Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): Occupational Outlook and Educational Requirements

Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), sometimes known as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), care for ill, injured or disabled people in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, group homes and private homes. Overall, the career outlook is bright, and educational requirements to enter the career are minimal.

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Educational Requirements to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse

All U.S. territories and states require LVNs to complete state-approved practical nursing programs and then pass licensing examinations. Such programs, often available through vocational or community colleges, typically last about one year. They include classroom study of nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects, such as:

  • Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Pediatrics
  • Administration of drugs
  • Obstetrics
  • First aid
  • Nutrition

Students also conduct supervised patient care. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required to enter a nursing program, although some programs take candidates without a diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Associate Degree in Nursing

Many LVNs choose to enter programs that offer associate degrees in nursing (ADN). LVNs who wish to further their careers may seek out this option. ADN programs include an additional year of study, but offer LVNs greater flexibility for career and educational advancement in the future. Common courses include:

  • Health assessment
  • Human development
  • Medical-surgical nursing
  • Psychiatric nursing

Required Licensure

In order to become an LVN, a candidate must successfully complete the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Obtaining a license is a requirement to legally gain employment as an LVN. This computer-based test is used to assess the competency of nurses regarding healthcare procedures and concepts.

Occupational Outlook for Licensed Vocational Nurses

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that employment of LVNs was expected to increase 21% from 2008-2018, which was faster than average (www.bls.gov). Much of this increase may be in response to the overall growth of healthcare services and the long-term care needs of an aging population. By the year 2018, more than 900,000 LVNs and LPNs were expected to be employed in the U.S. Due to a perceived lack of quality care in rural areas, LVNs who are willing to relocate to these areas may experience better job prospects. Because technological advancements in the industry allow many procedures to be performed outside of hospitals, LVNs should see strong opportunities in outpatient facilities and physicians' offices as well. In 2010, the median earnings of LVNs was $40,380 per year, with the top ten percent earning greater than $56,010 annually.

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