Licensed Practical Nursing Programs
LPN programs (called LVN programs in California and Texas) are one-year certificate or diploma programs offered at community colleges and vocational schools. Every program must be approved by the state board of nursing. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN to earn licensure. Select your state from the list below to find approved programs near you.
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LPN programs share a common structure across states but are regulated locally. The state board of nursing determines which programs are approved and what applicants must do to qualify for the NCLEX-PN in that state. California and Texas use the title Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) rather than LPN, but the programs and licensing path are the same.
What LPN Programs Cover
Most LPN programs run 12 to 18 months and lead to a certificate or diploma. Programs typically include coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, nutrition, and patient care fundamentals, combined with supervised clinical hours in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care settings. Community colleges and vocational schools are the most common program types, though hospital-based programs exist in some states.
State approval is the requirement that matters most when evaluating any program. Only graduates of state-approved programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. National accreditation by organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a separate credential some programs hold, but it does not substitute for state approval. Both are worth checking before enrolling.
After passing the NCLEX-PN, graduates apply to their state board of nursing for LPN licensure. All U.S. nursing regulatory jurisdictions use the NCLEX-PN passing standard established by the NCSBN, though each state sets its own eligibility and licensure requirements.
LPNs who want to advance to registered nurse (RN) status can do so through LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which give credit for prior coursework and clinical hours and reduce the time needed to complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
LPN and LVN Programs by State
Select a state to find a sample of board-approved LPN or LVN programs. If no results appear, visit your state board of nursing website for the complete approved program list.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do LPN programs take?
Most LPN and LVN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete. Full-time programs typically run closer to a year. Part-time options at community colleges may take longer, depending on how many hours per week a student can commit.
What is the difference between an LPN and an LVN?
LPN and LVN refer to the same credential. California and Texas use the title Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Every other state uses Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The training requirements and scope of practice are equivalent.
Does the program I choose have to be state-approved?
Yes. Every state requires candidates to graduate from a state-approved program before they can apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN. A program that is not on your state board’s approved list will not qualify you for licensure, regardless of other credentials the school may hold.
What does the NCLEX-PN cover?
The NCLEX-PN tests the knowledge and skills required for safe entry-level practical nursing practice. It is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered through Pearson VUE testing centers, using computerized adaptive testing to assess whether a candidate meets the passing standard. All states require a passing score on the NCLEX-PN for initial LPN or LVN licensure.
Can I go from LPN to RN?
Yes. LPN-to-RN bridge programs, offered as LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN pathways, allow LPNs to advance to registered nurse licensure. These programs are typically shorter than starting an RN program from scratch because they grant credit for prior coursework and clinical experience.
Key Takeaways
- State approval is required — only graduates of state-board-approved programs can apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
- Programs run 12 to 18 months — most lead to a certificate or diploma from a community college or vocational school.
- LPN and LVN are the same credential — California and Texas use the LVN title, while all other states use LPN.
- NCLEX-PN is the licensure gate — administered by the NCSBN, it is required in every state before a license is granted.
- Advancement to RN is available — LPN-to-RN bridge programs provide a faster path to registered nurse licensure for working LPNs.
Use the search tool to find approved LPN or LVN programs near you. Select your state from the list above to go directly to state-specific program listings.