LPN Careers: A Guide to Career Paths, Options, and Salaries in 2025

Many people considering a career in LPN often feel uncertain about the education required, potential career paths, and income prospects in this important healthcare field. This uncertainty makes it challenging to make an informed decision about whether to pursue this career. Employment of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, in line with the average growth rate for all occupations. As the population ages and the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare agencies are increasingly looking for LPNs to support overburdened healthcare teams. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

Written by career planning experts, this article will explore the educational requirements, diverse career opportunities, and salary expectations of LPNs, providing clear guidance for those interested in this highly rewarding career.

Key Things You Should Know About LPN Careers

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▸Jobs are stable and in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for LPNs is expected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 54,000 job openings each year.

▸ Training is inexpensive and short. LPN programs take about a year, allowing for quicker entry into the workforce. Many programs are offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical colleges, with both in-person and online learning options.

▸ Diverse work environments. LPNs have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private homes, rehabilitation centers, and residential care facilities.

▸ Competitive salaries. Annual salaries for LPNs range from $47,000 to $77,870, with the highest salaries in government agencies, outpatient care centers, and private specialty practices.

▸ High job satisfaction. One study found that 77% of LPNs reported being satisfied with their jobs, indicating high job satisfaction in the profession.

What is the career outlook for LPNs in 2025?

The career outlook for LPN occupations remains strong due to the growing demand for healthcare services in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies. The demand for LPNs continues to grow with advances in healthcare and an aging population, which provides LPNs with a stable career path with various specialization opportunities.

LPN salaries have risen steadily over the past six years, increasing from $46,788 in 2020 to a projected $52,912 in 2025, a 13% increase. Hourly wages have also risen from $22.49 to $25.44, driven by labor shortages, inflation adjustments, and retention efforts, reflecting an increase in compensation levels despite the challenges facing the industry. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

What skills do LPNs need?

LPNs need a combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills to provide effective patient care. To succeed in this role, aspiring LPNs must develop a comprehensive set of skills that include both technical and general abilities.

Technical Skills for LPNs

LPNs perform essential medical tasks that require precision, accuracy, and adherence to healthcare protocols. Their technical skills ensure patient safety and contribute to effective treatment outcomes. Here are the key technical skills every LPN should possess:

▸ Vital Sign Monitoring. Nurse practitioners regularly assess patients’ vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Accurate measurements and interpretations are essential to detecting changes in health and implementing timely interventions.

▸ Medication Administration. Administering medications by oral, topical, parenteral, or intravenous routes is a core responsibility. Nurse practitioners must adhere to the “five rights” of medication administration—right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time—to prevent errors and ensure patient safety.

▸ Wound Care Management. Proper assessment, cleaning, and dressing of wounds are essential to preventing infection and promoting healing. LPNs must understand the various wound types and appropriate treatment options.

▸ Catheterization. Inserting and managing a urinary catheter requires precision and adherence to aseptic technique to prevent complications. This skill is critical for patients with urinary retention or those who need accurate monitoring of urine output.

▸IV Therapy Initiation. Initiating and managing IV fluid and medication lines requires a thorough understanding of vascular anatomy and aseptic technique. Proficiency in IV therapy ensures effective treatment and patient comfort.

How to start your career as a licensed practical nurse?

Becoming an LPN requires proper education and certification. LPNs provide basic patient care in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. With flexible education options and high demand, becoming an LPN can lead to stable employment, career advancement opportunities, and valuable hands-on experience.

What can I do with a practical nursing diploma?

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs monitor vital signs, administer medications, and assist with daily activities. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

Average salary: $33.26 per hour. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

Home Health LPN

Home health nurse practitioners provide medical care to patients in their homes, ensuring that patients are comfortable and adhere to treatment. They also educate family members on how to properly care for patients.

Average salary: $33.26 per hour. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

Nursing Facility Nurse Practitioners

Nurses in nursing facilities assist elderly or long-term hospitalized patients with their medical and daily living needs. They work closely with registered nurses and physicians to provide care around the clock.

Average salary: $33.26 per hour. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

What can I do with an associate degree in nursing?

Registered nurse (RN)

Registered nurses are responsible for performing comprehensive patient assessments, developing treatment plans, and administering medications. They work in hospitals, clinics, and specialty medical units.

Average salary: $43.83 per hour. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

Head nurses

Head nurses oversee nursing staff, ensure that patients receive appropriate care, and implement medical protocols. They serve as a bridge between the nursing team and medical administrators.

Average salary: $43.83 per hour. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

Public health nurses

Public health nurses focus on disease prevention, community education, and advocacy. They work in government agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations.

Average salary: $43.83 per hour. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

Can you find a nursing job with just a certificate?

Yes, earning a certificate from a state-approved practical nursing program qualifies you to become an LPN. This certification enables you to perform basic nursing duties under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. While a certificate allows entry into the nursing profession, attending an accredited online nursing program can provide a flexible path to earning a nursing degree.

Recent data reflects this trend, with 72.0% of LPNs holding a professional/practical certificate. This shift highlights the role that higher education plays in improving job prospects, advancing to leadership positions, and entering professional nursing positions.

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How can I advance my career as an LPN?

Advancing in an LPN career requires obtaining specialty certifications that enhance skills, expand employment opportunities, and increase patient care expertise. Here are seven of the best certifications for LPNs seeking career advancement:

▸ Intravenous (IV) Therapy Certification – equips LPNs with the skills to administer IV fluids and medications, broadening their scope of practice in hospitals and clinics.

▸ Wound Care Certification (WCC) – Provides advanced knowledge in wound management, making LPNs valuable in long-term care, rehabilitation centers, and home health care.

▸ Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) – Prepares LPNs for dialysis care, focusing on patient monitoring, dialysis machine operation, and managing renal failure treatment.

▸ Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner (CHPLN) – Specializes in providing end-of-life care, pain management, and emotional support to terminally ill patients.

▸ Long-Term Care (LTC) Certification – Focuses on the care of older adults and chronically ill patients, improving job prospects in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

▸Pharmacology Certification – Enhances LPN’s expertise in medication administration, safety protocols, and dosage calculations in a variety of healthcare settings.

▸Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification – Provides life-saving skills for handling cardiac emergencies, increasing employability in critical care and emergency rooms.

In addition to obtaining certification, LPNs can pursue additional education to expand their scope of practice and advance in nursing:

▸LPN to RN Pathway Programs – Designed for LPNs who wish to become registered nurses (RNs). These programs typically take 12-18 months and lead to an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), with graduates preparing to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

▸LPN to BSN Programs – These programs go a step further than the ADN and lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), providing a wider range of career opportunities in leadership, public health, and specialty nursing.

▸RN to MSN Programs – For LPNs who have completed their RN studies, this pathway allows them to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to prepare them for advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), or nurse educators.

▸Advanced Practice Bridge Programs – Some programs allow experienced nurses to transition into professional or administrative positions, such as nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) or nursing administration.

Earning these certifications allows LPNs to advance their careers, assume specialized roles, and increase job security in the healthcare industry. Online 6-month LPN programs are a fast and flexible way to enter the nursing profession. These accelerated programs combine online coursework with essential clinical practice experience, ensuring thorough preparation for a rewarding career. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)

With over 113,000 active LPNs in California and high demand in states like Texas, New York, and Florida, job opportunities for newly licensed nurses remain strong. Completing an online LPN program can help individuals quickly enter these high-demand markets and meet the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals. (https://tinyurl.com/muvtznp3)