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Nurse, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational
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| Education Required |  | All States and the District of Columbia require LPNs to pass a licensing examination after completing a State-approved practical nursing program. A high school diploma or its equivalent usually is required for entry, although some programs accept candidates without a diploma or are designed as part of a high school curriculum.
In 2006, approximately 1,500 State-approved programs provided training in practical nursing. Most training programs are available from technical and vocational schools or community and junior colleges. Other programs are available through high schools, hospitals, and colleges and universities.
In some employment settings, such as nursing homes, LPNs can advance to become charge nurses who oversee the work of other LPNs and of nursing aides. Some LPNs also choose to become registered nurses through numerous LPN-to-RN training programs.
Most practical nursing programs last about 1 year and include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice (patient care). Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects, including anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, the administration of drugs, nutrition, and first aid. Clinical practice usually is in a hospital, but sometimes includes other settings. |
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| Recommended High School Courses | | Economics and Accounting, Biology, Mathematics, Health |
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| Postsecondary Instructional Programs | | Education and Training, English Language, Psychology, Mathematics, Therapy and Counseling, Customer and Personal Service, Medicine and Dentistry |
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| Certification and Licensing | | All states and the District of Columbia require LPNs to pass a licensing examination after completing a state-approved practical nursing program. |
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