Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
SOC Code: 29-2061Also known as:
Charge Nurse, Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (Clinic LPN), Clinic Nurse, Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse (Home Health LPN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Median Annual Salary
$62,340
+2.6% growth (2024-2034)
54K
Openings/Year
651K
Current Jobs
What Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses Do
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
💰 Salary
$62,340
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
54K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
651,400
Projected Employment (2034)
668,500
Related Careers
Registered nurses
$93,600 •
+4.9% growth
Nurse practitioners
$129,210 •
+40.1% growth
Paramedics
$58,410 •
+5.0% growth
Nursing assistants
$39,530 •
+2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Active Listening
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action.
- Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration.
- Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients' charts.
- Provide basic patient care or treatments, such as taking temperatures or blood pressures, dressing wounds, treating bedsores, giving enemas or douches, rubbing with alcohol, massaging, or performing catheterizations.
- Answer patients' calls and determine how to assist them.
- Supervise nurses' aides or assistants.
- Evaluate nursing intervention outcomes, conferring with other healthcare team members as necessary.
- Work as part of a healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care, and implement interventions.
- Record food and fluid intake and output.
- Assemble and use equipment, such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, or oxygen suppliers.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Some College
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses:
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
50,931 degrees awarded •
954 colleges offer this program
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other
4,506 degrees awarded •
81 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses make?
The median annual salary for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is $62,340.
What education do licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses need?
Most licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training, Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other.
Is becoming licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses a good career choice?
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to see +2.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 54,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses?
Top colleges for aspiring licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses include
Stanbridge University, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton, Des Moines Area Community College, Unitek College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses?
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses may also be known as: Charge Nurse, Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (Clinic LPN), Clinic Nurse, Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse (Home Health LPN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Office Nurse, Pediatric LPN (Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse), Private Duty Licensed Practical Nurse (Private Duty LPN), Private Duty Nurse, Radiation Oncology Nurse, Triage LPN (Triage Licensed Practical Nurse).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.