs earned a median of $64,400 ($30.96 an hour) in May 2025; state and metro figures are on LPN salary. Many LPNs later move up through LPN to RN bridge programs, and CNAs considering the license can read CNA to LPN.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become an LPN?
About one year in a full-time practical nursing program, then the NCLEX-PN. Part-time programs take about two years.
What exam do LPNs take?
The NCLEX-PN, run by NCSBN. Registration costs $200 for U.S. licensure until February 1, 2027, when it becomes $350.
Is an LPN the same as an LVN?
Yes. California and Texas use the title licensed vocational nurse; the exam and the role are the same as an LPN.
How much do LPN programs cost?
The two public programs we checked publish about $3,500 (MiraCosta College) and $9,196 (Manatee Technical College) in total.
Sources
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- NCLEX Fees and Payment ($200 registration; $350 from Feb. 1, 2027)
- NLC FAQs and Nurses & the NLC (multistate license, primary state of residence, noncompact states)
- Nurse Licensure Compact: participating states map and status data
- Licensed Vocational Nursing program (14 months; about $3,500)
- Practical Nursing program (1,350 hours; estimated total cost)
- Local Wages: 29-2061.00 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (state and metro percentiles)