How to become an LPN: What to expect in 2026

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

“I began my career in nursing at just 16 when I started CNA classes in high school. After working as a CNA for a couple [of] years, I decided to get my LPN. While working as an LPN, my time was split between long-term care, outpatient neurology, and med-surg. I worked full time in med-surg while going to school for my RN, and graduated in 2024. Since then, I have almost completed my BSN,” recounted one Sermo member and general nurse, reflecting on their career journey.

A growing aging population, an increase in chronic diseases, and staffing shortages are driving ongoing demand for nurses. Your career choice is split between different pathways, including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs). Each of these roles contributes directly to patient care, provides job stability, and offers opportunities across numerous settings. However, main differences to consider include the amount of education and training required, as well as their responsibilities, salaries, and career mobility. If you’re already working as a CNA and want to expand your skills without committing to an RN program, becoming an LPN can be a practical next move.

The U.S. employs more than 651,400 LPNs – also referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) – with 54,400 new openings projected annually, making this an in-demand healthcare role, with no signs of slowing. While the LPN path is a faster entry into nursing, it also means a more restricted scope of practice than an RN role. 

Nurses within the Sermo peer community provide honest insights into the practical realities of choosing between the LPN, RN or CNA pathways. Join the community to hear your peers’ perspectives on how these roles differ, what to expect in the first year, and how to decide whether an LPN job is right for you. 

What does an LPN do?

LPNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of RNs. LPNs can work in numerous settings, such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, and skilled nursing homes. Like other nursing roles, LPNs need qualities like compassion and empathy, and must be prepared for long days, challenging work, and possible burnout and compassion fatigue.  

“The pace is fast, the responsibilities are heavy and the emotional load is real,” shared a nurse on Sermo.

LPNs’ scope of practice varies by state due to the Nursing Practice Act, which determines whether LPNs can perform tasks such as starting IV lines or supervising CNAs. Additionally, the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, adopted by 43 jurisdictions, makes it easier for LPNs to work across state lines without obtaining a new license. 

Who the LPN path works best for

An LPN pathway may be the right fit if you want fast workforce entry, lower costs, and to practice direct patient care. However, while it can be a step up from your current CNA role, the average LPN salary is often lower than an RN’s pay, with a median salary of $62,340 per year.

Consider the LPN route if you:

• Want to be a hands-on caregiver and move beyond basic care tasks, since LPNs often spend more time at patients’ bedsides. 
• Are an aspiring RN and want to test whether nursing is the right fit before investing more time into a nursing degree.  
• Are a CNA wanting to expand scope without committing to the RN track. 

Choosing between the LPN and RN pathway can be difficult, and opinions in the Sermo community are mixed. Some members believe that going straight to an RN program is the better pathway if you have the time and financial resources, while others praise the LPN pathway for less student debt and faster paychecks. The LPN path may be right for you if you want to keep working close to patients, but also want more autonomy, more responsibilities, and a clearer upward path from CNA work.

The differences between LPN, RN, and CNA

The main differences between CNAs, LPNs, and RNs include the education required, the responsibilities, and salary:

	CNAs	LPNs / LVNs	RNs
Role	Provide basic daily care for patients.	Handle intermediate medical tasks.	Manage more complex responsibilities.
Typical responsibilities	Provide basic daily care, help patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing and dressing, measure vital signs, take medical histories, and assist with mobility and repositioning.	Take vital signs, administer medications, place catheters, perform wound care, update patient records,  educate patients and families about managing chronic conditions, post-discharge care, etc. Work often centers on direct, bedside care and will vary by what your state allows.	Coordinate patient care, administer medications and treatments, perform diagnostic tests, educate patients, and supervise LPNs and CNAs.
Education requirements	4–12 weeks of training.	A 12- 18-month program; must pass a licensure exam.	An accredited degree, either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), must pass the NCLEX exam and obtain state licensure.
Level of supervision	Under RNs’ supervision	Under RNs’ supervision	More autonomous than CNAs or LPNs
Median annual salary	$39,530	$62,340	$93,600

Becoming an LPN 

If you are already a CNA, you may have some clinical experience that helps you adjust to LPN training, especially with patient communication, hygiene care, and workflow in long-term care or hospital settings. Nurses on Sermo openly discuss the pathway to becoming an LPN, asking questions like: “What are the requirements to become an LPN?” “How long does it take to become an LPN?” and “What prerequisites do you need for an LPN program?” 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest LPN employers include: 

• Nursing and residential care facilities (28%)
• Hospitals (15%)
• Physicians’ offices (12%)
• Home health services (12%)
• Government (7%) 

The remaining 26% of employers include rehabilitation centers, schools, correctional facilities, and community health clinics.  

Typically, program prerequisites include:

• A high school diploma or GED. Some programs require a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• An entrance exam like the TEAS or HESI A2.

LPN requirements vary by program and state, so verify admission criteria directly with your target institution. Also, check specific program requirements directly, as some are more restrictive than others.

Additional requirements for an LPN program

Most programs require applicants to:

• Be 18+
• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass a drug screening
• Be up to date on immunizations (MMR, flu, hepatitis B)
• Have a CPR/BLS certification
• Some programs may also require a negative TB test

LPN programs: what to expect from your education

A common question when considering an LPN education includes “How long are LPN programs and what do they cover?” 

Program types and duration

LPN programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutions, and some hospitals. Programs typically take 12-18 months to complete. Part-time and evening options are available, providing flexibility to work during training. 

What the curriculum covers

LPN programs cover:

• Pharmacology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Nutrition
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics
• Mental health nursing
• Nursing fundamentals, including patient hygiene, vital sign monitoring, and charting

The curriculum blends classroom learning, laboratory practice and supervised clinical rotations. 

How to choose a quality LPN program

Look for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). State board approval alone is not the same as accreditation. Check the program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate, which is public data available through your state board of nursing. Ask about clinical placement sites, student-to-faculty ratios, and job placement rates. Be wary of programs that make aggressive income promises or pressure you to enroll quickly. Nurses who enter the profession underprepared by low-quality programs are more likely to struggle in their workforce transition due to insufficient training. 

Passing the NCLEX-PN: the licensing exam explained

The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is the licensure exam that LPNs must take – and pass – before entering the workforce. You’ll have five hours to complete 85 to 150 questions. Since the exam uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT), the difficulty – and number – of questions adjust based on your answers.  

How to prepare for the NCLEX-PN

What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate and how should you prepare? According to the latest data from the NCSBN in 2026, the pass rate across all candidates is around 77% and 86.2% for first-time, U.S-educated candidates. 

To prepare for the NCLEX-PN:

• Follow a structured plan. Follow a 4- to 6-week study schedule, using a combination of content review and practice questions. Avoid last-minute cramming!
• Take practice tests. Get familiar with the concepts and the format – including case studies, bow-tie questions, and matrix grids – by taking practice tests regularly.
• Leverage additional test prep. While your nursing program should prepare you for this exam, supplemental prep is recommended. Utilize resources like Kaplan, UWorld, NCSBN’s own practice exam, and free question banks.
• Use peer connections to practice. “Practice NCLEX with me,” offered a general nurse in the Sermo community. “I find constantly discussing with friends/colleagues of like passion very effective to prepare for the NCLEX,” added another Sermo member and general nurse.
• Practice self-care. Stress is inevitable as the test approaches, so prioritize self-care. Get plenty of sleep. Drink plenty of water. Exercise regularly. On exam day, take deep breaths, and remember that you’ve prepared well. Go into the test feeling confident!

The NCLEX-PN is a pass/fail test, and the computer-adaptive exam uses algorithms to determine your score. The computer uses certain rules – like whether you max out on the five-hour time limit – to determine whether you pass or fail. 

Getting your state license

What is the state licensing process for LPNs after passing the NCLEX-PN? Submit a licensing application to your state Board of Nursing (BON). You’ll be required to send:

• Official transcripts
• Exam verification, which must be sent directly from NCSBN
• Application fees ($50-$200 depending on your state)
• Fingerprinting and a background check

Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Many states offer temporary practice permits while your license processes. 

The Nurse Licensure Compact

Do LPNs need a multistate license? No, not necessarily, depending on where you plan to work. There are 43 U.S. jurisdictions that participate in the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice across state lines without additional applications. This is valuable if you’re considering travel nursing, per diem work across state lines, or relocation. California, New York, and Illinois remain non-compact states.  

Continuing education for license renewal

Most states require continuing education credits for license renewal every 1-2 years. Requirements vary by state, but are typically 15-30 CE hours per renewal cycle. Maintaining your license is mandatory for continued practice. 

What happens if you don’t pass the NCLEX-PN?

The first-time pass rate for LPN candidates in the U.S. is approximately 83%. If you fail, you can retake the exam after 45 days. Since an LPN license is mandatory, you can’t practice as an LPN until you pass this test.

States and BONs have different rules around retake policies and the number of times you can take the exam. Some states are stricter than others, so double-check your state’s policies.

Within six weeks of taking the test, you’ll receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR), outlining your performance in each test area. Use these insights to focus your study efforts for the retake.

Additionally, you must notify your state’s BON that you intend to retake the exam, and fulfill any localized registration requirements. 

Career advancement: the LPN to RN bridge

LPN-to-RN bridge programs allow LPNs to earn an ADN or a BSN without starting from scratch. Many programs grant credit for prior LPN coursework and clinical hours, allowing you to complete an RN degree in just 1-2 additional years. Advancing to an RN career can increase earning potential and expand your scope of practice. Specialty certifications in IV therapy, wound care, gerontology, or dialysis can also increase earning potential and job stability. 

“I’ve been an RN since 2017 and before that was an LPN who graduated in 2014. I am a home IV infusion nurse. Prior to being a home infusion nurse, I led a small neurology infusion center with an interest in MS care. I became a nurse because my mom was a nurse, and I loved hearing her stories and the profound impact her patients had on her,” shared a family practice nurse on Sermo.

Deciding to go direct to RN? 

If you want to work in a certain specialty, don’t have time or financial restrictions, or if your long-term goal is advanced practice, leadership, or specialty ICU/OR roles, then RN may be the better investment. The time difference (2 years ADN vs 12-18 months LPN) is minimal, and the RN role often opens more career opportunities. If you want to work in the ICU, OR, or advanced practice, a direct RN program may be the most strategic, cost-effective path. Plus, switching specialties can be a great way to learn new skills, take on new challenges, increase your responsibilities, and boost your salary. 

An LPN is one of the fastest entry points into healthcare

Becoming an LPN is one of the fastest entry points into healthcare. After just 12-18 months of education and a single licensing exam with a relatively high first-time pass rate, you’ll have immediate access to a profession with 54,400 annual openings and a $62,340 median salary. Evaluate programs carefully by checking accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement quality, and your state’s licensing requirements. Consider your ultimate career goals and determine whether becoming an LPN is a career destination or the first step in becoming an RN.

Join the Sermo community to connect with nurses at every career stage, share program and licensing experiences, and earn supplemental income through paid medical surveys. 

LPN frequently asked questions