Licensed practical nurses – or licensed vocational nurses, as they’re called in some states – provide basic medical care under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. They may perform tasks such as:
Wound care and changing a patient’s bandages.
Inserting catheters.
Helping patients eat, bathe, dress or use the restroom.
Checking patients’ blood pressure.
Advocating for patients, arranging their care and listening to their concerns. 
The scope of what an LPN does differs depending on their training, the job and the state where they work. For example, some LPNs may administer medications or start IV drips, while others have more limited duties.

“Nurses are not just at the bedside anymore,” says Holly Breault, director of nursing education for the for-profit Porter and Chester Institute’s Connecticut campuses. “They can work online, in an office, in a hospital, dialysis, prison, etc. LPNs usually work anywhere from eight, 10, 12 or 16 hours a day, depending on their position.”

LPN programs are shorter than RN programs. Although practical nurses typically don’t perform the higher-skill-level work that their registered nurse counterparts do, they certainly play an essential role in patient care.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5.3% employment growth for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 34,900 jobs should open up.

LPNs must complete a state-approved diploma or certificate program that combines classroom and clinical training and often lasts about a year or slightly longer. These programs are usually offered at technical schools and community colleges, but some are available through public school systems and hospitals.

After completing their program, LPN and LVN hopefuls must sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed. All states require LPNs and LVNs to be licensed to practice. License renewal and continuing education requirements vary by state, so you should check with the board of nursing for the state where you hope to practice for specifics.

In addition, some LPNs choose to pursue certification in specialties such as nephrology, correctional health or basic life support. Unlike licensing, these certifications are not required to practice as an LPN or LVN, but they demonstrate an area of expertise and can help further your career.

Anyone interested in becoming an LPN should research various training programs to find the right fit. But regardless of which program you choose, be sure you understand how much of a commitment it requires before you apply.

“It is important to understand that you may be in school for eight hours up to four or five times a week and then need to go home and do another four more hours of homework,” Breault says. “Students should have their support systems in place prior to entering nursing school – this should also include their job being onboard with their training.”