Nursing has been described as one of the most significant careers in the healthcare field.
Nurses handle a wide range of responsibilities, depending on the education and training they have, and the state where they work.
Yet healthcare professionals working in Nursing tend to share the same main characteristics: passion and devotion to help others, patience, empathy, and dedication.
In the next few sections, we’ll focus on Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses, how to become one and how much it costs to become one.
Table of Contents
What Is an LPN and an LVN?
LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurses, while LVN means Licensed Vocational Nurses.
They are both in charge of giving basic medical care to patients, always under the supervision and direction of doctors and Registered Nurses (RN).
What Is the Difference Between an LPN and an LVN?
The difference between LPNs and LVNs is mostly their name.
LVN is only used in California and Texas, whereas LPN is used in the rest of the country.
However, depending on the state, there are also some differences in the kind of tasks each can perform, so it’s important to first check the state guidelines where you want to work.
What Is the Difference Between an LPN and an RN?
The difference between an RN and an LPN is their educational background.
A Registered Nurse (RN) has to study either an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) that usually lasts two years or a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), which is a more extensive program that lasts four years to complete studying full time.
After getting their undergraduate degree, they must pass the National Council Examination for Registered Nurses test, and later obtain a Nursing license in the state where they want to work.
It takes years and a great amount of theoretical and practical knowledge to become an RN.
An LPN only has to obtain a certificate or diploma in an approved program that generally lasts one year to complete.
They also need to get a license.
Is Becoming an LPN the Right Choice for Me?
Becoming an LPN or LVN could be a great choice for you if you are interested in helping others but don’t have the time or resources to become an RN.
It’s also advised for people who are not sure about becoming a nurse and want to first gain some experience without committing to all those years of education.
What Do I Need to Become an LPN?
If you want to become an LPN, as we mentioned earlier, you will need to earn a certificate or diploma and then obtain a license.
Diploma or Certificate
A Licensed Practical Nurse program can be pursued in community colleges, hospitals, and technical schools.
Most of them last between one and two years, and they provide students with the basic knowledge and clinical experience to work as an LPN.
To enroll in one of these programs, you need to have a high school diploma.
Licensure
After obtaining your diploma or certificate, you need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) in order to get the licensure and be able to work in the state you prefer.
How Long Does It Take to Become an LPN?
It generally takes between one and two years, depending on the time you spend completing the LPN program and taking and passing the exam to get the licensure.
It’s the fastest way to start working in the Nursing field.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an LPN?
The cost of becoming an LPN or LVN is going to vary according to the institution where you wish to study, the duration of the program you choose, and the city where you want to study.
On average, you can expect to pay between $4,000 and $20,000, although some programs can cost up to $30,000.
The NCLEX-PN has a registration fee of $200 in order to take the exam and obtain the licensure.
