LPN Programs and Practical Nursing Requirements
Becoming an LPN requires completing a state-approved practical nursing program, typically 12 to 18 months, then passing the NCLEX-PN licensing exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Each state’s board of nursing sets additional requirements for application. Select your state below for the specific licensure steps in your jurisdiction.
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Practical nursing programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and hospital-based training centers across the country. The path to licensure follows the same sequence in every state: complete a board-approved program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and apply to your state board. This page covers what to know before choosing a program and links to licensed practical nurse requirements for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Jump to a section:
- How LPN Licensure Works
- Choosing a Practical Nursing Program
- LPN and LVN: Two Names, One License
- LPN Salary and Job Outlook
- LPN Requirements by State
How LPN Licensure Works
Every state follows the same three-step sequence for LPN licensure. The specific requirements within each step vary, but the order does not.
Step 1: Complete a state-approved practical nursing program
LPN programs are diploma or certificate programs, usually 12 to 18 months in length. They combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical rotations, covering nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and direct patient care skills. Programs are available at community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and some hospital-based training centers.
Your program must appear on your state board’s approved list before the board will issue you an Authorization to Test for the NCLEX-PN. Programs may also hold national accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which evaluates programs against national quality standards, but ACEN accreditation does not replace state board approval for licensure eligibility. Accreditation matters more if you plan to continue your education later, since bridge and RN programs often prefer graduates of accredited programs.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN
The NCLEX-PN is the national licensing exam for practical nurses, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) through Pearson VUE testing centers. It uses computerized adaptive testing, which adjusts question difficulty based on your responses. The exam ends when the algorithm has enough data to determine with confidence whether you pass or fail, so the total number of questions varies. You register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE after receiving your Authorization to Test from your state board.
Step 3: Apply to your state board for licensure
After passing the NCLEX-PN, submit your licensure application to your state board of nursing. Requirements typically include the application fee, official transcripts, fingerprinting or background check results, and any supplemental documentation the board requests. Some states issue a temporary or provisional permit while your full application is under review, though availability varies by jurisdiction. Check your state board’s website to confirm whether a temporary permit is offered and what it allows before your permanent license is granted.
Choosing a Practical Nursing Program
The one non-negotiable is state approval. A program not on your board’s list won’t qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-PN, regardless of how the school markets itself. Beyond that, programs differ in ways that affect your outcomes as a student and graduate.
NCLEX-PN pass rates are public information. Most state boards publish first-time pass rates by program annually. Programs consistently below the state average are worth scrutinizing before you enroll. Clinical placement is another factor. Ask where the program places students and whether clinical spots are guaranteed or subject to availability. Schools with established hospital and facility partnerships tend to offer more stable clinical experiences.
Scheduling matters for students who need to work while completing the program. Some schools offer evening or weekend tracks. Program length also varies within the same state, so compare total calendar time to graduation. If you plan to continue your education toward an RN through an LPN-to-RN bridge program later, check whether the program’s coursework transfers.
LPN and LVN: Two Names, One License
In 48 states, practical nurses hold the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential. In California and Texas, the same credential is called Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), a naming difference that reflects each state’s separate regulatory history. The title is different, but the scope of practice and licensing requirements are functionally equivalent. Candidates in both LPN and LVN states take the same NCLEX-PN exam and complete a comparable program.
An LPN licensed in one state can transfer that license to another state, including between LPN and LVN states, through the endorsement process. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) covers both RNs and LPNs. If your primary state of residence participates in the NLC, you may be eligible for a multistate license that authorizes practice in other compact states without a separate application. Compact membership can change, so confirm your state’s current participation status through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) before relying on multistate practice authority.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs/LVNs earned a median annual salary of $64,400 as of May 2025. Earnings vary by state, employment setting, and specialty area. LPNs working in hospitals and government health settings typically earn more than those in long-term care or home health, though long-term care accounts for the largest share of LPN employment nationally.
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Avg Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN) | $64,400 | +5.3% | 54,400 |
Projections Central data shows 5.3% employment growth for LPN/LVNs between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 54,400 job openings per year. That demand is driven in large part by the aging population and the continued expansion of long-term care services. State-level salary and labor market data are available on each state page below.
Select a State to Find LPN Requirements
- 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
Do I need a high school diploma to enroll in an LPN program?
Most LPN programs require a high school diploma or GED for admission. Some programs have additional prerequisites, such as basic math or science coursework, a minimum GPA, or entrance exam scores. Requirements vary by institution, so check directly with the programs you’re considering.
How long does it take to get an LPN license?
LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete. After finishing the program, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN and submit your licensure application to your state board. Depending on the state, application processing can take several weeks to a few months. Total time from program start to an active license is generally 14 to 24 months.
Can LPNs practice independently?
LPNs practice under the supervision of a registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, or physician. The specific supervision requirements vary by state and employment setting. In most states, LPNs cannot independently perform nursing assessments, develop care plans, or administer certain high-risk medications. Your state’s nurse practice act defines the exact scope of practice in your jurisdiction.
What is the difference between state approval and national accreditation for LPN programs?
State approval means the program has met the minimum standards set by your state board of nursing and is required for graduates to qualify for the NCLEX-PN. National accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a separate, voluntary process that signals a program meets national educational quality standards. Accreditation does not replace state board approval for licensure eligibility. It matters most if you plan to pursue further education, since many RN and bridge programs prefer or require graduates of accredited programs.
Can I transfer my LPN license to another state?
Yes. LPN license transfers use the endorsement process: you apply to the new state’s board, pay the required fee, and provide license verification through Nursys or a comparable service. If you hold a multistate license under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you may already have authority to practice in other compact states without a separate application. Select your state below to check compact membership and endorsement requirements.
Key Takeaways
- State approval is required — programs not on your state board’s approved list won’t qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-PN, regardless of how the school markets itself.
- Three steps to licensure — complete a board-approved program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and apply to your state board. The sequence is the same in every state.
- LPN and LVN are the same credential — California and Texas use the LVN title, with identical NCLEX-PN requirements and licensing processes. Licenses transfer between states through endorsement.
- Job outlook is steady — Projections Central data shows 54,400 average annual LPN/LVN job openings through 2032, driven largely by long-term care demand.
- State rules vary — scope of practice, temporary permit availability, processing timelines, and endorsement requirements all differ by jurisdiction. Check your state board for current details.
Select your state below to find board-approved LPN programs, application links, and specific licensure requirements for your jurisdiction.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.